Hong Kong Island

Hong Kong Island is an eclectic mix of modern skyscrapers, colonial buildings and traditional temples. Land has been reclaimed here ever since Hong Kong was first settled and, to the dismay of harbour activists, it's an ongoing shoreline.

Central HK

The financial and commercial hub of the island. Officially known as Victoria until the name went out of fashion, the financial and administrative centre of Hong Kong now goes by the more prosaic name of Central District. It's still the headquarters and big business, with local and international banks and hongs (trading houses) represented by even-higher and shinier office towers. Central has been linked to Kowloon by the Star Ferry for over a hundred years, and its piers also service Macau and Hong Kong's outlying islands.

A unique way to experience the buzz of city life is by riding the 800m-long central-mid-levels escalator (the world’s longest covered outdoor escalator) which transports tens of thousands of people each day and has created its own escalator culture of cafes and restaurants. Among these, SoHo has blossomed into a bohemian neighborhood of small bars and boutiques.

Central is also a major shopping and entertainment area with the trendy night spots of Lang Kwai Fong and SoHo. Nearby, along Hollywood Road is Man Mo Temple, the country’s oldest Chinese temple that honours the gods of literature (Man) and war (Mo).

Mid-Levels

Stepped streets and the handy outdoor Mid-Levels Escalator lead uphill from here to the district's oldest areas. Rising further up the foothills of The Peak, Mid-Levels is almost entirely residential. Western District, which encompasses everything from Sheung Wan to Kennedy Town, is an old part of town in which many traditional traders survive.

The location of the Mid-Levels, high above the office district of Central, makes it one of Hong Kong's most popular residential areas for expats. As a result, it's expensive. Further down the Escalator, the older part of Central known as SoHo has lower rents, but these have risen as the area becomes more hip. Western is much more down at heel and good deals can be found for those who value location over luxury.

Hollywood Road is famous for its art and thieves' bazaar of Upper Lascar Row, more commonly known as Cat Street.

Victoria Peak

One of the best ways to view the incredible density and scale of the city is from Victoria Peak. Reached by the Peak Tram, that rises 386m up the mountainside within eight minutes, the summit offers an exceptional panorama, whether by day or night. At the foot of the tram lies Government House, the residence of 25 British Governors from 1855 until Hong Kong’s handover to China in 1997. Other vestiges of this colonial past are seen in St John’s Cathedral, thought to be the oldest Christian church in the Far East, and the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware. Located in Hong Kong Park, the museum is an imposing colonial-style building housing ancient Chinese artefacts used in tea-making.

Sheung Wan

Sheung Wan is the centre of Hong Kong's traditional (and pungent) dried seafood trade. Your nose will guide you to Des Vouex Road West and its neighbouring streets.

Causeway Bay

Causeway Bay is one of Hong Kong's prime shopping districts, while Happy Valley is centred on its racecourse. Causeway Bay is the main embarkation point for the cross-harbour tunnel. Attractions in the area include the Happy Valley Racetrack, many local teahouses, department stores and the Noon Day Gun, that has fired at midday since the 1840s.

Wan Chai

Wan Chai is literally "Cove District" and is one of the 18 districts of Hong Kong, located in the north of Hong Kong island. Wan Chai district is renowned for its small shops and markets, as well as fashionable restaurants and bars. The impressive 78-storey Central Plaza stands here and visitors can view the city from the Sky Lobby on its 46th floor. Nearby is the vast Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, where the handover ceremony took place. The Golden Bauhinia monument outside the centre symbolises this momentous occasion.

Hong Kong Island East

The northern shore of Hong Kong Island is one solid conurbation from one end to the other. Eastern District refers to all areas east of Causeway Bay: from Tin Hau through North Point and Quarry Bay to Chai Wan. It's all accessible by MTR and tram. Much of the district was originally shipyards. Now it's primarily residential and working-class although one developer is trying to rebrand the district 'Island East' to promote the high-tech office zone at Quarry Bay.

Island South

The south of the island is characterised by a more relaxed pace of life, and beautiful bays and harbours. Aberdeen Harbour can be toured by traditional fishing junks and sampans. It is perhaps best known, however, for its neon-lit Jumbo Floating Restaurant, Ocean Park, Repulse Bay and Stanley.

Aberdeen harbour is still active today, with a large fleet of ocean-faring fishing boats and sampans to service them. Upmarket housing in Pok Fu Lam and in South Horizons on Ap Lei Chau generally comes with elevated sea views. Prices are lower than on the Southside and the city is easily accessible.

Stanley Hong Kong Island South is renowned for its many bars and restaurants on its waterfront along Stanley Main Street where visitors can enjoy water side bars and open air restaurants. Attractions include Murray House, Blakes Pier, temples and Stanley beaches.

 

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