We now have a number of gorgeous Hong Kong businesses whose work and products we LOVE and sell alongside The Lion Rock Press goodies (in store and online). We thought it was time we showcased the people behind them! Kitty and Virgina created their first Hong Kong Mystery Puzzle in 2022 and are now three puzzles in! Here they share a bit more about their collaboration and the inspiration behind the puzzles they have illustrated and created!
About you
VC: I’m Virginia Chan and I’m the writer, story mastermind, and one half of Hong Kong Puzzle Mystery. I like to say that my parts are from Hong Kong but I was made and assembled in Canada. People usually associate me with fishballs because my tour company is called Humid with a Chance of Fishballs Tours. As our name might suggest, we specialise in food + cultural tours and also teach Mahjong. You might have also seen me featured on Netflix’s Restaurants on the Edge, eating, you guessed it, fishballs!
KW: Hi! I’m Kitty, I’m the artist and the other half of Hong Kong Puzzle Mystery.
I was born in Hong Kong but grew up in Canada. I work as a freelance illustrator, you might have seen my colourful artworks during the Affordable Art Fair, gracing the pages of children’s books like “Sounds of Hong Kong” or in collaboration with your favourite brands like Kiehl's, Morton's and Apple.
Your Inspiration
KW & VC: Each year we try to think of a new theme. For the first year, we wanted something that was brand aligned for the both of us and also something that we were passionate about.
Food was a no-brainer and we also wanted to feature the most iconic items of Hong Kong. You can’t beat Dim Sum and Hong Kong's food culture and Kitty painted the artwork with the iconic Victoria Harbour view in mind.
And for year two, we wanted to feature all the animals of Hong Kong, maybe inspired by all the hikes we took and time spent in nature during the pandemic. And this year, as Kitty got a new studio farther away, so during her commute she noticed all the interesting street signs and painted road markings that’s so unique to Hong Kong. And that’s what inspired our favourite artwork so far and our newest puzzle - Lost in Transit.
Favourite thing to do or see in Hong Kong
KW: My favourite thing about HK is our close proximity to nature! Heading to Repulse or Deep Water Bay for an afternoon or going for a short hike during lunch from my studio. You can join me and see what I've been painting lately on my instagram: @kittynwong
VC: Trying out all the food and unique experiences in Hong Kong! And I’m game to try anything at least once, even a cockroach. I also record most of it, so if you want to live vicariously through me so you don’t waste your calories or time, then you can check me out on Instagram: @ ILikeFishballs
What is your top Hong Kong recommendation for someone visiting for the first
time?
VC: It’s a really touristy one, but it’s also my absolute favourite, and that’s riding the Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak. It’s got a bit of a thrill, an amazing view and a splash of history all in one.
KW: I think it’s gotta be the Star Ferry at sunset, it’s so iconic, the views! The gorgeous ferry, it’s so inspiring to look for all the old details on the boat and signage. It’s the best $4 HKD you can spend!
