A Great Holiday Destination
Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated areas in the world. With limited land and a population of over seven million people living in high-rise apartments, it is not surprising Hong Kong has more than two thousand buildings over 100 metres tall. In addition to that, there are more than two hundred skyscrapers over 150 metres tall.
The travel transportation system in Hong Kong is one of the best in the region. It has the rapid rail, public buses, mini buses, trams, taxi and ferry services to transport millions of people every day.
Millions of visitors from around the world visit Hong Kong every year because the place is well known as a shopper's paradise, high-tech entertainment hub and places with the best nightlife. When it comes to food, there are unlimited choices of eastern and western dining and authentic Asian cuisine.
Hong Kong comprises of three main regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories. There are heaps of popular tourist attractions and places of interest that you can visit in each region. It would be a good idea to have an itinerary for each region if you want to explore every corner of Hong Kong.
Here's the list of attractions and places to visit in Hong Kong.
HONG KONG ISLAND
1. Victoria Peak
Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak. The Peak Tram departs from the Lower Peak Tram Terminus on Garden Road and begins a steep climb to Victoria Peak with an amazing tilted view throughout the ride. Enjoy more spectacular views of the surrounding areas below from the Peak.
2. Repulse Bay
Stroll along the top beaches on Repulse Bay. There are statues of dragons, sculptures of god and goddess along the beach.
3. Ocean Park
This is Hong Kong's most famous Adventure Park comprising of amusement rides, exhibits, fun activities and tourist attractions. The children will love Ocean Park so be prepared to spend a whole day here. Ocean Park has been open since 1977 and it has been supporting animal conservation programmes in the region.
4. Happy Valley Racecourse
Horse racing has been part of the Hong Kong culture for over 100 years. The Happy Valley Racecourse comes alive during the horse racing seasons from September to June every year.
5. Aberdeen
Pay a visit to Aberdeen Harbour where you can see fleets of Chinese fishing junks. These fishing junks are homes for many people who live in the harbour area.
6. Jumbo Floating Restaurant
The Jumbo Restaurant is one of the largest floating restaurants in the world. It has been serving the locals and tourists since 1976. Seafood meals are popular with the people of Hong Kong and this floating restaurant offers scrumptious seafood meals.
7. Expo Promenade (Golden Bauhinia Square)
At the Expo Promenade, history was made when the British handed Hong Kong back to China on June 30, 1997. That was the end of the British colonial rule in Hong Kong. There is also a Flag Raising ceremony at the Promenade every day at a designated time.
8. Double Decker Tram (Ding Ding Tram)
One of the things you must do in Hong Kong is to hop on the Hong Kong Tram for sightseeing. This tram system has been running for over a hundred years and is still a very popular means of public transport. You will not get lost in Hong Kong if you just follow the tram route.
9. Victoria Harbour
If you are in Hong Kong during the Christmas and New Year seasons, you will be able to see Victoria Harbour lighted up with Christmas decorations and spectacular displays of dazzling lights all around the harbour area. There will be new year celebrations, christmas markets and many celebration activities to celebrate the festive seasons.
10. MTR Rail System
The MTR is quick and efficient. Hop on the MTR and it will get you to most destinations in a short time. It can bring you to the boundary of mainland China if you decide to continue your journey to the mainland China . The MTR Tourist Day Pass permits unlimited travel on the MTR for the whole day.
11. Lan Kwai Fong
Experience the best Hong Kong nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong. This destination is full of restaurants, pubs, the best bars and clubs to entertain everyone into the night.
12. Hollywood Road
An amazing thing about Hong Kong is that almost every tourist who visits the place will definitely go on a shopping spree before leaving the country. Here are some of the places to check out for fantastic shopping bargains.
If you appreciate the antiques, you can find them in the shops on Hollywood Road. Lots of souvenirs, bargains and gift items.
17. 1881 Heritage
There is a hotel, exhibition hall and shopping at the 1881 Heritage. The presence of Victorian style buildings here is a reminder of the colonial times of Hong Kong in the 1800s.
18. Kowloon Walled City Park
Experience the history of the park where a walled fort used to stand. Stone walls and watchtowers used to enclose the area during the British Occupation. The stone walls were torn down during World War II and remnants of the structures can be seen in the present day park.
19. Sky100
This is the tallest building in Hong Kong, with 100 floors. A high-speed elevator transports people to the top floor in just 60 seconds. It is truly an ear popping experience. Visitors will be able to experience a panoramic bird eye's view of the whole city with the powerful telescopes provided.
20. Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
If you want to wish for something, this is the temple where you can make a wish and hope your wish will be granted. Thousands of locals and overseas visitors flock to this temple to plea their wishes.
13. Western Market
Visit the Western Market for handmade, handicraft and arts items.
14. Stanley Market
Shop here for the latest fashion items like clothes, bags, shoes, jewelleries, oriental gifts and novelty items.
15. Causeway Bay
Hundreds of small shops and boutiques to be discovered at Causeway Bay for your shopping addiction.
16. North Point
If you still have not had enough of shopping yet, North Point is another place to visit. Remember to stop for lunch at some of the cafes that serve local delicacies and exotic food.
KOWLOON
21. Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
Come and listen to the sweet sounds of the songbirds at the Bird Garden. Bird lovers and bird owners bring their pet birds here every day to let the birds sing their little hearts out. There are several dozen songbird stalls for those who would like own more birds.
22. Flower Market
Plant lovers will have a great time at the Flower Market. There is a huge variety of exotic plants, local plants and flowers for sale.
23. Goldfish Market
While you are in the area, check out the Goldfish Market. Even if you are not able to travel home with a goldfish, it is worth spending some time admiring the exotic fish they have for sale.
24. Avenue of Stars
Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui resembles Hollywood's walk of fame. Memorabilia, statues, plagues, footprints and handprints of local celebrities are displayed on the avenue. If you are a fan of any Hong Kong stars, you will be excited with this place.
25. Jade Street
Jade is a traditional favourite gemstone of the people in Hong Kong. It is a belief that jade brings good luck and can ward off bad and evil spirits. The Jade Market has a collection of jade items for sale, jade bracelets, jewellery, jade rings, pendants, statues and ornaments.
26. Cheung Sha Wan Road Fashion Street and Ladies' Market
Shopping in Hong Kong is like a favourite past time of the local people. There are boutiques and shops for the bargain hunters. At the Ladies' Market, you can get the latest fashion in clothings, bags, cosmetics, accessories, footwear, toys, electronics and other gadgets.
27. Apliu Street
There is a flea market in Apliu Street. New items and pre-loved items are available from different stalls here.
28. Temple Street Night Market
Most men would rather come to this Night Market than the Ladies' Market. There is a whole range of electronic gadgets, clothings, music gadgets and clothings for men on Temple Street.
29. Lei Yue Mun Seafood Bazaar
If you are looking for a fresh seafood dinner, the restaurants in the area have a variety of seafood on their menus.
30. DHL Hong Kong Balloon
Anybody fancy going up on an air balloon? Take a ride on the DHL Hong Kong Balloon and float into the sky for an amazing view of the harbour and the city.
NEW TERRITORIES
39. Tin Hau Temple
Tin Hau is a Goddess of the Sea. The Tin Hau Temple is a place of worship for those who want to have their wishes granted.
40. Tai Fu Tai Building
This building was built by a scholar in the 1800s. The interior of the building has an amazing display of wood carvings and plaster moulds.
41. Ching Chung Koon
Come to this place to see displays of chinese cultural items, pagodas, plants, bonsai and treasures from the Beijing Imperial Palace.
42. Hong Kong Wetland Park
The Hong Kong Wetland Park promotes environmental protection and conservation. At the Wetland Interactive World, there are exhibits and galleries providing information on conservation.
43. Sai Kung Town
Enjoy a meal of seafood at the Sai Kung Promenade in Sai Kung Town. Stroll along the waterfront enjoy the serenity of this town.
31. Ma Wan Park Noah's Ark
A full size replica of Noah's Ark has been constructed and is displayed in Ma Wan Park. There are over 60 pairs of Noah's animals with the ark. Plenty of exhibits and galleries and great fun for the kids at the adventureland.
32. City Art Square
For art and sculptures admirers, the City Art Square has a display of art and sculptures from world artists and designers.
33. Tsing Ma Bridge
The Tsing Ma Bridge is the longest steel suspension bridge. It has roads and railway tracks and is open to both vehicles and trains.
34. Sha Tin Racecourse
Come and experience the excitement of horse racing at the world class Sha Tin Racecource. It is busiest during the racing season from September to June.
35. Ping Shan Heritage Trail
Follow this heritage trail of one kilometre and walk through the villages of historical structures including some temples, Chinese buildings and a 600-year-old pagoda made of bricks and granite.
36. Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail
This is another heritage trail that dates back to the 18th century. Explore this heritage trail and you will discover many buildings, monuments, walled villages and watchtowers along the trail.
37. Mai Po Wetlands
Come and enjoy some bird watching and hiking in this wetlands. There are hundreds of species of birds living in the wetlands together with other wildlife animals.
38. Kat Hing Wai
At Kat Hing Wai, the village had a surrounding wall that was built 500 years ago during the Ming Dynasty. This wall was made of blue bricks and you will meet some of the villagers dressed in their ancient clothes and hats.
44. Hong Kong Disneyland (Lantau Island)
Bring the children to Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island and they will have a fantastic time. Book your tickets to Disneyland online and skip the queue. Save money with discounted e-tickets from Voyagin.
45. Po Lin Monastery (Lantau Island)
Visit the Po Lin Monastery and enjoy a vegetarian lunch at the monastery. You will see the Giant Buddha next to the monastery.
46. Tai O Fishing Village (Lantau Island)
Make a trip to Tai O Fishing Village and you will be fascinated with the stilt houses the fishermen are living in. The fishermen believe they are safer living on stilt houses because of the tidal waves in the area.
47. Ngong Ping Village (Lantau Island)
Travel by cable car to Ngong Ping Village to visit some shops and eateries. The settings in this village are all related to the Buddhist religion and spiritual themes in the area.
48. Mui Wo (Lantau Island)
Mui Wo used to be a silver mine several hundred years ago. Now only remnants can be seen. There are some new buildings, shops and hotels in this place.
OTHER ISLANDS
Catch a ferry and continue your adventure on some of these islands off the mainland:
Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Island, Lamma Island and Peng Chau Island.
Lantau Island, Cheung Chau Island, Lamma Island and Peng Chau Island.
49. Cheung Chau Island
This is a small island with seafood restaurants, shops, wet market selling seafood, fruits and veges. Ferry ride from Hong Kong is about 45 minutes.
50. Lamma Island
Lamma Island is half an hour by ferry from Hong Kong. There are no skyscrapers nor cars on Lamma Island so you can enjoy the clean air, beaches, hiking and exploring the island.
51. Peng Chau Island
This is also another small island with a seafood market, an old temple and some restaurants.
52. Macau
Most visitors like to travel to Macau and spend a day or two exploring this Portuguese colonised place. They can go to Macau by taking either a hydrofoil or ferry from the ferry terminals on Hong Kong Island or Kowloon.
Hong Kong
