Hong Kong Island Attractions

Read about the top Hong Kong island attractions. The 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.

The following are the top attractions and sights of Hong Kong Island.

The Victoria Peak

A premiere attraction of the Hong Kong island is Victoria Peak, the tallest mountain in the city and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Victoria Peak, or the Peak, as it is commonly referred to, attracts seven million visitors every year and is perhaps the biggest tourist attraction in Hong Kong. It offers spectacular views of the city and harbors.

Madame Tussauds

The world-famous attraction now features more than 100 incredible wax likenesses of stars, world leaders and sports heroes displayed in five totally interactive themed settings that are spread over three floors within the completely refurbished Peak Tower complex. Todo: putt with Tiger Woods, shoot hoops with Yao Ming, dance on stage with Aaron Kwok and even step into a Rembrandt painting! For more information, please visit www.madame-tussauds.com.hk

Hollywood Road

This road is crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market, these quaint locales are ideal places for picking up eclectic souvenirs and gifts. Everything from Ming dynasty furniture and lotus lamps to Mao badges and ancient snuff bottles is on sale here.

Cat Street

This bazaar is located on Upper Lascar Row and known by locals as Cat Street. The affectionate nickname came from the stories of old days that if something was stolen it would turn up on Cat Street where thieves were no better than rats and the dealers that bought the stolen wares were the cats that fed off them. Nowadays the market has shops selling high quality antiques and others offering by their own admission reproduction also it is jam packed full of stalls fun Mao watches and memorabilia.

Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is a picturesque tribute to the God of Literature (Man) and the God of War (Mo). The temple is located about halfway along the road and a stop in its quiet, incense-shrouded interior makes a pleasant break. You can see giant incense coils hanging overhead.

Western Market

Western Market, renovated in 1991 and converted into a shopping complex, is an Edwardian-style building featuring shops selling arts and crafts and fabric. Completed in 1906, the impressive building has a red brick exterior with a handsome granite arch over its entrance. The market now houses shops formerly located in old alleys in the heart of Central, which sold all manner of cloth. The building is also home to traditional handicraft stalls and a number of cafes. The top floor is home to the Grand Stage where dance lovers can rendezvous and enjoy a romantic dinner.

Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong now most popular expatriate haunt in Hong Kong for drinking and dining. It is na small square of streets in Central, Central and Western district, Hong Kong. Defined by D'Aguilar Street and the smaller lane, Lan Kwai Fong is an L-shaped, cobble-stoned lane. From the west side of the rectangle, Wo On Lane and Wing Wah Lane extend to host several more spots for drinks and food. The area arguably extends to Wellington Street and Wyndham Street, through to the Hong Kong Fringe Club. It is also home to a small number of art galleries. Lan Kwai Fong is perhaps the most popular and well known area for a night out. Boasting numerous bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, it is a popular choice for the well off locals, expatriates and tourists.

SoHo - South of Hollywood Road

The Soho district in Hong Kong is an entertainment zone located in Mid-levels and bordering Sheung Wan, within Central and Western district. The name is derived from its location: South of Hollywood Road, and it arguably extends up to and including Robinson Road. Serviced by, and entirely attributable to the establishment of the outdoors public Central-Mid-Levels escalator, the area consists of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, the art galleries and antique stores of Staunton Street and Hollywood Road, and residential housing.

Golden Bauhinia Square & Special Flag Raising Ceremony

The Expo Promenade (also known as Golden Bauhinia Square) outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Wan Chai waterfront marks the most significant occasion in Hong Kong's history - the return of the former British colony to the People's Republic of China, and the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR). The "Forever Blooming Bauhinia" Sculpture (Golden Bauhinia) is a gift from the Central Government to mark the widespread joy of the people at the return of the territory to the Motherland after more than 150 years. Other gifts to commemorate the historic occasion were sent by each of China's provinces, autonomous regions and other territories. You can catch all the pomp and ceremony of the official daily flag raising at the Golden Bauhinia Square located outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre Daily (Every day except 1st of each month).

Happy Valley Racecourse

Happy Valley has been echoing with the thud of hooves upon turf since the 1840s regular punters arrive in droves but you don't need to be a expert on racing form to enjoy yourself. Bets are cheap. Races take place once a week usually on Wednesday evenings. This magnificent course has been the home of Hong Kong horse racing since the first meeting was held on a strip of reclaimed marshland in 1846. More about Hong Kong Horse Racing

Jumbo Kingdom

Since its opening in 1976 as the Jumbo Floating Restaurant, it has excelled in the preparation of seafood for discerning diners. The restaurant, designed like a classic Chinese palace, can accommodate up to 2,300 people. Situated in Aberdeen harbour, the Jumbo is one of the world's largest floating restaurants and an iconic tourist landmark of Hong Kong.

Ocean Park Hong Kong

Hong Kong Ocean Park is a theme park located in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island. One of the most famous amusement and theme parks in the world, Ocean Park boasts of fun and adventure for friends and family.

Repulse Bay

Primarily an upmarket residential area, sun-drenched Repulse Bay has a relaxed resort-like atmosphere. The wide, wave-lapped beach is popular with locals and visitors alike and great for sandy strolls in the early morning when the sun is up and the sunbathers are out in force, or at sunset when all is at peace. This crescent-shaped stretch of sand is one of the most beautiful beaches in Hong Kong. The beach features a lifeguard clubhouse built in traditional Chinese style. Its ceiling is decorated with magnificent swirling dragons. Towering twin statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, both protectors of fishermen dominate the picturesque gardens that lead down to the beach.

Stanley: Market, Bars, Beaches, Streets

A popular market town on the sunny south side of Hong Kong Island, Stanley's relaxed ambience, crisp sea environs and bargain buys have made it world famous. Seven days a week the open market around Stanley New Street and Stanley Market Road throbs with the passing parade of life as bargain-hunters from all over the world join in the fun of haggling with shopkeepers and stallholders. Stanley also has beautiful beaches that are popular with windsurfers. And when you're feeling peckish, you'll find a wide variety of funky bars and great restaurants to enjoy.

Murray House and Blake Pier at Stanley

Among the more interesting restaurant sites on the waterfront is Murray House, a 160-year-old restored three-storey colonial building that was dismantled in 1982 from its original site in Central and then rebuilt in Stanley. It was restored in 1998 and now houses the Hong Kong Maritime Museum as well as restaurants. Situated beside Murray House is Blake Pier at Stanley. Originally located in Central, Blake Pier was first dismantled in 1965 and later relocated to Morse Park to form the roof of the Morse Park pavilion. Now it has returned to its role as a public pier in Stanley, complementing the colonial architectural style of Murray House.

Aberdeen

Aberdeen harbour is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. Their traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community spread over the nearby hillsides. In the evenings, the thousands of twinkling lights reflected on the water are a magical sight. Take in the view from the magnificent Jumbo Floating Restaurant anchored here. Of course, you have to try the delicious fresh seafood and the excellent Cantonese fare on offer.

Other Hong Kong Island Attractions

• Tai Tam Country Park - open to the public in the year 1977 and the total area occupied consists of around 1,315 hectares. It is considered to occupy around one fifth of the total area of the island of Hong Kong
• Star Ferry Harbour Ride - Central Hong Kong has been linked to Kowloon by the Star Ferry for over a hundred years. The green and white, or heavily branded, tub-shaped ferries are a familiar sight around Hong Kong and, as such, a symbol of the city.
• Aberdeen Country Park - The park is widely spread across 410 acres along with its Aberdeen Upper and Lower Reservoirs at the center. Exercise units are built up in between so as to warm up or stretch before starting up the hiking process.
• Tai Tam Country Park - one among the country parks present in the island and is also known to be as the biggest; open to the public in the year 1977 and the total area occupied consists of around 1,315 hectares.
• Hong Kong Park - features a dancing fountain at its entrance; more than 2,000 rare plant species; an aviary housing 800 exotic birds in a tropical rain-forest setting with an elevated walkway; various gardens
• Hong Kong Zoo - located on the Upper Albert Road, Central and spread on the slope of Victoria Peak. The Hong Kong Zoo is a popular respite for Hong Kong residents.
• Victoria Park - Victoria Park is a huge and popular 19-acre park located in Causeway Bay; popular in early morning for those practicing tai chi (shadow boxing); gets filled with humanity during demontrations and festivals.
• Bank of China Tower is one of Hong Kong's ‘national' monument designed by the Chinese-American architect, I. M. Pei into a soaring, gracefully irregular pinnacle inspired by feng shui.
• Standing beside the Star Ferry terminal is the soaring 88-storey Hong Kong International Finance Centre (known as ‘Two IFC' - One IFC building is older and much smaller) building is for now
• Hong Kong Shanghai Bank headquarter building (officially HSBC Main Building) is located along the southern side of Statue Square, in Central, at the location of the old City Hall, Hong Kong (built 1869, demolished 1933).
• Legislative Council Building

Hong Kong Island Neighborhoods

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.

 

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