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 

Lei Yue Mun Park and Holiday Village

+852 2568 7455

The first holiday village in an urban area, Lei Yue Mun Park offers both day and overnight accommodation for campers. It provides a wide range of indoor and outdoor activities, such as soccer, gate ball, basketball, tennis, archery, indoor bowls, a swimming pool, climbing, and badminton, plus barbecue sites. There is also a horse-riding school. 

Kadoorie Farm and Botanical Gardens

+852 2488 1317

Set at the foot of Tai Mo Shan this farm consists of more than just a few fields and some livestock. In the late 1940s, brothers Sir Horace and Lord Lawrence Kadoorie, set up what was to become the current farm and botanical gardens. As well as helping with local and international aid projects, the organization is involved in pioneering organic farming and educating about the environment. A multitude of displays and refreshment areas, as well as a beautiful location, make this worth a visit for kids and adults alike. 

Mai Po Marshes

Shenzen

+852 2471 8272

Open daily 9-6

Make a reservation in advance as numbers are limited. 

The marsh, on the edge of Deep Bay, in the northwest of the New Territories covers about 3,706 acres of wetlands.  A 939 acre nature reserve attracts as many as 300 species of migratory birds.  The visitor center provides a tour and maps explaining he ecology and history of the site. 

Bird Market

Hong Lok St, Mongkok, Kowloon

This street market specializing in birds, singing crickets and intricate cages gives a glimpse into the traditional Chinese way of life. Note: Visits to the Bird Market are not recommended at this time due to the possible threat of Avian Flu. 

Cheung Chau Island

Cheung Chau

This little island offers walks, temples and traditional fishing villages, as well as markets and seafront, seafood restaurants. 

Museum of Art:  Hong Kong Cultural Centre

10 Salisbury Rd, Tsimshatsui, Kowloon

Art Museum featuring Calligraphy, scrolls and colonial-era art, as well as an excellent, well-presented collection of Chinese antiquities. 

Wong Tai Sin Temple:  Taoist temple

Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon

Huge, colorful Taoist temple dedicated to a god of healing. A constant throng of petitioners and fortunetellers. 

Ocean Park

On the south side of Hong Kong Island, near Aberdeen.

Ocean Park Road

2552-0291

Open daily 10-6

An amusement park where a cable car takes you to the best rides: the Dragon roller coaster, the Octopus and the Crazy Galleon. Or you may enjoy the Raging River, a lovely cruise on a sturdy boat. Ocean Park also contains the Shark Aquarium, the Japanese Garden for relaxing and the Ocean Theatre, where killer whales, seals and dolphins act out high-quality drama. 

Space Museum

10 Salisbury Road

Hong Kong

2734-2722

Open Mon, Wed-Fri 1-8 (longer on Fri.) and Sat,Sun 10-9.

This museum has one of the largest and most advanced planetariums in the world.  It has many hands-on exhibits including the actual Mercury space capsule piloted by Scott Carpenter in 1962.  The Space Museum is the massive white dome in Tsim Sha Tsui, a short walk

from the Star Ferry. It?s in three parts: Planetarium, Exhibition Hall and Hall of Solar Sciences. Short films run in the theater. 

Government House

Central, on Upper Albert Road

The Government House is the official residence of the governor of Hong Kong under British rule. The tower was added during the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong in World War II. The Chief Executive of the SAR (Special Administrative Region) has elected not to live in the building. 

Hong Kong Museum of History

100 Chatham Road South

Kowloon Park, Tsim Sha Tsui,

2367-1124

Open Mon-Wed. 10-6; Sunday 10-7

This museum set in a park includes a replica of a sampan, the interior of a Hakka home, and a full scale replica of a street in the City of Victoria (as Central was once called).  The exhibits bring history to life.  Also an excellent collection of local photographs from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 

Botanical Gardens

Albany Road

Hong Kong

2530-0154.

The Botanic Gardens are also above Central, but to the west. Lively monkeys and

orangutans enjoy watching their visitors. 

Middle Kingdom

2555-3554

Middle Kingdom offers replicas of temples, pagodas and street scenes, as well as exhibits and demonstration stalls. Get your name written in Chinese characters and see the Lion Dance in front of you! 

St. John?s Cathedral

On Garden Road

Central, Hong Kong

St. John?s Cathedral is a handsome building, the oldest Anglican church in East Asia. It was constructed in1849. 

Tsui Museum of Art

2A Des Voeux Rd.

Central, Hong Kong

2868-2688.

Rotating exhibitions drawn from its collection of more than 3,000 Chinese antiquities, predominantly Chinese ceramics.  

Water World

Ocean Park Road

Aberdeen, Hong Kong

2555-6055

Contains water slides (you plunge down at 28 mph/45 kph), a wave pool, the Lazy River and a children?s area for those under age 6. 

Hong Kong Science Museum

2 Science Museum Rd

Tsim Sha Tsui East, Kowloon

2732-3232.

Hands-on exhibits that will interest adults as well as children. 

Temple of 10,000 Buddhas

Close to Tai Pau Street, New Territories

Above Shatin railway station (go by Kowloon Canton Railway). 30 minutes outside Hong Kong

Open daily 8-6

To reach the Temple there is a climb of 431 steps.  Known locally as ?Man Fat Sze  Temple?, this Buddhist shrine was built in the 1950s.  Grateful worshippers have donated thousands of small statues over the years.  Each shows the Buddha in a different pose.  From the edge of the courtyard there are magnificent views over Sha Tin.  The courtyard contains a beautiful tiered pagoda. Higher up is a set of four temples.  One contains Hong Kong?s second tallest Buddha statue; another the embalmed remains of Yuet Kai who founded the monastery. 

University Museum and Art Gallery

University of Hong Kong,

94 Bonham Road Hong Kong Island

+852 2859-2114.

Open Mon-Sat 9:30-6; Sunday 1:30-5:30.  Closed on public holidays.

Large collection of bronze ware from the Yuan Dynasty as well as artifacts from the Warring States Period and Indian Buddhist sculpture. The museum houses an enormous collection of ceramics dating back as far as Neolithic times. 

Kat Hing Wai

Kam Tin

Kat Hing Wai also known as Kam Tin Walled Village is the original 10th-century homestead of the Tang clan, the first of the Cantonese ?Five Great Clans? to migrate to the New Territories from China. The village may be modern inside, but it?s still surrounded by a moat and walls with four corner guardhouse towers. Contributions to the donations box are expected, as are handouts to the costumed Hake women before camera shutters can be pressed. 

Hong Kong Arts Centre Pao Galleries

2 Harbour Rd.

Wanchai

2582-0200

Hong Kong Arts Centre Pao Galleries showcase for contemporary art, with major international and local exhibitions of paintings, photography, crafts and design staged regularly.

Flagstaff House, Museum of Tea Ware  

Lei Cheng UK Branch Museum

41 Tonkin St., Sham Shui Po,

Kowloon

2386-2863

Lei Cheng UK Branch Museum is the Han Dynasty tomb dating back some 2,000 years, the oldest historical monument in Hong Kong. Also a Han Dynasty (206 BC-AD 220) exhibition of dress