The harbour city in southern China is one of the most densely populated places on earth. It's a vertical city where lots of its citizens live in high rise apartments. In fact, Hong Kong has more skyscrapers than any other city in the world.
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Hong Kong is also a global melting pot, where local Cantonese-speaking residents live side by side with expatriates and foreign workers from every continent. English is widely spoken in this special administrative region, so you don't have to worry about communication issue. If you plan to visit the city soon, please read our list below for interesting places to see and things to do in Hong Kong.
1. Victoria Peak
Hop into the iconic Peak Tram carrying you to Sky Terrace 428 and the upper levels of Hong Kong Island. Enjoy the breathtaking 360 degree panorama of Hong Kong from the island's highest viewing deck. Then shop and dine at the Peak Tower, a shopping mall connected with the tram terminal.
2. Ngong Ping 360
The cable car on Lantau Island is a favourite among tourists. Take the crystal cabin with glass floor for more amazing experience. At the upper station, you can visit Ngong Ping Village, an open-air shopping center with restaurants and cultural performance.
3. Tian Tan Buddha
Seated peacefully on top of a hill in Ngong Ping area, the giant bronze statue of Buddha dominates the skyline of Lantau Island. Climb 268 steps of stairs to reach the statue's base, which is modeled after Tian Tan (Altar of Heaven) temple in Beijing.
4. Temple Street Night Market
When the dusk falls, the street leading Tin Hau temple will be closed for traffic as vendors and pedestrians flock the street. Hone your bargaining skills and get your favourite items from t-shirts and jeans to accessories and antiques at cheap prices.
5. Avenue of Stars
The avenue located along the Victoria Harbour waterfront is the Hong Kong version of Hollywood's Walk of Fame. Find the plaque of Hong Kong's pop stars such as Jet Li, Andy Lau, and Chow Yun-fat as you admire the panoramic view of the harbour.
6. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Not far from Avenue of Stars, the wide promenade in Kowloon Peninsula is another great way to enjoy the views of Victoria Harbour. Stroll around, take the best pictures of Hong Kong skyscrapers, and stop by at restaurants along the waterfront.
7. Symphony of Lights
If you come to Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade after the dark, don't miss a chance to watch Symphony of Lights. It's a spectacular light and sound show that takes place every 8 p.m. for 10 minutes. Involving more than 40 buildings, it's the largest permanent light show in the world.
8. Hong Kong Science Museum
Located on Tsim Sha Tsui East, the museum consists of over 500 exhibits to see. Unlike traditional museum, it is a highly interactive museum where visitors are expected to try and explore the exhibits, such as car simulator, energy shuttle, and children's gallery.
9. Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
Be awed by the stunning views of Hong Kong from the 100th floor of International Commerce Centre, one of the highest skyscrapers in the world. The high speed lift will launch you from the entrance to the deck in just 60 seconds. You can also try the incredible sky-high dining experience by Ritz-Carlton.
10. Ladies' Market
Get ready to shop in one of the most famous street markets in Hong Kong. Located on Tung Choi Street in the bustling Mong Kok district, you can find a wide range of goods, from bags and watches to shoes and dress. It is called Ladies' Market because a lot of hawkers here used to sell women's clothes.
11. Disneyland Hong Kong
The largest theme park in Hong Kong is built according to feng shui tradition. Disneyland Hong Kong features seven sections: Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Main Street, U.S.A, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, and Grizzly Gulch. The signs are available in Chinese and English.
12. Nathan Road
The shopping paradise is located in Kowloon, spanning some 3.6 kilometres (2.2 miles) through Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok. Walk the road illuminated by neon lights as you stop by stores and restaurants with scent of dim sum and broth. An Anglican church and large mosque can also be found here.
13. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
Climb 431 steps of stairs flanked by golden statues of Buddhist saints (arhats) leading to the main courtyard of the monastery and pagoda. They say there are almost 13,000 statues in the monastery complex, some dating back to Tang dynasty a millennium ago.
14. Hong Kong Observation Wheel
Ferris wheel is always a fun option to enjoy cityscape from above. Facing Victoria Harbour, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel consists of 42 gondolas, each is equipped with air conditioner. If the weather is clear, you can easily look at the skyscrapers in the financial district and beyond.
15. Kowloon Walled City Park
Move away from concrete jungle and relax yourself in this historical park. Kowloon Walled City Park is arranged in traditional Chinese style, with landscape features including Yamen (office from era of Imperial China), Garden of Four Seasons, and Garden of Chinese Zodiac.
16. Nan Lian Garden
Another classical Chinese garden you shouldn't miss is located in the Diamond Hill area in Northern Kowloon. Nan Lian Garden is designed in the style of Tang Dynasty with golden pavilion, red bridge, stone garden, pond, and waterfall.
17. Clear Water Bay Beach
If you feel like stepping on sandy beach, come to Clear Water Bay Peninsula in Sai Kung District. There are two popular beaches in the area, both are equipped with toilets, shower, changing rooms, vendors selling drinks, and life guards during the summer.
18. Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Taoist temple is famous not only for its beautiful traditional Chinese architecture, but also its reputation among worshippers as prayer answerer. Try your luck with fortune stick, or visit one of the booths offering palm reading service. Taoist weddings are also performed here.
19. Hong Kong Wetland Park
Take a breath of fresh air as you walk through the wooden path amidst swamp and wetland habitat. Hong Kong Wetland Park is an integrated conservation and tourism facility in Tin Shui Wai with exhibition galleries, indoor aquarium, and visitor centre.
20. Tai Mo Shan
Wear your most comfortable shoes and get ready to hike the highest peak in Hong Kong. The trail stretches some 9.7 kilometres (6 miles), offering panoramic views of Hong Kong from above the clouds on clear days. The hike can be completed in around 5 hours.
21. Victoria Park
Covering an area of 19 hectares (47 acres), the park features a central lawn, lush trees, basketball courts, swimming pool, and a statue of Queen Victoria of UK. Victoria Park is a popular gathering place for local Hong Kongers as well as migrant domestic workers, mainly from Indonesia.
22. Ocean Park
The massive ocean-themed entertainment hub consists of oceanarium, amusement park, and water park. Ride roller coaster with amazing view of South China Sea, marvel at jellyfish exhibit in big tanks, and walk through rainforest setting with tropical animals such as capybara and green anaconda.
23. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens
Located in Central District, the gardens with greenhouse facilities are home to more than 1,000 species of plants, including orchids, bamboo, and carnivorous plants. They also have collection of animals, including various species of mammals, reptiles, and birds.
24. Hong Kong Park
Blending nature and modern facilities, Hong Kong Park offers green landscape in the middle of the bustling Central Business District. The park includes modern gardens, historical building from British era, artificial lake, and Hong Kong's largest aviary.
25. Junk Boat Trip
Take your family or friends, rent a junk boat, and throw parties in the sea! It's a perfect option for trip away from Hong Kong's central area to the beaches such as Clear Water Bay and Repulse Bay. Some boats also offer inflatable toys such as slides, trampoline, and banana boat.
26. Landmark Hong Kong
With spectacular interior design and huge number of flagship stores from international brands such as Dior and Fendi, Landmark is one of the most exclusive shopping centres in Hong Kong. From high-end fashion and watches to jewelry, satisfy your passion for luxury here.
We hope the list above helps you to make decision on your next trip. If you know other interesting places to see and things to do in Hong Kong, please tell us in the comment section below.
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Wish you a wonderfrul trip in Hong Kong!
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