Hong Kong Civil Unrest - Survival Guide Q&As (Flame Free)
 

After reviews, as the OP, I believe it is best to put this in the Wiki, so people can edit the content as necessary.

Please keep in mind - this is intended to help. So no flame.

Thanks.

As I mentioned before, the hkmap.live app is a good resource for identifying current trouble spots. The notes are in Chinese, but all you really have to know is steer clear of areas with lots of clustered symbols. (Scattered symbols don't usually mean trouble, just the current location of police vehicles.)

It's available for Android and, for the time being at least, Apple.

The Twitter MTR Update account shows MTR status, though it can be a bit hard to follow.

ATMs have sometimes run short of cash. Normally not much cash is needed at all in HK given the acceptance of cards of various sorts. But most taxis don't take cards, and if you want to move out quickly from an area you might have to grab a taxi and pay whatever the driver demands, so best to be prepared and carry at least HK$300-$500.

There's been tear gas in various areas, and some residents are concerned about residues on fruits and vegetables coming from wholesale markets and shops in affected areas. Best to be safe and thoroughly wash stuff you buy.

I think you should add the dimension of time of day to many of the points above and emphasize it, so that people do not get the wrong idea. The notes above might lead someone to believe that the city is under 24 hour siege and need to avoid it like a war zone. But these events have been mostly limited to night time and weekends. Of course, that may change, but is generally true now.

I have made further editing. But I am on defense putting this app up to the Wiki.

This app could cause troubles to people going elsewhere. It may not be the best idea to suggest the app.

The app is exceptionally useful in Hong Kong. We can't start censoring materials legal and useful in Hong Kong. This is especially so since avoiding troublesome areas comes down to a matter of personal safety.

But if you want to add a general caution about protest photos, news clippings, apps and such on devices taken across the border, that would be appropriate.

EDIT: The app is now not available for Apple, once again. But I'm afraid I was ignorant. You don't actually need the app: "hkmap.live" in your browser will bring up the map.

I'd strengthen the warning against protective gear. It's a very bad idea. Note that in evening police sometimes (but not too often) board buses at roadblocks and search passengers' possesions.

I'd also highlight more strongly the "No Photos!" warning. Taking photos of Lennon Walls say is fine, but not shots with people in the frame. Search youtube if you want videos.

I'd also suggest caution expressing yourself with strangers while in HK.

With protests... what to do for long weekend layovers?
 

For long CX layovers at HKIA over the weekends, what do people do nowadays amidst ground transportation uncertainty and MTR station closures caused by the current protests?

There’s so much lounge hopping that one can do, even if one scores a cabana can result in too much napping which can throw the circadian rhythm out of whack.

Head to Lantau Buddha?

Take the ferry to Macao?

The group that I’m travelling in are worried that we can’t get back to HKIA for our connecting flight. Is this a valid concern?

Yes, it is a valid concern if you are planning to go into the city, especially on a weekend.
We can give better suggestions if you share your arrival and departure days and times.

I think this would be better suited to the Hong Kong destination forum

Yes, I am moving this thread to the HK forum.

cxfan1960
CX CoMod

There have not been any significant protests / disruptions blocking the airport access road in recent weeks, although the AEX has been disrupted a few times as a precaution.

I would offer the opinion that if you are having a daytime layover, and are able to get out of the airport via AEX without trouble, it's highly likely you can take the AEX back as well during day time. And even if not, highly likely that bus / taxi will get you back just fine -- I would just suggest positioning yourself on the Kowloon side at the end of your journey in case that is a concern.

I beg to differ as the Kowloon station on the AEx has bee closed many times, especially in the evenings where Hong Kong station has remained open.

Indeed. I was thinking if we are to venture out of HKIA even Kowloon (Mongkok) or NT (Shatin) seem out of bounds? That leaves only Lantau?

Let us know your arrival and departure time and the day of the week so we can give intelligent ideas for you to consider.

If your arrival is that bank of early morning arrival then there are more safe options as opposed to a noon arrival and midnight departure.

Honestly I'd just not risk coming into the city. Even if AEXP doesn't shut down, you might be stuck without MTR / find shops & restaurants closed due to protests depending on which part of town you're in (read: the more fun parts of town). Macau ferry seems like a nice option, go hang out in a casino for a bit, catch a show, grab some good food, etc.

I think it is worth mentioning that citymapper is far better at reflecting MTR shutdowns than things like google maps if you are trying to get around.

I arrive mid day on a Sunday and depart around midnight. So almost 12 full hours in HK on a Sunday when most of the protests would proliferate?