Clock Tower
Clock Tower In 1910, the Kowloon-Canton rail line began service, shuttling passengers between Mainland China and Hong Kong. Five years later, the Clock Tower was erected at what was then the Kowloon Station, where it still stands today. The 144-foot (44-meter) tall red brick and granite structure
Sha Tin Racecourse
Sha Tin Racecourse Thanks to the longtime British presence in Hong Kong, horse racing has enjoyed a long history in the city and has become a favorite pastime of locals and visitors alike. Sha Tin Racecourse is one of two race tracks in the city and the only one in Kowloon. It’s the newer of the t
Hong Kong Cruise Port
Hong Kong Cruise Port A former British colony, Hong Kong today is international and cosmopolitan, with diverse influences from China, Britain and beyond. While it is technically part of China, it really operates as its own country, with its own currency, laws and border controls. Vibrant, innovati
Mongkok
Mongkok Mongkok, a district located in Kowloon on the mainland side of Hong Kong, is known for its busy street markets and abundant dining options. It’s one of the most densely populated parts of the world, and the buzz of activity here never seems to stop. Buzzing neon lights and sidewalks filled
Ding Ding Tram (Double Deckers)
Ding Ding Tram (Double Deckers) Hong Kong’s public transportation system is one of the most modern and efficient in the world, but for an authentic, street-level tour of old Hong Kong Island, hop on the Ding Ding Tram. These double decker trams got their nickname from the dinging sound used to war
Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park The amount of glass, steel and concrete in Hong Kong can be overwhelming but the city has several beautiful green lungs, the biggest and most central of which is Hong Kong Park. Like everything in this city the park is innovative and modern. The design blends the sleek architecture
Tai O
Tai O Located within an hour of Hong Kong, the stilted fishing village of Tai O couldn’t be more different. Located on the northwestern coast of Lantau Island (where you’ll also find Hong Kong International Airport), the old village was once the home of the Tanka people who lived off junk boats, a
Jade Market
Jade Market In Chinese culture jade is associated with long life and purity and many locals in Hong Kong wear protective jade pendants based on their birthday and zodiac. If the jade cracks that means some sort of bad luck has been averted.An enormous three ton hunk of jade makes the beginning of
Flower Market
Flower Market The flower market is probably the most colorful and definitely the best smelling of the many Mongkok area markets. The vibrant stretch of road houses over 100 specialty shops and flower wholesalers. Here youll find everything from delicate orchids to hearty cacti as well as scores of
Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery
Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery If you ask around Hong Kong about the best attractions, chances are you’ll hear mention of the Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha) on Lantau Island. What you probably won’t hear mentioned is Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery, yet this once remote monastery is one of the
Happy Valley Racecourse
Happy Valley Racecourse The British handed over sovereignty of Hong Kong in 1997, but cultural vestiges remain. One of the most prevalent is horse racing, and the best place to see it in Hong Kong is at the Happy Valley Racecourse on Hong Kong Island. The sport has a history in the city dating bac
New Territories
New Territories There was a time when this mountainous buffer between downtown Hong Kong and mainland China was populated solely by indigenous Hakka farmers and a scattering of old villages. That time wasn’t too long ago—just a mere number of decades. In the time that has lapsed since, however, th
Peak Tram
Peak Tram For over 100 years, the Victoria Peak Tram has been inclining its way up Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island. Taking a ride on the steeply angled tram is an essential Hong Kong experience. The service began as a coal-fired tramway in 1888, and was electrically powered by 1926. Today, more
Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan)
Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan) Overlooking the Central district on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak (Tai Ping Shan) is one of the best vantage points for stupendous views of the harbor and high-rises. Rising 1,810 feet (552 meters), Victoria Peak is topped with the touristy Peak Tower complex of sho
Man Mo Temple
Man Mo Temple You’ll probably smell Man Mo Temple before you get there, as worshippers light enough giant incense coils within to turn the air an odd shade of blue and ensure everyone who enters leaves with a distinctive but pleasant Taoist perfume. Originally built in 1847, Man Mo is Hong Kong’s
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island The focus for shopping, eating and sightseeing on Hong Kong Island is Central and Causeway Bay. Away from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island retains a surprising amount of greenery on the Peak and its mountainous interior, and its coastline is indented by a beguiling sequence of
Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour Riding a Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island is a signature Hong Kong experience. The low-slung, double-decker, green and cream ferries are a Hong Kong emblem, dating back to 1888. Until the cross-harbor road tunnel and underground train link were b
Big Buddha
Big Buddha The Big Buddha (Tian Tan Buddha), located on Lantau Island, has the very specific distinction of being the largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha on earth. Including its podium and lotus flower, the entire statue stands 112 feet (34 meters) tall. The stature was erected in 1993 and faces
Lantau Island
Lantau Island Lantau Island is twice the size of Hong Kong Island, but only a fraction of the population live here, leaving its beaches, hills and national parks to visitors to enjoy.The highlight is the Po Lin monastery and temple, reached by the Ngong Ping 360 cable car on the western side of th
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Hong Kong’s Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, extending from Kowloon’s colonial Clock Tower to Hung Hom, is he best place in the city to gaze at the colors and lights of the spectacular Hong Kong Island skyline set in front of a backdrop of green hills. It’s also one of the best spo
