Hong Kong Attractions
- Overview
- Attractions
- Events
- Facts
- Kids
Victoria Harbor
+852 2807
6543
One of
Hong Kong's star attractions and one of the deepest container ports in the
world, the harbor is shielded on both sides by stunning skyline: by skyscrapers
and Victoria Peak on one side, and the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline on the other.
Everyday, hundreds of ferries, tugs, junks, speedboats, cruise ships, and barges
pass up and down the shore, carrying people and cargo and only pausing briefly
for typhoons. Each evening the harbor is the vantage point for an 18 minute
(8PM-8:18PM) Symphony of Lights. The exteriors of 18 buildings along the
waterfront glow with a wide range of colors from architectural lights designed
to draw the eye along the waterfront. A narration and music accompany the
display. The narration is in English on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Fireworks sometimes accompany the show.
Victoria Peak
(Che Kei Shan)
+852 2849
7654
Peak Tram
runs 7:00AM-Midnight
All
visitors to Hong Kong usually go to the Peak for panoramic views of the city,
which are among the most spectacular in the world, especially at night. A walk
around the Peak reveals further scenic vistas over the greener western parts of
Hong Kong Island, and the viewing platforms on top of the Peak Tower and Peak
Galleria are a must. A tram takes you to the top. The prices depend on the kind
of ticket purchased.
Peak
Tram
+852 2849
7654
Peak Tram
runs 7:00AM-Midnight
The Peak
Tram (funicular) ascends the steep incline of Victoria Peak, offering visitors a
convenient way of getting to the peak and all its sightseeing amenities. The
Tram, which is itself an attraction, dates back to 1888. New, larger cars were
installed in 1989. Passengers sit back for a literally vertical ride enjoying
panoramic views as the car steadily makes its way to the top. Trams leave every
10-15 minutes from the Peak Tram Station between 7am and midnight. Admission
charged.
Disneyland Hong Kong
Lantau
Island
+852 1 830
830
Located on
Lantau Island (as is the airport), Disneyland Hong Kong opened for business in
the Fall of 2005. Mickey Mouse, along with his friends Donald Duck, Aladdin,
Peter Pan, and Buzz Lightyear, offer something different for travelers in Hong
Kong: a Disneyland theme park. Rides include Space Mountain, Jungle River
Cruise, and the twirling Tea Cups . A Magic kingdom with an Eastern flair, the
park is designed with the principles of feng shui in mind and is filled with
waterfalls and fountains. Experience the magic of Disneyland, Hong Kong.
Star
Ferry
+852 2366
2576
The Star
Ferry takes just ten minute to cross Victoria Harbor, either to the Kowloon or
Central side. Enjoy Hong Kong's majestic skyline as you travel. The nighttime
views, when Hong Kong glitters, are dramatic
Nathan Road
+852 2807
6543
Nathan
Road, named after governor Sir Matthew Nathan, runs directly up to Boundary
Street, the northern limit of the British colony prior to the leasing of the New
Territories in 1898. Nathan Road was once known as "Nathan's Folly." Today, it
is one of the busiest commercial roads in Hong Kong. The lower end of the road
is known as the Golden Mile because of the many storefront neon signs. A walk
along Nathan Road leads to many boutiques, camera shops, street markets and
restaurants side-by-side, occupying every inch of available space.
Mid-levels Escalator
+852 2807
6543
This
800-metre hillside escalator starts from Connaught Road Central, runs to the
Hang Seng Bank Building on Des Voeux Road Central, then passes through the
Central Market and continues to climb past Hollywood Road to the prime
Mid-levels residential district. The free ride from Central to Conduit Road
takes about 20 minutes and is much faster than walking and climbing. This is
the longest covered outdoor escalator system in the world, and it took two and a
half years and more than HKD205 million to build.
Stanley Street
+852 2508
1234
Home to
Stanley Market, famous for the wide variety of relatively inexpensive goods such
as Chinese souvenirs, rattan products, handicrafts and designer labels, Stanley
offers more than just shopping. It also has a relaxing beach, numerous
waterfront restaurants and bars, and the 18th century Tin Hau Temple. Stanley
Prison, which is still in use today, is also historically important, as this is
where Hong Kong civilians were held during the Second World War.
Mongkok
+852 2508
1234
No matter
what the time of day, this marketplace is always full of people. It is the
center of bargain shopping and trendy products. Bargains to be had include
electronic appliances, CDs and DVDs, backpacks, travel gear and sports shoes.
There is also a Tung Choi Street Ladies' Market and other specialty shops
selling all the latest fashion in town. The Bird, Goldfish and Flower Markets
are also in this area.
Lan
Kwai Fong
+852 2807
6543
Lan Kwai
Fong was once an "expatriate hangout" but locals have gradually joined in the
party fun. Centered around an L-shaped cobble-stoned lane just above the Central
business area, Lan Kwai Fong houses some of the trendiest pubs and entertainment
hangouts in town. Every year, during Christmas, New Years, and Halloween, many
people dress in costume and parade through the streets, but whatever time of
year, Lan Kwai Fong is definitely a place to see and to be seen.
Sam
Tung UK Museum
2 Kwu UK
Lane
New
Territories
Tseun Wan,
New Territories
Wong Tai Sin
Temple
+852 2320
2883
Probably
the best known and busiest temple in the city, Wong Tai Sin was built in 1973 on
the site of a previous temple dating back to 1921. The current temple is an
excellent example of a traditional Chinese temple. Wong Tai Sin himself was a
shepherd boy from Zhejiang province in China, who was thought to have mystical
healing powers. Most people visiting the temple come to assess their fortune by
using fortune sticks, and there are even some English speaking “seers” who can
help visitors interpret the fortune sticks. Admission: Free (donations welcome).
Po Lin Buddha
Lantau
Island
Temple and
Museum open daily 10:30-5.
Monastery
open daily 9-6
Ferry from
Queen’s Pier (45 minutes)
+852 2805
1234
Although
this is some distance from central Hong Kong (a ferry trip and a long, at times
frightening, bus ride), it is well worth the excursion. A taxi could be
considered for the journey. If the goal is to view the Buddha and the monastery
without climbing the 288 steps, it would be worthwhile to hire a taxi and have
the driver wait while the Buddha is viewed and photos are taken. Envisioned by
the community of monks on Lantau Island, it took more than ten years to build.
It is 112 feet tall, made entirely of metal and consists of a steel framework
covered by a steel and bronze skin, as well as over one ton of gold amalgam. It
weighs 250 tons. Note, however, that there are 268 steps to get to the Buddha.
Ngong
Ping Tea Gardens
Located
above Po Lin Monastery on Lantau Island
This is
Hong Kong’s only tea plantation. It’s on top of a mountain with only one road up
and down. It offers horseback riding, barbecue pits and a roller-skating rink.
The ferry for Lantau Island leaves from the Outlying Islands Ferry Pier, west of
the Star Ferry terminal in Central. On the island, directions to the Tea Gardens
are available at the ferry pier.
Hong
Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
+852 2530
0154
Located
near the Old Government House, the Zoological and Botanical Gardens is a popular
place for parents to bring their children on the weekends. The gardens are
divided into two main areas: plants and aviaries in one area and animals in the
other. Although the zoo is not large, it is one of the world's leading centers
for careful breeding and nurturing of endangered species. It is also a great
place to take pictures of the family with the various animals on display.
Family
Attractions
Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village
+852 2568
7455
The first
holiday village in an urban area, Lei Yue Mun Park offers both day and overnight
accommodation for campers. It provides a wide range of indoor and outdoor
activities, such as soccer, gate ball, basketball, tennis, archery, indoor
bowls, a swimming pool, climbing, and badminton, plus barbecue sites. There is
also a horse-riding school.
Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens
+852 2488
1317
Set at the
foot of Tai Mo Shan this farm consists of more than just a few fields and some
livestock. In the late 1940s, brothers Sir Horace and Lord Lawrence Kadoorie,
set up what was to become the current farm and botanical gardens. As well as
helping with local and international aid projects, the organization is involved
in pioneering organic farming and educating about the environment. A multitude
of displays and refreshment areas, as well as a beautiful location, make this
worth a visit for kids and adults alike.
Mai Po
Marshes
Shenzen
+852 2471
8272
Open daily
9-6
Make a
reservation in advance as numbers are limited.
The marsh,
on the edge of Deep Bay, in the northwest of the New Territories covers about
3,706 acres of wetlands. A 939 acre nature reserve attracts as many as 300
species of migratory birds. The visitor center provides a tour and maps
explaining he ecology and history of the site.
Bird
Market
Hong Lok
St, Mongkok, Kowloon
This
street market specializing in birds, singing crickets and intricate cages gives
a glimpse into the traditional Chinese way of life. Note: Visits to the Bird
Market are not recommended at this time due to the possible threat of Avian Flu.
Cheung Chau
Island
Cheung
Chau
This
little island offers walks, temples and traditional fishing villages, as well as
markets and seafront, seafood restaurants.
Museum of Art: Hong Kong Cultural Centre
10
Salisbury Rd, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon
Art Museum
featuring Calligraphy, scrolls and colonial-era art, as well as an excellent,
well-presented collection of Chinese antiquities.
Wong Tai Sin
Temple: Taoist temple
Wong Tai
Sin, Kowloon
Huge,
colorful Taoist temple dedicated to a god of healing. A constant throng of
petitioners and fortunetellers.
Ocean Park
On the
south side of Hong Kong Island, near Aberdeen.
Ocean Park
Road
2552-0291
Open daily
10-6
An
amusement park where a cable car takes you to the best rides: the Dragon roller
coaster, the Octopus and the Crazy Galleon. Or you may enjoy the Raging River, a
lovely cruise on a sturdy boat. Ocean Park also contains the Shark Aquarium, the
Japanese Garden for relaxing and the Ocean Theatre, where killer whales, seals
and dolphins act out high-quality drama.
Space Museum
10
Salisbury Road
Hong Kong
2734-2722
Open Mon,
Wed-Fri 1-8 (longer on Fri.) and Sat,Sun 10-9.
This
museum has one of the largest and most advanced planetariums in the world. It
has many hands-on exhibits including the actual Mercury space capsule piloted by
Scott Carpenter in 1962. The Space Museum is the massive white dome in Tsim Sha
Tsui, a short walk
from the
Star Ferry. It’s in three parts: Planetarium, Exhibition Hall and Hall of Solar
Sciences. Short films run in the theater.
Government House
Central,
on Upper Albert Road
The
Government House is the official residence of the governor of Hong Kong under
British rule. The tower was added during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in
World War II. The Chief Executive of the SAR (Special Administrative Region) has
elected not to live in the building.
Hong Kong
Museum of History
100
Chatham Road South
Kowloon
Park, Tsim Sha Tsui,
2367-1124
Open
Mon-Wed. 10-6; Sunday 10-7
This
museum set in a park includes a replica of a sampan, the interior of a Hakka
home, and a full scale replica of a street in the City of Victoria (as Central
was once called). The exhibits bring history to life. Also an excellent
collection of local photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Botanical Gardens
Albany
Road
Hong Kong
2530-0154.
The
Botanic Gardens are also above Central, but to the west. Lively monkeys and
orangutans
enjoy watching their visitors.
Middle
Kingdom
2555-3554
Middle
Kingdom offers replicas of temples, pagodas and street scenes, as well as
exhibits and demonstration stalls. Get your name written in Chinese characters
and see the Lion Dance in front of you!
St. John’s
Cathedral
On Garden
Road
Central,
Hong Kong
St. John’s Cathedral is a handsome building, the oldest Anglican church
in East Asia. It was constructed in1849.
Tsui Museum of Art
2A Des
Voeux Rd.
Central,
Hong Kong
2868-2688.
Rotating
exhibitions drawn from its collection of more than 3,000 Chinese antiquities,
predominantly Chinese ceramics.
Water
World
Ocean Park
Road
Aberdeen, Hong Kong
2555-6055
Contains
water slides (you plunge down at 28 mph/45 kph), a wave pool, the Lazy River and
a children’s area for those under age 6.
Hong Kong
Science Museum
2 Science
Museum Rd
Tsim Sha
Tsui East, Kowloon
2732-3232.
Hands-on
exhibits that will interest adults as well as children.
Temple of
10,000 Buddhas
Close to
Tai Pau Street, New Territories
Above
Shatin railway station (go by Kowloon Canton Railway). 30 minutes outside Hong
Kong
Open daily
8-6
To reach
the Temple there is a climb of 431 steps. Known locally as “Man Fat Sze
Temple”, this Buddhist shrine was built in the 1950s. Grateful worshippers have
donated thousands of small statues over the years. Each shows the Buddha in a
different pose. From the edge of the courtyard there are magnificent views over
Sha Tin. The courtyard contains a beautiful tiered pagoda. Higher up is a set
of four temples. One contains Hong Kong’s second tallest Buddha statue; another
the embalmed remains of Yuet Kai who founded the monastery.
University Museum and Art Gallery
University
of Hong Kong,
94 Bonham
Road Hong Kong Island
+852
2859-2114.
Open
Mon-Sat 9:30-6; Sunday 1:30-5:30. Closed on public holidays.
Large
collection of bronze ware from the Yuan Dynasty as well as artifacts from the
Warring States Period and Indian Buddhist sculpture. The museum houses an
enormous collection of ceramics dating back as far as Neolithic times.
Kat
Hing Wai
Kam Tin
Kat Hing
Wai also known as Kam Tin Walled Village is the original 10th-century homestead
of the Tang clan, the first of the Cantonese “Five Great Clans” to migrate to
the New Territories from China. The village may be modern inside, but it’s still
surrounded by a moat and walls with four corner guardhouse towers. Contributions
to the donations box are expected, as are handouts to the costumed Hake women
before camera shutters can be pressed.
Hong
Kong Arts Centre Pao Galleries
2 Harbour
Rd.
Wanchai
2582-0200
Hong Kong
Arts Centre Pao Galleries showcase for contemporary art, with major
international and local exhibitions of paintings, photography, crafts and design
staged regularly.
Flagstaff House, Museum of Tea Ware
Lei
Cheng UK Branch Museum
41 Tonkin
St., Sham Shui Po,
Kowloon
2386-2863
Lei Cheng
UK Branch Museum is the Han Dynasty tomb dating back some 2,000 years, the
oldest historical monument in Hong Kong. Also a Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220)
exhibition of dress.
