Asia Pacific Guides

Top 25 things to do in

Hong Kong

Copyright 2012 Asia-Pacific Guides Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Sights and attractions around Central and Sheung Wan

What is there to be seen How to get there and what to see next

Name and details

Classic High Tea at Clipper Lounge

Afternoon Tea is served daily, 3 - 6pm, while the Afternoon Tea Buffet is served on Saturday and Sunday, 3 - 5.30pm 2825 4007 Website

Mandarin Oriental's Clipper Lounge is one of the best places in Hong Kong to indulge on a "really classic" English High-Tea buffet, and although it is not as aristocratic as the Peninsula, it more than makes up for it with fantastic food and very pleasant ambience.

From MTR-Central exit F: Continue a few steps along Chater Road, turn left to Ice House Street, right to Connaught and you will see the entrance on your right hand side, after a minute or two. If coming by ferry from Tsim sha Tsui: Walk along the elevated bridge across Connaught Road, then turn left and walk a minute or two along the road, till you see the entrance to the hotel on your right
The tramway stop is on the corner of Ice House Street, 2 3 minutes' walk from the hotel entrance.

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Hong Kong Park

24/7 (The Museum of Tea Ware is open daily, except Tuesday, 10am5pm, while the Edward Youde Aviary is open daily, from 9 am to 5 pm).
Museum of Tea Ware Edward Youde Aviary

Hong Kong's most quaint park forms a lovely green lung, right amidst the skyscrapers. Inside the park, Flagstaff House, Hong Kong's oldest existing colonial building, currently houses the beautiful Museum of Tea Ware, which displays enthralling collections of tea related artifacts, including the world's oldest known extant teapot. Other worthy attractions within the park include the Edward Youde Aviary, the Forsgate Conservatory and the Tai Chi Garden. Boasting the whole array of top designer brands, like Dior, Vivienne Tam, Momento, Celine, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo and Zara, Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's swankiest malls, is favorite among locals and visitors alike The Watch & Jewelry Corridor, on the 3rd floor, is particularly recommended, even if you don't plan to spend the kind of money that it takes to buy something there Other than the likes of Piaget and Cartier, there is a shop of Richard Mille here, where every watch is worth a fortune...

From exit C-1 of MTR-Admiralty: Cross the road with the pedestrian bridge and continue via the stairway, next to Pacific Place, to Supreme Court Road, where the entrance to the park can be found.
The tramway stop (Admiralty) is right next to Pacific Place same instructions as above.

Entry is free

Pacific Place
Daily, 10am 8pm
Website

Exit F of MTR-Admiralty leads directly to the mall

The tramway stop (Admiralty) is just across the street from Pacific (there is a pedestrian bridge).

Entry is free

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Offering 50% off and 'Buy 1, get 1 free' discounts at nearly 100 of Hong Kong's top restaurants, shops and spas, the Hong Kong Card includes plenty of quality dining options, and is really easy to use. What's more, it comes with a handy pocket-sized city guide that was written by locals and resident expats and covers everything, from transport and attractions, to culture, shopping and nightlife

Traveling to Hong Kong ? Click here to get some of the best rates for accommodation in Asia's world city. The old streets of Sheung Wan The streets where Hong Kong started to develop from, one hundred and seventy years ago, boast many traditional Chinese shops that sell all sorts of "exotic" products and look as if they belong to another era Start your walk from Man Wa Lane (Chop Alley), where you can find small stalls of chop-makers: The chops are traditional Chinese stamps and seals, engraved on various materials like wood, bamboo, stone, bone and the likes... MTR-Sheung wan, exit A-1: Turn right, and after a few steps you will see the entrance to the alley on your right Tramway has a stop on the corner of Man Wa: Entrance to the lane is on the right side of CITIC Ka Wah Bank From Man Wa Lane, turn right to Wing Lok Street (popularly known as Ginseng and bird's nest St.). At the end of the street turn left to Des Voeux Road West (Dried Seafood Street), left again to Ko Shing Street (Herbal Medicine Street), right to Queen Street, right again to Queen's Road West and left to Hollywood Road. Western Market, Hong Kong's oldest surviving market building was inaugurated well over a century ago and features beautiful Edwardian architecture, with red bricks and granite arches. Nowadays, it is actually a shopping mall, with shops that specialize mainly in arts and crafts, although there are a few good fabrics shops here too. 323 Des Voeux Road Central (The tramway stop is right outside), Daily from 10am 7pm, Website, Entry is free Hollywood Road 24 / 7 Entrance is free More info (including nice photos) Hong Kong's first constructed road and the small streets around it are packed with galleries and knick-knack shops that sell everything, from expensive porcelain ware and Ming dynasty ceramic, to Chinese furniture and kitsch Maoist memorabilia, and is a great place to visit even if you are not buying anything, as some of these shops (especially the expensive galleries) really look like "mini museums"... While on Hollywood Road, also make sure you visit Man Mo Temple and Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street), where you can find plenty of colorful street stalls. You can start your Hollywood Road stroll from SoHo and the Former Central Police Station Compound (Use the famous escalator to get there), although the more recommended way is to come here through the stone steps of Ladder Street: If using the tramway, drop off next to the corner of Hillier Street. From MTR-Sheung Wan: Take exit A-1, turn left and immediately left again, into Hillier Street (next to Bank of China) and walk all the way to the end, where you turn right to Queen's Road Central (after you've crossed it) and left, to Ladder Street You can also come from the old streets of Sheung Wan (see above).

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The "Central-Mid Levels Escalators" is one of the world's longest escalator systems and one of Hong Kong's "must dos"... Built in the early 1990s, it was meant to relief the traffic congestion between Mid-Levels and Central, by pedestrianizing the area, and although it did not fully succeed in doing so, it is certainly better than nothing... You can use the escalators to get to SoHo and other attractions around Hollywood Road. Daily, 6am - 12midnight (downhill until 10am, and then uphill, from 10am till midnight)

The See Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass is truly GREAT for those of you who wish to make the most of their precious holiday time You can jump aboard the Big Bus for an open-top ride around Hong Kongs famous landmarks, or ride the worlds famous Peak Tram, visit one (or more) of Hong Kong's many museums, enjoy a scenic balloon flight, take a dim-sum cooking class, travel by the Turbojet to Macau, visit Macau Tower and much more

Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) and SoHo Daily, almost 24 hours a day Entrance is free Website Recommended restaurants and bars

L-shaped Lan Kwai Fong Street and adjacent D'Aguilar Street form one of Hong Kong's busiest nightlife precincts, with many bars, pubs and excellent restaurants that are popular by locals, expats and tourists alike. Enormous crowds come to LKF on Friday and Saturday nights, and when the bars get too crammed, the scene moves to the street, as customers take their drinks and stand outside, watching people...

From MTR-Central: Take exit D-2 via Theatre Lane to Queen's Road Central, cross it and walk up D'aguillar St. If coming by tram: Drop off near the corner of Pedder Street and enter the short street near Citibank. Cross Queen's Road Central and walk up Wyndham St., left to Wellington, right to D'aguillar and you are there. From Star Ferry: Along the elevated walkway to Pedder Street and onwards, as above. Most venues can be found along Cochrane, Elgin and Staunton, which means that the easiest way to come here is with the famous escalators, or by foot along Hollywood Road.

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Unlike London's Soho, Hong Kong's hip dining and nightlife precinct got its name as a result of its location: South of Hollywood Road.

The small, old streets are line with nice If you come from Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) turn cafs and resto-bars that offer a left from D'aguillar to Wellington and walk quieter ambience than that of LKF along it until you see the entrance to the escalator (Cochrane St.) on your left

If you feel like a true, authentic Hong Kong style "yum cha" experience than good-old Lin Heung Tea House is a good choice... Do not expect to find elegant or romantic ambience here... It is just a simple place that has been serving scrumptious Dim Sum and excellent Cantonese cuisine for years, at a very good price. The staff do not speak English, but with a bit of patience and some assistance from other customers, you'll be fine...
160-164 Wellington Street, Central (Corner of Aberdeen St., not far from SoHo and the "world's longest escalator) 6am 11pm

Offering 50% off and 'Buy 1, get 1 free' discounts at nearly 100 of Hong Kong's top restaurants, shops and spas, the Hong Kong Card includes plenty of quality dining options, and is really easy to use. What's more, it comes with a handy pocket-sized city guide that was written by locals and resident expats and covers everything, from transport and attractions, to culture, shopping and nightlife

Hong Kong has a fantastic public-transport system, which makes it an ideal destination for do-it-yourself trips. Nonetheless, many of the city's most unique sightseeing spots are located far from town, which means that visiting them on your own might waste much of your precious holiday time... This is exactly the case where taking a guided tour makes a lot of sense. Take a look at our recommended Hong Kong day trips Some of which cover the territory's less known "gems" and are, therefore, well worth considering...

Sights and attractions around Victoria Peak

What is there to be seen How to get there and what to see next

Name and details

Victoria Peak, the Peak Tram and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong Daily, 24 hours a day Sky Terrace: Daily, 10 am - 11 pm Madame Tussauds: 10 am - 10 pm The Peak Tram: 7am 12midnight Bus/Minibus: 6am 12midnight Entrance to the compound is free, but transportation is not, neither is entrance to the "Sky Terrace" or to Hong Kong Madame Tussauds

"The Peak", as it is commonly known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction, boasting world-class views of the city and Victoria Harbour, which look as if they were taken from a postcard The view at night is particularly beautiful, when the city's countless skyscrapers and neon-signs flash in millions of dazzling lights... When reaching "The Peak", you can opt for the Sky Terrace, which offers a breathtaking 360 panoramic views of the city and the waters around it, or visit Hong Kong's Madame Tussauds There are also more than a few shops, cafs and restaurants around here, as well as some surprisingly quaint and easy walking trails (You can read about them here)

To get to Victoria Peak: You can either ride the 120 years old Peak Tram (a real "must do"), or take the bus (very scenic road), but the best option is to combine them both (One way tam + one way bus). The Peak Tram can be boarded at the Lower terminus, on 33 Garden Road, daily, 7am 12midnight (See the guide-map to Peak Tram Lower Terminus) Bus No. 15 runs daily, 6am 12 midnight. It departs from "Central" (next to the Star Ferry Terminus) and passes through the bus terminus at Exchange Square (next to Central MTR station) and Admiralty (MTR Admiralty Station, exit C-1) Green minibus No. 1 departs from the bus interchange, next to Hong Kong Station Exit A1 (direct link through Central MTR), daily, 6:30 am - 12 midnight.

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Sights and attractions around Wan Chai and Causeway Bay

What is there to be seen How to get there and what to see next

Name and details

Times Square Daily, 10am 10pm Free entry

Times Square, one of Hong Kong's 10 most popular tourist destinations, is a colossal shopping mall that offers its visitors more than 300 shops, spread across its 16 floors Most of the well-known international brand names can be found here, alongside a decent choice of good restaurants and cafs, and there are free live entertainment and art exhibitions, every now and then

Exit A of MTR-Causeway Bay leads directly to the mall. If coming by tram: Drop off at the stop on Percival Street, turn to Russell and in two minutes you will get to the mall.

Offering 50% off and 'Buy 1, get 1 free' discounts at nearly 100 of Hong Kong's top restaurants, shops and spas, the Hong Kong Card includes plenty of quality dining options, and is really easy to use. What's more, it comes with a handy pocket-sized city guide that was written by locals and resident expats and covers everything, from transport and attractions, to culture, shopping and nightlife

Explore Hong Kong's less known "gems" through our range of Unique Day Trips and Guided-Walks !

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Sights and attractions on the southern coast of Hong Kong

What is there to be seen How to get there and what to see next

Name and details

The floating restaurants in Aberdeen Daily, lunch and dinner (Top Deck also operates as a 'night spot' until fairly late, but is closed on Monday. Jumbo Kingdom is open from morning on weekends). Website: Top Deck Website: Jumbo Kingdom 2552 3331 (Top Deck) 2553 9111 (Jumbo Kingdom)

Aberdeen's floating restaurants offer their customers a truly unique dining experience and although they are one of Hong Kong's most worn tourist clich s, they are well worth visiting... Surprisingly enough, Top Deck, the alfresco rooftop resto-bar on top of Jumbo Kingdom, seems to be a slightly better choice than its older and better known downstairs neighbor, both in terms of food and ambience.

Getting here: Diners are taken by small boat to the restaurants, from either Shum Wan Pier, or Aberdeen Promenade: Bus No 70 travels to Aberdeen Promenade from Central and Admiralty, while nos. 38, 42 and 72 come here from Hennessey Road in Causeway Bay. To Shum Wan Pier Drive: You can take 75 from Central, or 72-A from Causeway Bay

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Stanley and Stanley Market 24 / 7 Free entrance Website (Maritime Museum) More info on restaurants and bars

The picturesque beach town of Stanley is best known for its market, although it has a lot more to offer The market boasts a relatively good choice of pocket-friendly clothes, shoes, silk garments and traditional Chinese dress, as well as toys, ornaments, luggage, souvenirs and arts-and-crafts, and although it is quite touristy, it is still a popular destination for both tourists and locals. Other highlights in Stanley include the lovely seafront promenade, where quite a few alfresco cafs and restaurants can be found, the old Tin Hau Temple and the beautifully restored Murray House, where the Hong Kong Maritime Museum is located. There are also two beautiful beaches in Stanley, namely Stanley Main Beach (Five minutes' walk from "Stanley Village bus stop", through Stanley Beach Road) and St Stephen's Beach (short walk from Stanley Prison bus-stop): Both of them offer a sandy strip, nice views and some facilities... St Stephen's is the quieter of the two.

Bus Nos. 6, 6A, 6X and 260 come here from Central. All four routes depart from Exchange Square Bus Terminus and have stops on Connaught Road Central (outside City Hall), as well as outside MTR-Admiralty (next to exit C-1). No. 260 also stops at 7 Gloucester Road in Wan Chai (outside the Immigration Tower). Drop off at "Stanley Village bus stop", right in the middle of town and walk a few steps down Stanley New Street, till you get to the market.

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Ocean Park Daily: 10am 6pm 3923 2323 website Explore Hong Kong's less known "gems" through our range of Unique Day Trips and GuidedWalks !

Ocean Park, one of Asia's most popular and successful amusement parks, occupies a mountainous peninsula near Aberdeen and boasts 35 attractions and rides: From oceanand-sea related attractions, such as world-class aquariums and Dolphin shows, to the colossal roller coasters and the Giant Panda habitat exhibition, and from the magnificent cable car ride to one of the world's longest escalators and other adrenaline boosting rides...

Citybus No. 629 comes here directly from Admiralty (next to MTR-Admiralty, exit B). Even if you come from the Kowloon side of Victoria Harbour, it makes more sense to take the MTR to Admiralty and continue from there with bus No. 629, than to board any other bus route.

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Sights and attractions in Tsim-sha-Tsui and Yau-ma-Tei

What is there to be seen How to get there and what to see next

Name and details

Tsim-sha-Tsui Waterfront, Avenue of Stars and Symphony of Lights show Symphony of Lights, daily, at 8 pm Avenue of Stars is open 24 / 7 Free entrance

Facing Victoria Harbour and one of the world's most imposing city skylines, The Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and boasts floor plaques of celebrities of the city's thriving film industry, including legends like Jackie Chan and Bruce Lee. This is also one of the best places to watch the "Symphony of Lights" from: Awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, this nightly light, sound and laser show is featured on 37 key buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour.

Salisbury Road / Tsim sha Tsui Waterfront If coming by Star Ferry from Central / Wanchai: Turn right as soon as you leave the terminus and walk along the water. From MTR-Tsim sha Tsui: Use exit J

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InterContinental Hong Kong enjoys one of the best locations in town, right in front of Victoria Harbour, and although it is not as "classic" as the Peninsula, it is just as posh Sink into one of the comfy couches around the lobby and enjoy the breathtaking views of Hong Kong's metropolitan skyline through the huge floor-to-ceiling window. English High-Tea and stylish cocktails at the Peninsula Hotel Afternoon Tea, daily, 2 6pm Felix, daily, 5pm 1:30am (Bar) Website (English High-Tea) Website (Felix) To revive the splendor and charm of bygone colonial days in the Far East, opt for the English Style High Tea at the swanky Peninsula. Opened in 1928, this is one of the world's most classic hotels and a long established icon of Hong Kong. Felix, one of Hong Kong's most stylish resto-bars, is perched on the hotel's top floor, boasting fantastic views of Victoria Harbour and the city skyline... Salisbury Road, Tsim sha Tsui If coming by Star Ferry: Walk out of the terminus, cross Salisbury Road, turn right and walk along the street till you see the entrance to the hotel on your left. From MTR-Tsim sha Tsui: Leave the station through exit-E and walk down Nathan Road to the end, where you turn right and see the entrance on your right.

Hong Kong Museum of History Daily, except Tuesday, 10 am - 6 pm (till 7pm on Sundays and public holidays) Entrance is not free Website

This fabulous museum tells "the Hong Kong Story", from the Devonian period 400 million years ago until reunification with China in 1997. Eight galleries, loaded with thousands of exciting exhibits, including antiques and pieces of art, as well as 3D dioramas and interactive multimedia displays, make the visit to the museum a rich experience.

Chatham Road South, Tsim sha Tsui (few minutes' walk from Tsim-sha-Tsui MTR (via exit B-2 : see map)

Hong Kong Science Museum, right next to Hong Kong Museum of History, boasts 16 galleries, with hundreds of exciting exhibits (many of which interactive) that cover almost every aspect of science and technology, including light, sound, motion, electricity & magnetism and what not The museum's "jewel in the crown", however, is its colossal Energy Machine (the biggest of its kind in the world) which demonstrates how the potential energy of a dropped ball converts into other forms of energy throughout the track. Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays : 1pm - 9pm, Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays : 10am - 9pm Closed on Thursdays (except Public Holidays), Entrance fee applies, Website Harbour City Daily, 10 am 9pm (restaurants and cinemas remain open until later) Entrance is free Website Harbour City, one of Hong Kong's largest and most popular shopping malls is home to 700 retail outlets that sell everything, from branded boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Salvatore Ferragamo, Prada and Hugo Boss, to prestigious department stores, such as Lane Crawford, and more than a few good cafs and restaurants. Located along Canton Road (main entrance is on the corner of Canton and Peking). If coming by Star Ferry: Walk out of the terminus, cross Salisbury Road and turn left to Canton Road. After a few minutes' walk you will see the entrance on your left From MTR-Tsim sha Tsui: Use exit A-1 (via Haiphong Rd), or exit E (via Peking Rd).

Sky100

Daily, 10am 10pm (last entry at 9pm)

100/F, International Commerce Centre, 1 Austin Road West, Kowloon, Hong Kong. Customer Hotline: (852) 2613 3888 Website

Hong Kong Day Trips

Discover Asia's World City with those who know it best !

Hong Kong highest man-made observation deck, overlooks the city from the 100th floor of Hong Kong's highest skyscraper, International Commerce Centre, 393m above sea level, and gives tough competition to Victoria Peak (The upper terminus of the famous "Peak Tram" and the observation decks are also perched 400m above sea level, more or less...) Bullet elevators take you in just 60 seconds from the 2nd floor to the 100th floor, where you can get stunning 360o panoramic views of most of the metropolis, and enjoy a whole range of other activities, such as a multimedia tour of Hong Kong's history and culture (including 3D projections and touch screens which show you interesting stuff about HK's history), Audio-visual guided tour devices, with commentaries in several languages, and cutting-edge telescopes which can recreate day and night views and fireworks scenes with special effects At the time of writing, ticket costs HK$ 150 for an adult, or HK$ 105 for a child (3-12) / senior (HK$ 125 / 90 respectively if you order online, which is advisable anyway, because it saves you the hassle of standing in the sometimes long queue lines), and there is also a "family combo ticket" which is even cheaper. Getting there: The entrance to the lifts is from the 2nd floor of Elements Shopping Mall: The mall is directly connected to MTR Kowloon Station, along the orange marked Tung Chung Line (Exit C). If coming from Tsim sha Tsui: Take the MTR from East Tsim sha Tsui Station to Austin (one station), exit through D-2, turn left and immediately right, to Austin Road West, and walk for five minutes, till you see the Elements Mall on your right.

Temple Street Night Market Daily, 4 11pm Entrance is free

Temple Street Night Market operates daily, from 4 to 11pm (although the "action" starts only at around 7 pm) and its hawkers sell almost everything There are also some nice Chinese eateries along the street and its offshoots, and at the northernmost end of the street, next to the old Tin Hau Temple, there are fortune tellers and performances of Cantonese Opera. Officially known as Yau Ma Tei Jade Hawker Bazaar, this crammed indoor market accommodates hundreds of stalls that sell a wide choice of jade products of various quality grades: From shockingly expensive (which you should not buy, unless you really know jade) to nice and cheap pieces that make a lovely souvenir... The variety includes statues, figurines, jewellery, beads and what not

From MTR-Jordan: Leave via exit A, turn right to Jordan Road and right again, on the third street From MTR-Yau ma Tei: Leave via exit C, turn right to Nathan Road and after a few minutes right again, to Market Street (canopied walkway), from where you can turn left to Temple Street, or right, to the open piazza in front of the old Tin Hau Temple. From MTR-Yau ma Tei: Leave via exit C, turn right to Nathan Road and walk along it for a few minutes. After passing under a road-viaduct, turn right to Kansu Street and after 2-3 minutes' walk you will see the low market buildings on your right (under the flyover)

Jade Market Daily, 10am - 5pm (come early if you want to put your hands on the best stuff) Entrance is free

Offering 50% off and 'Buy 1, get 1 free' discounts at nearly 100 of Hong Kong's top restaurants, shops and spas, the Hong Kong Card includes plenty of quality dining options, and is really easy to use. What's more, it comes with a handy pocket-sized city guide that was written by locals and resident expats and covers everything, from transport and attractions, to culture, shopping and nightlife

The old atmospheric streets of Yau-ma-Tei are lined with many "unique" Chinese shops that sell all sorts of exotic products, from herbal medicines to dried snake meat If you happen to be around the area, on your way to Jade Market or Temple Street, try to spare an hour or two to explore those small streets Start your stroll from Shanghai Street, which is the main thoroughfare of old Yau-ma-Tei
From exit A of MTR-Jordan: Turn right to Jordan Road, and right again, to Shanghai St. (the fourth corner)

Take a look at Nanking Street, where some market stalls can be found, before you continue strolling through Shanghai Street. On 164 Shanghai Street, not far from the corner of Ning Po, there is a small and popular eatery called Sek Wong Lam () which is particularly famous for its Snake Soup Turn left to Ning Po and right to the bustling wet market of Reclamation Street, which will bring you to Kansu Street and the Jade Market. Turn right to Kansu and almost immediately left, to Shanghai Street. After a minute or two you will see an open piazza with old banyan trees on your right, near the corner of Public Square Street. This is where the old Tin Hau Temple can be found and although there are more impressive temples in Hong Kong, it is well worth visiting. Cross Public Square Street. On you right (corner of Temple Street) is Mido Caf: One of the city's oldest and most nostalgic eating houses Keep walking along Shanghai Street: A short stroll will bring you to Man Kee Chopping Board, on 342 Shanghai (on your right), which is one of the best places to buy professional chopping boards, and right next to it, on 344 Shanghai, you can see the historic red-bricks building which once housed the oldest pumping station in Hong Kong. Tak Yu Restaurant ( ), on 378 Shanghai Street (corner of Pitt), opened its doors more than a century ago and still serves lovely Cantonese fare, including dim-sum, at reasonable prices.

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Name and details

Sights and attractions around Mong Kok and Kowloon

What is there to be seen How to get there and what to see next

Ladies' Market and other streetmarkets around Mong Kok Daily, 10:30am almost 11pm

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The street-markets of Mong Kok are extremely popular among visitors, especially Ladies' Market which specializes, as its name suggests, in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the likes, although there are more than a few stalls here that sell men's and children's products, including soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches, just to name a few Fa Yuen Street (also known as Sportswear Street) runs parallel to Ladies' Market and boasts many small retailers which sell sports equipment and clothing (wide diversity of sports shoes). Fa Yuen Street Market stretches along the north part of Sportswear Street and is full of shops that sell bargainpriced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children (10:30 am - 10:30 pm daily) Sai Yeung Choi Street South, west of Ladies' Market, is known for its electronics and gadget shops, while Mong Kok Computer Centre is the place to go to for everything that is computer related.

To Ladies' Market: Leave MTR Mong Kok Station via exit D-3, turn back and walk a few steps to the corner, where you turn right to Argyle and, again, right, to Tung Choi / Ladies' market (less than 5 minutes) Mong Kok Computer Centre is on 8 Nelson Street: If you enter Ladies' Market from Argyle, turn left to Nelson and you will see the place on your right.

The Flower Market and Yuen Po Street Bird Garden are just a short walk from Ladies' Market, As its name denotes, Flower Market Road is lined with dozens of shops that sell flowers, potted plants and their likes, while Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or, simply, the Bird Garden), at the far end of Flower Market Road, boasts dozens of bird shops, where hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen... To get there: From Ladies' Market, turn right to Argyle, left to Sai Yee and straight all the time, crossing Prince Edward Road West and right, to Flower Garden Road. Daily, 7am 7:30pm (Flower Market) and 7am 8pm (Bird Garden). Traveling to Hong Kong ? Click here to get some of the best rates for accommodation in Asia's most cosmopolitan city. Wong Tai Sin Daily, 7am 5:30pm Virtual tour of the temple Wong Tai Sin, one of Hong Kong's most popular temples, is nestled at the foot of Lion Rock Mountain, north of Kowloon, and boasts quite a few impressive structures, including pagodas, pavilions and prayer halls, as well as groomed Chinese rock gardens, Lily ponds and stone bridges It has a reputation of an auspicious place, where devotees' sincere pleas are being answered. The temple is just a minute walk from MTR-Wong Tai Sin, on the green marked Kwun Tong Line. Make the most of your trip to Hong Kong and enjoy substantial discounts at the city's BEST attractions, restaurants and shops with our range of special discount-cards and flexi-packs !

Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden Daily, from early morning till late afternoon. Free entrance

One of Hong Kong's most beautiful spots. The nunnery features rich Tang style architecture and boasts beautiful gold, clay, wood and stone statues of the Buddha, Kwun Yam (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and other bodhisattvas. Nan Lian Garden lies next to the nunnery and is just as beautiful, with pavilions, goldfish ponds with water lilies, rock - gardens and manicured Bonsai trees.

To get there: MTR Diamond Hill, exit C-2, out to the street, turn left and walk along the wall of the shopping mall to the pedestrian crossing, cross Sheung Yuen Street, walk a minute or two along Fung Tak Road and use the pedestrian's bridge above it to enter the nunnery / garden.

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Sights and attractions around the Lantau Island

Hong Kong Disneyland hardly needs to be introduced and although it is the smallest Disneyland park on earth, it is well worth visiting, as it boasts most of these features that made Disneyland parks so popular, including the early 1900s American town street, Adventureland ("Jungle River Cruise" and "Tarzan's Island"), Fantasyland ("Dumbo carousel", "Snow white grotto" and "Sleeping Beauty Castle"...) and Tomorrowland ("Space Mountain" roller coaster, and "Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters"). What's more, it is probably the only Disneyland in the world which you can comfortably cover in a day. Citygate Outlets, right above Tung Chung MTR terminus, is Hong Kong's first and (so far) only outlet mall, which means you can get off-season goods here at large discounts you won't find elsewhere. shops here are quite spacious and airy, with plenty of fitting rooms, but the real draw are undoubtedly the discounts: Year-round discounts of 30% to 70% on more than 80 international brand names of designer fashion, sports, beauty, accessories, children's wear, and home items, are a good enough reason for visitors to like this place... Take the MTR from Hong Kong Station (linked to MTR-Central), or from MTR-Lai King (if coming from Kowloon) and travel to MTR-Sunny Bay, where you change trains and continue to Disneyland.

Hong Kong Disneyland Daily, 10am 8 / 9pm Entrance fees apply Website

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Citygate Outlets Daily, 10am 10 pm Entrance is free Website

Getting here: Directly from Tung Chung MTR (along the orange marked Tung Chung Line) Bus Nos. S1, S52P and S64 go directly to Hong Kong International Airport from here (10 minutes' drive)

Ngong Ping, the "Big Buddha" and Po-lin Monastery Daily: 10am 6pm (9:30am 6:30pm on Weekends & Public Holidays) Entrance fees apply
Info on the combo ticket of Lantau Bus Co. Info on Ngong Ping Pricing and Packages

Ngong Ping and its environs form one of Hong Kong's most popular attractions. Po Lin Monastery was built in the picturesque highlands of Lantau Island almost a century ago, but it was the colossal statue of the seated Buddha that came up in the early 1990s and turned this area into one of Hong Kong's hottest destinations Later on, the famous cable car came up (providing almost 6km of scenic ride) and the kitschy "tourist village" But there are still more than a few nice walking trails around the area, for those who want to get away from it all

Getting there: Best you can do is to purchase the "special pass" of Lantao Bus Co, which gives you one-way cable-car ride + unlimited bus rides across the island
(How to get to the cable-car terminal / bus-terminal) Info on the combo ticket of Lantau Bus Co.

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Tai O Daily, all day Entrance is free

Popularly known as the "Venice of Hong Kong", this picturesque fisherman's village was built a few hundred years ago by the Tanka boat-people, and is one of only few places in this part of the world where you can still see traditional Pang uk hoses , built on stilts along the canals. Quite expectedly, there is a fresh fish and seafood market here (a bit smelly) and some nice and inexpensive seafood restaurants, as well as a few tiny old Chinese temples You can also see how the locals produce salted-dried foods, including shrimp-paste and duck egg yolks, just like their forefathers did, centuries ago

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Otherwise, there are also two small museums here that are worth visiting: The first is Tai O Rural Committee Historic and Cultural Showroom, near the bus terminus, where you can see a few interesting exhibits from the village's early history, and the second is Tai O Culture Workshop: A private museum where you can familiarize yourself with many daily objects that were used by the locals in days gone Taking a boat trip is another nice way to explore the village and its environs They last 25 - 30 minutes, don't cost much, and give you a chance to see the stilt houses from the water and sail around Lantau's beautiful southwestern side. Boat operators and their touts speak highly about the Chinese White Dolphins you are going to see on the way, but that doesn't usually happen. Nevertheless, the boat ride is still fun and if you do wish to encounter the dolphins, you'll better join one of Hong Kong Dolphinwatch's trips. How to get here ? Bus No. 11 come here from Tung Chung (bus terminal next to Tung Chung MTR Station), No.1 from Mui Wo ferry, and No. 21 from Ngong Ping / Big Buddha There is also a ferry service, operating from Tung Chung Ferry Pier (not far from Tung Chung MTR): Departures at 9:25am, 11:25am and 5:25pm (on weekdays). On Saturdays there is one more additional service (on 3:25pm) and on Sundays and public holidays departures are at 8:55am, 10:55am, 12:55pm and 5:25pm
For more information, call Fortune Ferry Company Limited on 2994 8155, or visit their website

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Sights and attractions around Lamma and the outer islands

Lamma Island's undeclared capital is a charming fisherman's village that looks more like it belongs to a quaint island in Greece or Italy, than to bustling Hong Kong The city's expatriate community discovered the tiny town twenty years ago, and contributed a lot to its cosmopolitan ambience, and although there are no impressive temples here, or significant attractions, it is a very pleasant place, where you can rent a bike, or enjoy a nature walk, or simply laze at one of the cafs (Many visitors start their Lamma trip here and walk all the way to Sok Kwu Wan) Recommended restaurants and cafs include: Deli Lamma, Blue Bird Japanese Restaurant, Tai Hing Seafood Restaurant, Green Cottage, BB Seaview Restaurant, Bookworm Caf, Shelly Cake Express and Tropicana Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd (HKKF) operates the ferry lines from Central to Yung Shue Wan. There are more than 30 ferries a day, each direction, from 6:30 am till 00:30 after midnight For more information, including the up-todate timetable, visit their website, or call them on 2815 6063

Yung Shue Wan (on Lamma Island) Every day, all day Ferries timetable

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Sok Kwu Wan, Fisherfolk's Village (floating museum) and Mo Tat Wan Every day, all day (Fisherfolk's Village is open daily, 10am - 7pm) Ferries timetable (to/from Central) Ferries timetable (to/from Aberdeen) Fisherfolk's Village (floating museum) 2982 8585

Lamma Island's southern side boasts some very scenic views, as well as some nice walking trails, and a few picturesque bays and beaches Sok Kwu Wan is known mostly for its seafood restaurants, which attract a big crowd (including many tourists who come to Lamma only for a seafood dinner), although I personally think the cafs in Yung Shue Wan are more characterful (and possibly better, in terms of the food). Fisherfok's Village floating museum features a unique experience and is well worth visiting. As you've probably guessed by now, it is actually built on floating rafts and boasts all sorts of interesting exhibits, including Chinese junks, sampans, dragon-boats and fishing-rafts... What's more, some of those "hands-on displays" allow visitors to participate in all sorts of daily fishermen activities. Mo Tat Wan is a tiny village, nestled along a picturesque bay, about half an hour walk from Sok Kwu Wan. There is a lovely seafront restaurant here, called The Bay and plenty of peace and serenity (also nice walking trails).

Hong Kong & Kowloon Ferry Ltd (HKKF) operates the ferry line from Central to Sok Kwu Wan. There are more than 10 ferries a day, each direction, from 7:30 am till 11:30 at night For more information, including the up-todate timetable, visit their website, or call them on 2815 6063 Chuen Kee Ferry Ltd operates the line from Aberdeen to Sok Kwu Wan, via Mo Tat Wan. Ferries run daily, from 6:40 am to 10:50 pm For more information, visit their website or call them on 2982-8225 / 2375-7883

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Other attractions and 'must dos'

Although Hong Kong is one of the world's easiest cities to tour on your own, opentop "Hop-on Hop-off" sightseeing bus tours are still a fairly popular way to discover the metropolis... Currently, there are two major hop-on, hop-off bus operators in Hong Kong, namely Big Bus Tours and NWFB: Big Bus Tours operates two routes which cover most of Hong Kong's must-sees: One runs through Kowloon, while the second focuses on Hong Kong Island (You can buy a single "open day ticket" which includes them both). NWFB is the operator of the "Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus". They currently offer two routes that pass through most of the attractions within the central part of Hong Kong Island (Central, Sheung Wan, Wanchai and Causeway Bay), but don't go to Kowloon, or to places like "the Peak", Ocean Park and Stanley, on Hong Kong Island. "Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus" leaves from Central (Star Ferry) every fifteen minutes, between 10am and 6pm, as well as from some other points (see the attached route-map for more info).

"Hop on - Hop off" Open-top bus Daily, throughout the day Entrance fees apply Website (Big Bus Tours) Website ("Rickshaw Sightseeing Bus")

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Crossing Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry Daily, 6:30 am 11:30 pm Entrance fees apply Info on regular tickets Hopping passes / Harbor-tours
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Featured on National Geographic's "top 50 experiences of your lifetime list, crossing Victoria Harbour on the Star Ferry is one of those tourist clichs you have to do, to say you've been to Hong Kong... The old green-and-white ferries have been plying the waters of Victoria Harbour for well more than a century and have long become one of Hong Kong's best known icons. Particularly popular among tourists, who can get a zillion great photo ops of the city's world's-famous skyline... You can either use the ferry as a "hop on, hop off" (unlimited rides for a specified period) or you can opt for the much-cheaper single ride ticket... Then there are daytours, night-tours and, of course, the ultimate "Symphony of lights tour" (Which is really the "crme de la crme"...) Ferries depart from: Tsim-sha-Tsui, Salisbury Road / Wan Chai Ferry Terminal, Central (5 minutes' from MTR-Central) Whether biblical stories speak to you or not, this recently opened theme park is certainly a place worth visiting. Built by Chinese evangelical billionaires, who hoped it will promote values of peace, harmony and nature loving, it boasts what is currently the world's only full-sized replica of Noah's Ark, alongside life-size sculptures of almost 70 pairs of different animals... Otherwise, there are quite a few activities for the whole family here, including multi-media presentation, describing the big flood and Noah's journey, touch-screens and interactive devices, and Noah's Adventureland, where the young ones can enjoy different rope course challenges. Park Island Transport Company operates a ferry service from Central (Pier No. 2 near "Star Ferry" and MTR-Central), to Park Island, where the theme park is located. There are quite a few ferries a day, so you won't have to wait too long before you catch one (timetable + directional map) The same company also operates a bus service from MTR-Tsing Yi (along the orange marked Tung Chung Line). Buses depart every 10 minutes from the stop near exit C (timetable + directional map)

Noah's Ark Daily, from 10 am to 6 pm (Closed every first and third Wednesday of the month except public holidays) Entrance fees apply Website

Sailing on an authentic Chinese junk Daily Entrance fees apply Hong Kong Tourism Board's one-hour sightseeing harbor-cruise Other cruises on the Duk Ling Aqua Luna Harbour cruises Aqua Luna Day cruises

Duk Ling, the only authentic Chinese junk that still plies the waters of Victoria Harbour, was built more than 50 years ago in Macau and served as a fishing boat before it was restored and converted to a leisure-cruise vessel. Hong Kong Tourism Board offers a one-hour sightseeing harbour cruise on board of the Duk Ling at a relatively good price, but as the cruise departs only a few times a week (and the boat can carry only 30 passengers), it is important to book well in advance at one of HKTB's visitor centres.
Call HKTB's Hotline (+852) 2508 1234 or visit their Duk Ling Ride webpage

Hong Kong Tourism Board's one-hour sightseeing harbor-cruise leaves from Kowloon Public Pier (near Star Ferry Piers) in Tsim Sha Tsui on Thursday (2pm and 4pm) and Saturday (10am and 12 noon), and from Central Pier 9 (Public Pier) in Central on Thursday (3pm and 5pm) and Saturday (11am and 1pm)

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China Pub Company, the owner of Duk Ling, also operates regular tours of 2.5 - 4 hours to the Outlying Islands and other places of interest, and they also charter the boat for functions and fundays (you can even get married on the boat, if that's what you want...)
For more information, check the Duk Ling website.

The See Hong Kong and Macau Attractions Pass is truly GREAT for those of you who wish to make the most of their precious holiday time You can jump aboard the Big Bus for an open-top ride around Hong Kongs famous landmarks, or ride the worlds famous Peak Tram, visit one (or more) of Hong Kong's many museums, enjoy a scenic balloon flight, take a dim-sum cooking class, travel by the Turbojet to Macau, visit Macau Tower and much more

Owned by Aqua Restaurant Group, the Aqua Luna is also an authentically handcrafted red-sail Chinese junk, and although it was built just recently (and purely for entertainment purposes), the builders were supervised by an 80 years old traditional boat builder, so it's really as authentic as it gets... The company operates a few 45 minutes-long harbour cruises every day, as well as some day-long cruises to Stanley, Aberdeen, Cheung Chau Island and the Tin Hau Temple in Joss House Bay. Unlike on most of Hong Kong's other cruise boats, the Aqua Luna boasts all the comforts of a floating resto-bar, including comfy lounges and beautifully decked-out interiors, with traditional tick furniture that contribute to the old-days ambience...

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