5 must-try wellness experiences in Hong Kong this weekend, September 20-22

Relax in a gong bath to mark an international day of peace. Help a charity raise funds to build an accessible centre for its special-needs clients. Get moving to raise awareness of mental health and help cancer sufferers and their carers. As we move into the autumnal equinox, there are plenty of healthy activities in Hong Kong to check out this weekend. 1. Vernal Equinox Special Gong evening September 22 marks the first day of autumn – right before the days start getting shorter and the nights get longer – while the day before that is the United Nations-sanctioned International Day of Peace. To celebrate both, wellness studio Red Doors Studio is organising a special group meditation and a relaxing gong bath. This is part of a global effort – gongs will be played in more than 80 countries in an effort to send vibrations for peace around the planet. Finish off with spiced tea and brownies. It runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm, is open to those aged 12 and above, and costs HK$350 (US$45); full-time students and those 65 and above pay half-price. For details and to book, click here or call 2110 0152. Red Doors Studio, Flat A, 21/F, Lee Fund Centre, 31 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Hong Kong 2. Yama Foundation’s Back to Wellbeing fundraising event Since Yama Foundation opened in 2016 and began offering yoga classes and arts therapy to people with special needs, the charity has operated without a centre of its own. To raise money to open the city’s first accessible well-being centre with proper wheelchair access and facilities, it will be hosting its first Back to Wellbeing fundraising gala at the Holiday Inn Golden Mile in Tsim Sha Tsui from 10.30am to 3pm on September 21. The gala offers accessible yoga sessions for all levels, brunch, games, entertainment and a chance to win prizes from noon onwards. For more information and to book, click here. If you cannot make but still wish to donate, click here. Holiday Inn Golden Mile, Crystal Ballroom, Basement 3, 50 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui 3. Running Against the Wind film discussion On September 20, be inspired to run – and to help others – through a film that tells the story of two young men from rural Ethiopia who dream of new lives. It includes a cameo by Olympic gold medallist Haile Gebrselassie, considered one of the greatest distance runners of all time. A discussion after the screening, which will be held at Africa Centre Hong Kong in Jordan, will examine the film’s main themes while helping to bring Africans and non-Africans together. Admission is free; healthy African snacks including hibiscus tea, pineapple juice with ginger, plantain chips and fried sweet potatoes will be available for purchase. It runs from 7.30 to 10pm. For details and to reserve a spot, click here. Africa Centre Hong Kong, 8/F, Breakthrough Centre, 191 Woosung Street, Jordan, Kowloon 4. A #FillYourCup Run/Walk/Talk Collective event Spend this Sunday helping to build awareness around mental health and support cancer sufferers and their carers, with a morning “filled with movement and meaningful conversations”. All are welcome, including dogs. Meet at The Station coffee shop in Sheung Wan before 9am, and join a group of your choice to run, walk, or simply chat. The free event ends around 11am, and donations will go to the event co-organisers, the non-profit organisation Phenomenally Pink, which promotes proactive breast care and men’s health, and mental health charity The New Normal HK. For details, to book, and/or make a donation to the organising charities, click here. The Station, G/F, 18 Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan 5. Lululemon’s Together We Grow Move Session On Saturday, activewear retailer Lululemon is holding a trio of yoga sessions with expert instructors at Pacific Place in Admiralty. Aileen Wong’s Fluid X Flex and Flow runs from 2pm to 3pm and uses innovative equipment to make stretching with fluid movements fun and gentle. Tee Nan’s Happy Hatha for Happy Hips session runs from 3.30pm to 4.30pm. This classic yoga practice is designed to improve strength and range, to increase mobility. Rebecca Wong’s Inside Flow runs from 5pm to 6pm. This movement practice syncs breath, flow and emotion to the beat of music and is inspired by yoga, dance and martial arts. Expect songs from all genres. Each session costs HK$350, and includes a redemption card for a designated Lululemon top. For details, or to book, click here. Garden Court, LG1, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway Find this useful? Look out for our recommendations every Friday online. Like what you read? Follow SCMP Lifestyle on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also sign up for our eNewsletter here.

5 must-try wellness experiences in Hong Kong this weekend, September 20-22

Join a gong gathering to mark the International Day of Peace, join a gala fundraiser for a charity’s new centre, catch a film and more

1. Vernal Equinox Special Gong evening