First published on 28 Jul 2010. Updated on 4 Oct 2011.
Hong Kong offers a host of memorable tourist attractions within its compact area, with the Peak, Victoria Harbour and the Giant Buddha among the most awe-inspiring. You’ll be amazed by the diverse contrasts and close proximity of stunning cityscapes and soaring mountains, heritage sites and extensive green countryside. Find souvenirs and bargains at Hong Kong’s famous marketplaces; history and culture at museums and galleries; and an escape from the hustle and bustle at idyllic pockets of nature close to the metropolis.
Test your bargaining skills at Mong Kok’s Ladies Market
Ladies’ Market is a must-visit for fashion lovers with an eye for bargain-priced clothing, bags, accessories, toys, cosmetics and household knick-knacks. The stalls making up this enjoyable market can be found on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. It is open from noon until 11.30pm on Tung Choi Street, Hong Kong.
Watch "A Symphony of Lights"
Every night at 8pm there’s a free coloured light show offering fantastic views of the HK skyline at night. This spectacular display includes more than 40 buildings on both sides of Victoria Harbour. Vantage points are along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and the waterfront promenade outside the Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai.
Visit the Peak
Look down from the Peak and be amazed by views of Victoria Harbour, towering skyscrapers and green hillsides. The Peak Tram climbs 373m and is so steep the buildings you pass seem to lean. Lower Peak Tram Terminus is on Garden Road (Bus 15C from lay-by outside Star Ferry in Central or walk from MTR Central Station Exit J2).
Visit Cat Street
Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row ("Cat Street") are crammed with antique shops and an open-air curio market. Everything from Ming dynasty furniture to Mao badges and ancient snuff bottles is on sale
here. Bargain hunters will also enjoy the stalls on Ladder Street, just a few metres downhill – haggling is all part of the game.
Unearth the latest fashions
If you’re looking for something more than just designer labels, then drop in on Rise Shopping Arcade – a destination famous for stocking an eclectic variety of creative offerings from Hong Kong’s up-and-coming fashion designers. You can find Rise Shopping Arcade at Granville Circuit (off Granville Rd, off Nathan Rd, Tsim Tsa Tsui).
Take the cable car from Tung Chung up to the "Big Buddha"
Hong Kong’s largest island, Lantau Island is easily accessible by taking the MRT to Tung Chung, working your way to the Po Lin Monastery on a 30-minute cable car ride and arriving at Ngong Ping. Whatever your beliefs, you’ll be floored by the amazing grace of this enormous and famous statue.
Visit a hidden museum
Hidden in the courtyard of the Kwong Wah Hospital is a museum on the history of the Tung Wah Group: Hong Kong’s oldest charitable organisation, which established the first hospital practising traditional Chinese medicine and the first school for underprivileged children. The central room of the hall is magnificent. Kwong Wah Hospital, 25 Waterloo Rd, Kowloon.
Swim secretively at Lantau waterfalls
On Lantau you can find a beautiful swimming spot among the rocks and foliage of the hillside above Tai O. Take the bus to Tai O and hop off by the temple built for Li Ka Shing’s late wife. Take the overgrown
waterworks road that veers off to the left and walk for ten tranquil minutes until you arrive at a dead end featuring a large rock pool.
Have a moon-lit punt at the Happy Valley Race Course
Whether you’re an old hand or novice at placing a punt, this racetrack offers a unique night-racing experience where you can wine, dine or simply soak up the electric atmosphere. The Hong Kong Jockey Club Archive and Museum is on the second floor. 2 Sports Rd, Happy Valley, Hong Kong Island. (+852 2895 1523). Wed, Sep–May.
Visit a haunted gallery
Artist Adrian Wong thought he was in luck when he found a 3,000 square foot space for just HK$7,000 a month. It turned out to be haunted. He solved the problem in true artistic style: with a public spirit-cleansing performed by two exorcists. Embassy Projects, No. 19, 4/F, Blocks A& B, Wah Luen Industrial Centre, Fo Tan, Sha Tin.
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