If you are interested in exploring the heritage of old Hong Kong, there are several sites that should not be missed. In addition to the colonial architecture at the police headquarters (Tai Kwun), you should also visit the traditional factory buildings that flourished during the manufacturing era of the 1960s. The Mills, which was once a prominent textile factory of that time, has been revitalized and transformed into a makers' hub of innovation and creativity. Visitors can witness the historical structure and experience the inherited craftsmanship.

Upon arrival, you will see a series of murals outside the building painted by local young artists. These murals depict the past and present of the former cotton mill, including images of female workers who were called "factory girls". At that time, when the majority of the workforce in textile factories were predominantly women, pop songs and TV dramas were created to celebrate their friendship and unity of work. This landmark is a popular spot for snapshots.

Inside, many signature structures have been revamped using old materials to preserve the imprint of history. Sand buckets adorn every signage pillar, which used to be a safety measure for fire hazards. The Chinese characters on them mean "peace bucket," implying safeguarding against fire. The fonts on the signage pillars are purposely created using traditional stencil methods that are gradually disappearing in modern buildings.

The original condition of the columns in The Main Hall has been preserved, and the hollow three-story space allows sunlight to shine through, making the central staircase a signature photo spot. People often queue for their Instagram shots during weekends. Keep an eye out for adorable pups during your visit – this mall is pet-friendly.

Going up to the top floor, you can access the spacious and green rooftop park, which is furnished for relaxation and recharging. There is a 24.3m wide-spanning wavy wall mimicking fabric patchwork that captures images of people stitching in the old days. Other Instagrammable spots are the off-paint green staircase and the commemorative "Golden Cup metal gate" and "NF5 gate".

If you've had enough of the historical information, you can just sit down and chill at the restaurants offering quality western cuisine, locally crafted beer, and traditional Hong Kong desserts.

The experiential shops are another highlight of The Mills. "ALT" demonstrates garment upcycling technology that allows you to bring old clothes back to life. "EONIQ" is a local mechanical watch brand that lets you create your bespoke automatic watch in 2 hours by taking part in their guided workshop. It can be one of the most unique souvenirs you could have as you will involve in choosing your desired watch components, engraving names on the dial, and learning to assemble a watch. Other interesting souvenir choices can be found at "Mille-Feuille Select Store," where postcards and stationery representing Hong Kong culture designed by local artists are available.

Guided tours are available on weekends, which you can pre-register online to gain a deeper understanding of the heyday of Hong Kong's textile stories. The Mills now serves as a platform that showcases arts and cultural craftsmanship, where the old meets the new to inspire visitors looking for something traditional yet innovative.