Since the early 1980s, Hong Kong has been experiencing tremendous economic growth, which on one hand turned the city into a global financial center attracting many people seeking work, but on the other hand causes almost unbearable density.
As is common in crowded metropolises, most construction is vertical, and the skyline of central Hong Kong is one of the most impressive in the world.
Beyond the initial impression of a modern city with huge buildings and endless shopping malls, Hong Kong also offers many unique and diverse sites such as museums, parks, cathedrals, busy markets, and authentic Chinese neighborhoods and villages.
Even those visiting with children will find attractions like the large water park in the Far East, Disneyland with local orientation, and an amazing zoo. The recommended sites presented here are organized by location rather than by importance.
The Stock Exchange Tower is the most important temple in the city devoted to money and economic activity.
It is recommended to arrive by nine in the morning to observe the enormous number of brokers and advisors rushing in their suits to another day of trading inside the imposing glass tower.
It is also possible to enter and see the trading floor in action.
The Legislative Council Building, a neo-classical building that was Hong Kong’s Supreme Court, became in 1997 the Legislative Council of the city.
It is especially beautiful to visit at night when it is illuminated with precious light.
Hong Kong and Shanghai Bank
When this huge building was constructed in 1985, it was the most expensive building in the world and considered too innovative by many. Today, almost half a century later, it still manages to be innovative, and Hong Kong Feng Shui experts say it is perfectly built for generating profits.
Bank of China
This tower was designed by I. M. Pei, the famous architect who also designed the glass pyramid of the Louvre. The building, 315 meters tall, was inspired by the shape of growing bamboo. Some Feng Shui experts initially criticized its sharp angles and the X pattern on its walls. If you are concerned, you can stop – the Bank of China is thriving.
Address: Bank of China Tower, 1 Garden Road, Central Station.
St. John Cathedral
One of the oldest Anglican churches in Asia stands in a small tropical garden among the city’s giant towers. Not the most impressive cathedral in the world, but definitely a pleasant place to walk and absorb some spirituality after a material tour among skyscrapers.
Flagstaff House Museum
An elegant colonial villa turned museum dedicated to tea and its accompanying Chinese ceremony. Exhibits include prehistoric tools, delicate and rare porcelain from different Chinese dynasties, and a lot of historical and literary information about the importance of tea in Chinese culture.
Hong Kong Arts Center
A 15-story building dedicated to young artists and experimental art. Since it is difficult to explore it entirely, it is recommended to focus on the Pao and Goethe galleries. Art enthusiasts can enter randomly to any floor, as all galleries display something interesting.
Central Plaza
This skyscraper was for several years the tallest building in Asia. At night, the building is illuminated with interesting lighting that changes color every hour.
University Art Gallery and Museum
The gallery and museum of the University of Hong Kong occupy the first three floors of the T. T. Tsui Building. It displays a permanent collection of pottery, bronze items, ritual tools, and Buddha statues from various periods in Chinese history.
Medical Museum
A small and somewhat strange museum documenting the history of Chinese medicine. Old instruments, medicines, photos, and documents describe the development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong and its handling of the terrible plague of 1894.
Wing Lok Street
Wing Lok Street, “Herb Experts” literally translated, is part of the western district. In these alleys you can taste the flavor of Chinese Hong Kong – potion sellers, elderly women in straw hats, amulet stalls, bird sellers, and bicycles everywhere.
Man Mo Temple
Man is the god of literature. Mo is the god of war. The Taoist temple dedicated to both gods is full of prayers and activity, incense scents fill the air, as well as the gong ringing whenever a donation is made.
Victoria Peak, Hong Kong
The view from Victoria Peak
The bourgeois “Mid-Levels” area is located high above downtown Hong Kong. To reduce traffic on the roads, the longest escalator in the world was established in 1993, connecting the areas. The sight of hundreds of people going up or down the 20 escalator segments is unusual and worth watching. Downward traffic begins at 6 AM and ends at 10:20 AM. Upward traffic begins at 10:20 AM and ends at midnight.
Victoria Peak
The highest peak on the island, at 554 meters and surrounded by trees, is a wonderful observation point and a must-visit site. It is worth visiting twice once during the day and once at night to see different faces of the bustling city. You can reach the peak by tram, an attraction itself, which climbs close to 373 meters. At the end of the ride, you will reach a tower at the peak with attractions such as Madame Tussauds Museum, Ripley’s Believe It or Not Museum, an experience simulator (floors 2 and 3), and a shopping and dining center.
Noon Gun
The English love tradition. If the authorities ordered to fire the gun every day at noon in 1850, who would decide to stop it? For some reason, this tradition continues today.
Coastal Defense Museum
A historic museum showing coastal defense systems of China over the centuries. The most interesting part is dedicated to the Opium Wars – a dark and insufficiently known part of British imperial history.
Aberdeen Harbor
This traditional harbor on the southern central island is a great place to observe non-Western life. Rent a sampan (after bargaining) and the brave skipper will take you through floating villages, fishing boats, and general bustle.
Sok O
Rapid development has left almost no authentic Chinese life in Hong Kong. Sok O is one of the few villages that remained as it was over 100 years ago – small, quiet, with few attractions. Surrounding hills have villas inhabited mainly by Western residents, and there is a nice beach with a small bar.
Mong Kok
A small district in Kowloon, considered the most densely populated residential area in the world. The name – “Prosperity Point” – does not match the crowding. It is worth visiting to see how 500,000 residents live in one square mile.
Lei Cheng Uk Han
Visiting this ancient settlement reminds one of what is easy to forget in a superficial city view – this is a very old and very Chinese area. The identities of those buried here are unknown, but bronze tools and figurines indicate they were wealthy.
Tin Hau Temple
Five small temples grouped in a beautiful complex on the waterfront, dedicated to the sea goddess Tin Hau. The complex has a fortune teller full of insights.
Temple Street Night Market
If you are afraid of clowns and cannot tolerate ghost trains, do not come here. No witch will jump on you, but something in the dense atmosphere, dim lamp light, huge variety of strange goods, and harsh Cantonese folk music sounds can be startling.
Art Museum
The cubic building houses one of the most beautiful museums in Hong Kong. Exhibits include sculptures and pottery, vases and ceramics, fine calligraphy, wood and jade carvings, and several types of ancient Chinese art. Rotating exhibitions in various subjects, as well as contemporary Chinese and Hong Kong art, are also displayed.
Signal Tower
In the 19th century, signals were sent from this tower to ships about weather and waves entering Tsim Sha Tsui Harbor. Today it serves as a small interesting museum showing pictures of the harbor in different periods.
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
This charming promenade is pedestrian only. Walking here is pleasant and relaxing at any time, but at night, when Hong Kong lights sparkle across the strait, the magic is overwhelming. Seeing men proposing to their partners is quite common.
Hong Kong History Museum
Do you know who the Hakka were? The Punti? What games did British ladies play in teahouses? How many types of local boats sailed the bays? How did the British take control of the island? The museum, established in 1975 from the split of the City Museum and the Arts Gallery, answers all these questions with many interesting exhibits.
Chi Lin Monastery
A calm and peaceful spot in the Ngau Chi Wan district. The monastery, inhabited by nuns, was built in the 20th century using Tang dynasty techniques – entirely with wood. The bell ringing and bird songs calm the soul.
Chak Lam Sim Yuen Monastery
An important Buddhist monastery in the New Territories. The complex has three large Buddha statues and lots of quiet and serenity.
Sha Tin
A small walled village once famous for incense production. Today you can find the old Hong Kong atmosphere and also the New Town Plaza, one of the district’s largest shopping centers.
Lamma Island
Sok Kwu Wan is a large village on Lamma Island, famous for its seafood restaurants. The second village, Yung Shue Wan, is more Western in character. It is recommended to walk along the scenic path connecting the two villages.
Lantau
The largest island among about 230 islands around Hong Kong. Most of it is a national park or nature reserve, ideal for hiking, beach lounging, and exploring fishing villages. Notable sites include Tai O village, Po Lin Monastery, Tung Chung village, and Silvermine Bay. Hong Kong Airport is at the northwest end of the island.
Big Buddha Statue
One of Hong Kong’s most famous attractions, drawing not only tourists but also dozens of Buddhists worldwide. The huge statue is 34 meters tall and weighs nearly 250 tons. It is located next to Po Lin Monastery and symbolizes the interaction between humans and nature. To reach it, you must climb 268 steps.
Ferry to the island departs from Pier 7 in Central. From Mui Wo Pier on the island, buses go to all attractions.
Ocean Park
If you love water, this is the place for you, for children or adults. Ocean Park is the largest entertainment and amusement complex in Southeast Asia. It offers the world’s second largest outdoor escalator, sharks, roller coasters, a children’s world, water world, and a view of Chinese history during the Middle Kingdom. Do not miss the shows including traditional dances, juggling, and acrobatics. Address: Aberdeen, south side of the island.
Disneyland Hong Kong
The park, which cost over 2 billion dollars to build, began construction in 2003 and officially opened in 2005. It is located on Lantau Island, covering 1.3 km² reclaimed from the sea. To avoid cultural clashes, Disney made great efforts to adapt the park to local culture and even hired Feng Shui experts.
Hong Kong Disneyland invites visitors to the kingdom of fairy tales and fantasy worlds combined with the world of tomorrow. At the entrance, Mickey Mouse welcomes you and guides you to the amazing attractions. There are also restaurants, souvenir shops, and two hotels – Disneyland Hotel and Hollywood Hotel.
Pok Fu Temple
An unusual monastery that is home to more than 10,000 Buddhas, with over 12,800 small statues arranged along the main wall. The complex also includes several pavilions and pagodas that visitors can climb, as well as a vegetarian restaurant that fits the calm, spiritual atmosphere.
To get there, travel to Sha Tin KCR Station and take Exit B. Walk past the traditional houses of Pai Tau Village on your left, turn left onto Pai Tau Street, then right onto Sheung Wo Che Street. Continue along the bamboo-lined path leading up to the monastery. The walk takes some effort, but it is well worth it.
