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Attractions in Hong Kong
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
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