The main areas of Hong Kong are Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, Lantau Island and Victoria Harbour. But there are also over 200 outlying islands making up the whole of Hong Kong. Areas differ from the hustle and bustle of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, both offering brilliant shopping, to the laid back tourism of Lantau Island and the ruralness of the New Territories which border main land China.
KowloonThe urban area of Kowloon makes up the northern shores of Hong Kong and is just a short distance from Hong Kong Island. The area is split into Kowloon Peninsular and New Kowloon and the main station is MTR Lok Fu Station which is really well connected to the main tourist sites. It has a much lower skyline than the rest of Hong Kong due to it being so near to the old Hong Kong International Airport which was moved in 1998, meaning buildings were restricted in height by air paths.
Hong Kong Island
South of Kowloon, Hong Kong Island makes up the southern part of Hong Kong. It is one of the biggest islands and was only returned to China in 1997 after the British had occupied it. The economic, political and historical centre of Hong Kong resides in the Central area of the island. Victoria Peak, one of Hong Kong’s most notorious viewpoints is also on the island, along with bursting shopping malls, restaurants, temples and tourist’s needs.
Lantau Island
Situated at the mouth of the Pearl River, Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong and since 1998 has been home to Hong Kong International Airport. It’s the place to go if you have little time as it has everything on offer in once place, with white sandy beaches, shopping malls galore and Buddhist architecture. Lantau has come a long way since its early days as a fishing village, with the construction of the new town of Tung Chung and Hong Kong Disneyland. The island is historically important as it was the first European settlement and an important trading post for the British.
New Territories
North of Kowloon, stretching all the way to mainland China is the rural area of Hong Kong that people often forget about. The New Territories form the natural escape from the towering cities, where cool mountains such as Tai Mo Shan (the highest in Hong Kong) and lush crystal watered beaches are in abundance, along with the added bonus of fresh air. Here you’ll find most of the oldest Chinese temples. There is also the treasured Geopark boasting more unspoilt coastlines and rural villages.
Victoria Harbour
At the heart of Hong Kong is Victoria Harbour, separating Kowloon from Hong Kong Island on the edge of the South China Sea. The natural land formed harbor boasts glittering lights and has always been instrumental to Hong Kong’s central trade. During the British colonial reign it was the central area and it is still an important factor for trade today. It’s also the best place for an early morning free Tai Chi class overlooking the calming waters with Master Ng.
