Hong Kong is both a city in China and a state within a state with its own laws, traditions and orders. This is a place of amazing contrasts, where advanced technologies get along with age—old traditions, skyscrapers, piercing clouds with their peaks, side by side with simple fishing houses, and huge shopping malls with chaotic shopping malls of floating markets. The sights of Hong Kong combine the flavor of oriental culture and the extraordinary contrast between antiquity and modernity. The population density here is fantastically high — about 6.4 thousand people per square kilometer, which explains the special beauty of urban panoramas — a tight jungle of skyscrapers tend to rise not only in the business center of Hong Kong, but even on its outskirts. And now we will talk about the numerous attractions of Hong Kong. Here is a list of the most interesting options to see in Hong Kong. There are so many of them here that a multi-day trip will not be enough to cover all the memorable places.
What to see in Hong Kong first of all
Planning a trip to a city with a huge number of attractions is always difficult, but there are a couple of secrets that any tourist should know. Firstly, the guides in Hong Kong are ready to show most of the places of interest for a reasonable fee, and secondly, for a change, you should combine the inspection of historical monuments and natural wonders.
1. Victoria Peak (western part of Hong Kong Island)
View of the “Peak” from Victoria Gap Daniel Case
When planning what to visit in Hong Kong, be sure to pay attention to Victoria Peak. This is perhaps the most must-visit attraction in Hong Kong for everyone who comes here for the first time. It is the highest point on Hong Kong Island, located at an altitude of 0.552 km above sea level. In the 19th century, this peak was even used as a lighthouse for incoming ships. Today, there are several ways to climb to a height to enjoy the magnificent views.
- One way is by bus. To do this, you should first get to the Central metro station, from where you can walk to pier No. 5 or No. 7, where there will be a bus stop. The bus goes from the pier to the very top, but the journey time will be considerable — from 30 minutes to an hour. The road is winding, but there are interesting views along the way. The most budget-friendly way, difficult, but at the same time, full of impressions, is to climb the peak on foot. To do this, drive to the Central or Hong Kong metro station, walk to the escalator and climb to the top. After climbing, turn left onto Conduit Road, walk to Old Peak Road and walk up it, watching as the urban views gradually change to forest ones. In total, the ascent on foot will take about half an hour. And, of course, the most popular and easiest option is to climb the famous Peak Tram funicular, which has been operating since 1888. Its only disadvantage is that there are many people who want to climb, and you will have to stand in a long queue. The actual travel time will be about 7 minutes.
At the top of the mountain there are several observation decks with stunning views of the bay, the green outskirts, and the view of the city with its skyscrapers and colossal infrastructure opens at a glance. Here, at altitude, there are also plenty of restaurants and cafes with breathtaking views from the windows, as well as shops, an exhibition gallery and Madame Tussauds wax Museum.
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2. Disneyland in Hong Kong (Lantau Island)
Entrance to Disneyland in Hong Kong
Since 2005, children and adults have been pleased with another relatively new attraction in Hong Kong — Disneyland. The most exciting attractions and entertainment in the best traditions of Disneyland operate here.
The peculiarity of Disneyland in Hong Kong is that it is built taking into account local traditions and rules of Feng Shui. The park includes several zones with different themes:
- The main avenue of the USA; The world of adventure; The world of the future; The world of fantasy.
Despite the fact that the park itself is relatively small in area — 27.4 hectares, the most extreme and exciting attractions are concentrated here, there is something interesting and exciting at every step, there are a lot of small restaurants, souvenir shops, and every evening a bright show with fireworks is arranged. Special themed events are held here on national holidays.
Among the attractions, the following deserve special attention:
- Grizzly Gorge is an entertainment that is only available at Hong Kong Disneyland. Here you will embark on an exciting trolley journey among wild natural landscapes and various unexplored areas of the earth, and along the way you will find various surprises, as well as grizzly bears. Toyland is a country where everyone’s favorite cartoon characters “live”. There are three exciting attractions here — a racing car on a 27-meter arc, a Toy Soldier Parachute Drop flight entertainment and a zigzag Slinky Dog Spin attraction. Other attractions include holidays with magical characters, 3D entertainment, an alien show, a railroad trip through the park, a Broadway musical and much more.
Hong Kong Disneyland can be attributed to the most popular attractions in China.
Official website: https://www.hongkongdisneyland.com
3. Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue (south of Kowloon Peninsula)
Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui district
You won’t have to choose what to see in Hong Kong if you decide to visit Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue – this street passes by the most popular and important attractions in Hong Kong. The avenue originates at the Clock Tower and stretches along the entire cultural center of the city. Each of the attractions located along it is worthy of attention. That is why Tsim Sha Tsui attracts so many tourists, especially shopaholics. After all, a real paradise for shopping fans has been created here — a lot of shops, shopping centers, restaurants are located on Tsim Sha Tsui.
- The Hong Kong Museum of Art houses about 16 thousand exhibits telling about Hong Kong painting, sculpture and art in general. The Space Museum is a huge exhibition hall dedicated to space exploration and space discoveries; the Hong Kong Cultural Center is a multi—purpose center that hosts a lot of cultural events, exhibitions, festivals and theatrical productions. The Avenue of Stars is a 400—meter-long avenue along Victoria Harbor, built in the likeness of the Hollywood original. The main theme of the Alley of Stars is the history of the development of the film industry in Hong Kong, so the sidewalk and pedestrian area here are lined with stars, which depict the handprints of the most popular actors in Hong Kong.
In addition, on the territory of Tsim Sha Tsui Avenue there are a huge number of tourist hotels, hotels for different tastes and prosperity.
4. Ocean Park (southern part of Hong Kong Island)
Cable car in the Ocean Park
If you are an entertainment lover, then you will certainly find something to visit in Hong Kong. There is a huge amusement park in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, which will be interesting for both adults and children. This is an Ocean Park with an area of 880 thousand square kilometers, built in 1977 and reconstructed in 2005. This fantastic park is among the top most visited attractions in Hong Kong and around the world, about 5 million people visit it annually.
The famous park, in addition to the main part — the aquarium, includes a theme park with various animals and an amusement park, where it will be fun not only for children, but also for adults. Now the park consists of 35 different attractions, divided into two zones — the summit and the port, connected by a cable car and a funicular.
Here you will find a rich entertainment program, including:
- traveling underwater with sharks and stingrays; getting to know royal penguins and other animals of the poles; getting to know the world of Australian animals; traveling to the rainforest and getting to know its inhabitants; exploring the underwater world through a huge water screen; visiting an aquarium restaurant; getting to know the rarest animals of Asia – giant and red pandas, Chinese alligators and salamanders.
In general, the Oceanic Park is focused on supporting the protection of Asian animals, so part of the proceeds from the tickets sold goes to support wildlife conservation projects.
Official website: https://www.oceanpark.com.hk
See the beautiful places of Hong Kong in this wonderful video!
5. Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong (Tsim Sha Tsui East)
Bronze sculpture of Bruce Lee on the Avenue of Stars in Hong Kong
Due to the popularity of films shot in Hong Kong, many tourists already know some of the sights of Hong Kong — for example, such as the Alley of Stars. This street with a length of only 440 meters is never deserted — it attracts not only tourists, but also Hong Kong residents who come here with whole families, because besides everything else, the Alley of Stars is also a good place for photographs.
It is unlikely that there will be such a person who will not find something to see in Hong Kong on the Alley of Stars, or will remain unimpressed by her visit. After all, the entire Alley is decorated with various figures that were painted by the movie stars themselves, and along it are figures of various employees of the film industry, with whose participation the stagehands are depicted here.
The Alley of Stars also has 101 plaques dedicated to the stars of the film industry, as well as their handprints. Many of the Hong Kong actors are familiar only to Chinese film connoisseurs, but some of them have become famous all over the world — we are talking, first of all, about the world fame of Jackie Chan. The star dedicated to this actor is especially popular on the Alley.
Here you can also see the bronze sculpture of Bruce Lee — there are plenty of fans here too, and everyone is eager to touch the figure and take a memorable photo.
There is also a souvenir shop on the territory of the Alley of Stars, where you can buy a lot of memorabilia — from mugs with symbols of the alley to figures of heroes of your favorite movies.
Official website: https://www.hongkong-guides.com
6. The Big Buddha (Lantau Island)
A large Buddha on a lotus-shaped pedestal
On Lantau Island, a statue of the Great Buddha stands on the Ngonphin Hill. This Hong Kong landmark impresses with its huge size — a statue with a height of 34 meters and a weight of more than 250 tons rises on a mountain with a height of about 500 meters. Unlike other Buddha sculptures facing south, the Big Buddha looks north, as if blessing the lands spread out in front of him. The Buddha’s right raised hand is folded in the Abhaya mudra, which helps to dispel fears, and the left lowered hand is folded in the Kubera mudra, which helps to fulfill desires. At the base of the figure is an impressive 3-tiered pedestal in the shape of a lotus, which is surrounded by six praying Bodhisattvas with various gifts embodying virtues in Buddhism — meditation, diligence, mercy, kindness, patience and morality.
Inside the statue of the Great Buddha there are halls on all three levels:
The first level is occupied by the Hall of Virtue, the walls of which are decorated with paintings depicting moments of the Buddha’s earthly life. Here you can also see a huge bell that beats 108 beats daily, symbolizing getting rid of the same number of different problems.
The second level is occupied by the Hall of the Universe (Jarmadhatu), where you can see the fascinating painting “Sermon of Faim” with Bodhisattvas listening on it.
On the third floor there is a Hall of Memory, which houses a particle of the relics of the Buddha. There is a belief that those who come across the relics of the Buddha can later see the Buddha himself.
You can get to the statue of the Great Buddha by cable car, which usually has long queues. Therefore, sometimes it will be more expedient to get here by bus from the Tung Chung metro station.
Official website: https://www.plm.org.hk
Hong Kong Attractions: what else to visit while in Hong Kong
Differing in duration and intensity, all excursions in Hong Kong have one thing in common – they are incredibly exciting, and this city is completely different day and night. You can easily experience this personally by making a list of places to visit using our list of attractions.
7. Temple Street Market Night Market (Kowloon district)
Lights of the Temple Street Market Night Market
Even at night, you have something to see in Hong Kong — when the sun goes below the horizon, the Temple Street Night Market opens. Merchants begin to lay out their goods, shops come to life, fortune tellers begin their work at the far end of the market and bright street performances start.
And even if you don’t plan to buy anything, a walk through the night market will bring you an unforgettable experience. There is such a unique atmosphere here that the market has repeatedly become the place where the scenes of many famous films unfolded.
Various souvenirs, commemorative trinkets, different types of tea, watches, clothes, electronics, jade figurines, antiques, bags, disks and much more — all this is carefully considered and becomes the subject of bidding. By the way, the night market is a great place where you can practice your trading skills and get a discount. In addition, this is an ideal place for wholesale purchases, and the price level here is much lower than in the whole of Hong Kong, and you will be pleasantly surprised by the small amount spent on an impressive batch of goods. At the same time, the food stalls here offer a wide range of delicacies at reasonable prices, where seafood dishes predominate.
The night market in Temple Street Market is not just a market in the classical sense, so expecting to see several rows of clothes and products here, you will be pleasantly surprised. A lot of strange souvenirs, antiques, Asian delicacies will amaze the imagination with their variety. Tired of walking, you can use the services of a massage therapist, clean yourself up at a hairdresser, ask the future of local fortune tellers or visit one of the street shows.
The Night Market is a unique attraction in Hong Kong, which is an example of the conviviality and flavor of the Chinese market.
Official website: https://www.hongkong-guides.com
8. Jumbo Floating Restaurant (Aberdeen Bay)
Evening view of the floating three-storey Jumbo restaurant
The floating Jumbo restaurant, built back in 1976, has become one of the most striking attractions in Hong Kong. The restaurant, which is a unique architectural creation in the form of two Chinese-style ships, is located in the Aberdeen area, and if you do not know that this is a restaurant, you can really mistake it for a ship.
In general, the Jumbo restaurant includes two restaurants — Jumbo itself, as well as Tai Pak, the halls of which are decorated in the traditions of Chinese palaces, with a lot of intricate decorations. Everything here is truly luxurious — solid and expensive furniture, an interior in a rich antique style, impeccable service and manners of the staff. In one of the halls of the restaurant there is even an imperial throne, sitting on which you can feel like an all-powerful ruler.
The restaurant’s menu is no less striking in its abundance and scope. The hundreds of dishes presented are so amazing that it is not possible to choose one thing. Shark fin soup, lobster salad, turtle soup, steamed bass, drunken shrimp are just a small part of the rich menu. The taste of individual dishes is so specific that despite the high prices, it is unlikely that you will be able to finish some of them. Waiters often like to observe the reaction of customers to the dishes served.
You can get to the floating restaurant by ferry, which departs from the Aberdeen or Shum Wan piers.
Official website: https://www.jumbo.com.hk
9. Wong Tai Sin Temple (Kowloon Peninsula)
The richness of colors and decorations of the Wong Tai Sin Temple building
Getting off at the Wong Tai Sin subway station and following the signs a little, you can see another significant attraction in Hong Kong, especially a popular environment of Confucians and Buddhists – the Wong Tai Sin Temple.
The shrine was founded in honor of the Taoist deity of healing, who was the reincarnation of a real person — the hermit Wong Tai Sin (in the life of Huang Chu Ping), who lived in the 4th century AD. According to the historical description kept in the temple itself, Chu Ping was born and grew up in a very poor family, having known poverty from an early age. And at the age of 15, he met a certain saint on the mountain of the Red Pine. Since then, he began to master Taoism and 40 years later returned to that mountain and settled on it.
In 1915, a businessman who arrived in Hong Kong, Leung Zhenyan, organized a Chinese medicine shop. He also revived the lost faith in Chu Ping by building an altar behind the shop. But in 1918, both his shop and the altar burned down. In 1921, a temple was built, named after the Immortal from Krasnaya Sosna Mountain, and only in 1954 it was opened to all visitors.
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is built in the best Chinese traditions and is richly decorated with fine carvings, yellow lattices and red columns. The altars placed here are dedicated to Taoist, Buddhist and Confucian deities. The temple complex includes several halls, including the Bronze Pavilion, the Hall of the Three Saints, the Archives Hall, the Confucian Hall, the Yue Hing Temple, and the Garden of Desires. Souvenirs, herbs, incense and religious paraphernalia can be bought at nearby shops.
Official website: https://www1.siksikyuen.org.hk
10. Tai O Fishing village (west of Lantau Island)
Stilt houses and boats in the fishing village of Tai O
Tai O is often called the “Venice of Hong Kong”, but in fact it is just a traditional fishing village located in the western part of Lantau Island. Most of the structures here stand on stilts right in the water, and boats are the main mode of transport. Along the coastline of the fishing village, streams of sea and river water merge together. Thanks to this, beautiful mangrove groves grow on the local soils.
Here, as nowhere else, the image and flavor of ancient Hong Kong has been preserved. In some places, the dwellings of the first inhabitants of Hong Kong, tanaka, have still survived, and fishing and the sale of dried seafood are still the source of income for local residents here. Thanks to the preserved traditions, Tai O has become an original attraction in Hong Kong, attracting streams of tourists: travelers are attracted by the unusual local flavor and fresh fish dishes. Here you can also visit several historical museums and a temple, take a boat trip and, if you are lucky, meet rare white dolphins. Strolling through the village streets, you can buy and taste local delicacies such as toasted rice donuts or soy kefir, fried spinach with shrimp paste or salted fish with ginger, and much more.
11. Hong Kong Sky Line
Hong Kong Sky Line – skyscrapers on the shore of Victoria Bay on Hong Kong Island at night
The sky line refers to a string of giant skyscrapers located along the coast of Victoria Bay. Although it is difficult not to notice the attractive modern facades of these structures during the day, they really transform at night when the fascinating illumination lights up. And every evening at 8 o’clock, a fantastic laser show is projected on high—rise buildings – perhaps there is no equal to this spectacle in the whole world. Hundreds of visitors to the city and local residents specially gather in advance at the observation decks equipped on the opposite shore of the bay to become observers of the amazing spectacle. You can watch the show from different points of view, and from each new angle it is perceived differently. The performance begins with a few rays and unfolds into a real extravaganza of colors accompanied by musical compositions. This impressive show has been dubbed the “Symphony of Lights”, and tourists from all over the world come to see it.
12. Victoria Bay
View of Victoria Bay at night from Victoria Peak
You can plan routes around Hong Kong endlessly, because every year new attractions appear here that cannot be ignored. But what to see in Hong Kong in 10 hours, being in the metropolis on the way and not wanting to miss the opportunity to get at least partially acquainted with this vast city? Perhaps, a mandatory item in the program of any tourist, even if he arrives in Hong Kong for half a day, is Victoria Bay — one of the most symbolic places in the city. For a long time it has been acting as a port, but this is not what attracts tourists. The view of the embankment surrounding the bay is not so important, but all the attention is taken by the surrounding architecture, striking in its scale and design solutions. The famous Victoria Peak, which is the highest point of the island, is especially popular on the coast. On the hill there is a cluster of restaurants, parks, as well as an observation deck, from which a stunning panorama of the city opens.
13. Hong Kong Park (Central District)
Artificial lake of the Hong Kong Park in the center of the business district of Hong Kong Rustam Abdrakhimov
Few would argue that Hong Kong is a stone jungle, a veritable forest of dizzying skyscrapers. But sometimes a person needs a breath of fresh air and a piece of nature so much that a vegetable island was created right in the middle of the urban jungle of Hong Kong, where you can get rid of the endless city running. This is a Hong Kong oasis park in the middle of the city, where the main elements are abundant greenery and running water, linking together different park compositions — here you can find many man—made ponds, streams, waterfalls and magnificent landscape compositions. A variety of exotic flora and many tropical birds living in the park create an amazing tropical environment. In addition to greenery and water, the park can offer its visitors a number of interesting museums, and an observation deck in the form of a 30-meter tower, and an amphitheater with 900 seats, and a cafe, and even a registry office.
Official website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk
14. Nan Lian Garden
A bridge over an artificial pond and elegant Chinese-style buildings in the garden of Nan Lian Anna & Michal
Another corner of peace and quiet in the heart of huge Hong Kong is the modern Nan Lian Garden, opened in the 2000s. Today it is one of the most picturesque parks of the metropolis, located in the Kowloon area and occupying more than 35 thousand square meters. The Chilin Nan Lian Monastery is located in the northern part of the park. It was planned as part of the monastery complex. Therefore, the main thematic concept of the park is its full compliance with the rules of Feng Shui design, and today Nan-Lian is made in the best traditions of ancient Chinese parks: pavilions are interspersed with terraces, lotus ponds and bridges complement this splendor. The main pavilion of Absolute Perfection is located in the very center of the lake. The second pavilion is a Tea house built on the water in the form of a wooden corridor for tea parties. Temporary exhibitions are held in the fragrance hall, and a local restaurant serves exclusively lean vegetarian dishes.
Official website: https://www.nanliangarden.org
15. Kowloon Park
View of Kowloon Park in the center of the Chimsachi district in Hong Kong Baycrest
Chinese Garden on the territory of the large Kowloon Public Park in Hong Kong User:Matthias Süßen
Every district of Hong Kong is famous for something interesting and unique. The Kowloon Peninsula, which seems to have the same noisy life as everywhere else, still has its own corner of tranquility — the large Kowloon Park, where it is so good to relax from the frenzied rhythm of Hong Kong. Military barracks were once located on the land where the park was located, but in the 70s of the last century they were demolished, and a wonderful park grew up on an area of 14 hectares, where today you can find everything for a detached walk — picturesque ponds, green alleys, shady corners, Chinese landscaped gardens and various sculptures. This place is not only pleasant for its views, but also interesting for its inhabitants. For example, pink flamingos can be seen near ponds, and right next to the observation deck there is a large round aviary with parrots of different breeds. An additional bonus for vacationers is that visiting the park is absolutely free.
Official website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk
16. Science Museum
An exhibition about prehistoric life on earth on the underground floor of the Science Museum of Hong Kong Wpcpey
Exhibition Hall at the WiNG Science Museum in Hong Kong
The Science Museum of 1992 is a corner of acquaintance with the great inventions of man. It is located in Hong Kong next to the Historical Museum. The museum’s area is impressive, which is as much as 6 square kilometers. There are as many as 17 exhibition grounds on this territory, showing about half a thousand exhibits. The theme of the exhibition includes five zones — an introductory exposition, nature science, technology, natural science, and a children’s exhibition. The main exhibit is located in the center of the museum hall, the real symbol of the museum is a giant 22—meter energy machine demonstrating the transformation of energy. Most of the exhibits are interactive, you can touch and study them with your own hands. A variety of levers and buttons allow you to perform a variety of simple experiments, through which some physical phenomena are explained.
Official website: https://hk.science.museum
17. Hong Kong History Museum (Tsim Sha Tsui District)
Hong Kong Folk Culture in the halls of the Hong Kong History Museum in Tsim Sha Tsui Wpcpey
If you want to learn everything about Hong Kong from a historical perspective, it is recommended to visit the Hong Kong History Museum, which displays thousands of exhibits related to the history of Hong Kong, starting from antiquity. Eight galleries show the entire history of Hong Kong, from prehistoric times to the present. Giant dioramas are dedicated to the daily life of ancient man — here are elements of excavations of settlements dating back to the Song, Ming and Tang periods, as well as household implements made of bone and stone. Interesting pottery is presented in the ceramics hall, and exhibits related to fishing, samples of Chinese dwellings, and demonstrations of the traditional tea ceremony are presented in the hall of modern history. On the second floor there is a hall of modern history with the first typewriters, documents, photographs and dishes. An attractive double-decker tram shows a video with the history of pre-war transport.
Official website: https://hk.history.museum
18. Hong Kong Museum of Art (Tsim Sha Tsui district)
Buddha sitting on a lotus at the Hong Kong Kinan168 Museum of Art
The Hong Kong Museum of Art is an indispensable destination for anyone who would like to get to know Chinese art in more detail. Today, the collection impresses with its size and artistic value — the number of exhibits already totals about 15 thousand, including ancient paintings and calligraphy, antiques and jewelry, unique drawings and engravings, creations of modern artists. The collection of antiquities shows products made of bronze, ceramics, jade enamel, samples of ancient fabrics and traditional clothing. The Hall of Historical Painting presents about a thousand paintings painted in oil, pencil, and watercolor. In addition to permanent exhibitions, temporary exhibitions are regularly organized in two special halls of the museum. A small exhibition of sculptures, located in an open area in front of the museum building, also deserves attention.
Official website: https://hk.art.museum
19. Hong Kong Cultural Heritage Museum (Sha Tin District)
The Heritage Hall of the New Territories at the Hong Kong Museum of Cultural Heritage Wpcpey
The Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall at the Hong Kong Cultural Heritage Museum in Hong Kong Wpcpey
Buddha at the Chinese Art Gallery at the Hong Kong Cultural Heritage Museum in Hong Kong Wpcpey
The Hong Kong Heritage Museum, founded in 2000, showcases the unique interweaving of history, culture and art in a variety of organized programs. Local exhibitions focus on creative and vibrant local culture, including design, photography, Cantonese opera, intangible heritage, and popular culture. It also traces the subtle relationship of world cultures with the peoples of China, in particular Hong Kong. To attract more visitors, the museum periodically hosts bright and fascinating exhibitions aimed at both educating and entertaining visitors. On an area of 7.5 thousand square meters, several halls dedicated to the Cantonese opera are allocated at once, where the main secrets of preparing for a spectacular performance are revealed, starting with the preparation of makeup and ending with dance and music.
Official website: https://www.heritagemuseum.gov.hk
20. Hong Kong Coastal Defense Museum
View of the Hong Kong Coastal Defense Museum on Hong Kong Island Gp03dhk
The old coastal defense fort, built in the 19th century by British troops and to protect the approaches to Victoria Bay, houses a military history museum that tells visitors about the history of coastal defense during the Qing and Ming dynasties, during major wars and other historical events. The museum was founded in 1999, and its exposition is located in three sections, representing the reception hall, the redoubt and the historical path. The interior of the redoubt serves as exhibition galleries with permanent exhibitions related to the history of coastal protection. Among the memorable objects located inside the redoubt, a huge cannon with a caliber of about 18 cm and weighing about 5 tons, a torpedo station and a battery built to protect the harbor from destroyers using small high-speed missiles stand out.
21. The Museum of Cosmonautics
The hemispherical shape of the Hong Kong Space Museum building on the Tsim Sha Tsui Marcus Meissner Embankment
The Hong Kong Space Museum is dedicated to the history of space exploration and astronomy MApoCE
The complex of museum buildings, including the Museum of Art and the Cultural Center, also includes the Museum of Cosmonautics, the building of which stands out for its huge hemispherical roof in the shape of an egg. The museum, opened in 1980, houses the world’s first planetarium with an automated control system and other advanced technical capabilities. The planetarium, created to popularize space and astronomical sciences, is located in the east wing of the museum — here you can visit the halls of space science, space theater, workshops, and in the west wing there is an astronomy hall, souvenir shops and astronomical literature. Advanced interactive equipment allows visitors to learn about space as clearly as possible, penetrating into its secrets. The museum’s huge domed screen regularly shows the best multimedia shows and foreign films, which are broadcast through headphones in several languages.
Official website: https://www.lcsd.gov.hk
22. Museum of Optical Illusions
Entrance to the Museum of Optical Illusions in Hong Kong ND-128
A visit to the Museum of Optical Illusions, whose exposition is based on 3D technologies and various innovations, will help to go beyond the usual format of excursions. The creators of the expositions were able to skillfully and interestingly beat each unfolding plot in the form of compositions, in which the visitor himself becomes the central figure. How the plot of the exhibition will develop depends on the visitor himself and on his imagination. This allows you to escape from boring everyday life into the world of optical illusions, plunging into a fantastic atmosphere and being in an unusual situation. The exhibition consists of about 70 three-dimensional paintings located in several thematic halls. For example, here you can find yourself inside a beautiful blooming flower, visit a rainbow, sit on a palm tree, hover over a precipice, stay in a boat with the characters of Monet’s paintings or sit next to Mona Lisa herself.
Official website: https://trickeye.com
23. Madame Tussauds Museum
Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in the Peak Tower Shopping Center at Victoria Peak Slaisomm
It may not take even a month to explore all the delights of the Hong Kong metropolis — every day you can find new interesting places here and not get bored. And what to see in Hong Kong in 5 days? Perhaps a five-day trip can be turned into a quite eventful tour of the most interesting sights. Among the museums, it is worth highlighting the Madame Tussauds Museum, which invariably attracts guests with the opportunity to “personally” get to know the most famous people in the world, or rather, with their plausible wax copies. The sculptures are so realistic that sometimes it takes your breath away at the sight of another celebrity. It is worth noting that it takes about six months and several hundred thousand dollars to create each new double, and about 20 specialists work on the creation. By the way, all the figures are called “wax” out of old habit — in fact, they have all been made of high-quality silicone for a long time.
Official website: https://www.madametussauds.com
24. Tea Ware Museum
Tea Ware Museum in a House with a flagpole on the territory of Hong Kong Park in Hong Kong Alanmak
The interior of the Tea Ware Museum in the House with a flagpole in Hong Kong Wing1990hk
You can form an idea of Chinese tea culture, the intricacies of the traditional ceremony and even personally participate in drinking a drink at the Tea Ware Museum, located among the greenery of the Hong Kong City Park. An excursion to this place turns into a unique trip to ancient Hong Kong, during which you can see the rarest Chinese tea utensils and taste drinks from the most valuable tea varieties. The snow—white building of the palace itself, which houses the museum, is very consistent with its theme – it was made in the 19th century in the Greek style and decorated with elegant Ionic columns. The most popular exhibition among visitors is demonstrating the basic rules and features of preparing and serving a drink on the table. The museum has a small shop with tea accessories and a variety of teas. And there is also a cozy tea house nearby, where you can enjoy a high-class drink.
Official website: https://hk.art.museum
25. Po Lin Monastery (Lantau Island)
Po Lin Buddhist Monastery on Lantau Island in Hong Kong Jakub Hałun
Looking at the interesting places of Hong Kong on the map, you can see that the Buddhist monastery of Po Lin is located on the green island of Lantau. Today, against the background of the noisy streets of the megalopolis, Lantau is a contrasting corner of silence and solitude, the development of which once began with the construction of the Lin. Visitors to the territory of Lantau are attracted not only by the picturesque nature and the authentic monastery, but also by the famous Buddha statue. The monastery itself was founded at the beginning of the last century by Buddhist monks, and before the construction of the colossal Buddha, it attracted little attention from tourists. With the advent of the giant Buddha sculpture, the flow of people wishing to get to this region increased dramatically, and the transport issue was immediately resolved, a modern funicular appeared. Within the complex there are several temples that amaze with the beauty of architecture, majestic statues made of wood and charming decorations made of fresh flowers.
Official website: https://www.plm.org.hk
26. Chilin Convent (Diamond Hill district)
The complex of the current Chilin Convent on the Jiulong Peninsula in Hong Kong Rob Young
When it’s time to take a break from the city noise, it’s time to retire and admire the traditional Chinese flavor in a secluded place on the Kowloon Peninsula, where the large Buddhist complex of Chilin and the adjacent Sal Nan Lian are located. The development of the park area here began in 1934 with the construction of the monastery itself, and half a century later the much dilapidated temple was reconstructed, taking as a basis the architectural style of the Tang era, with its traditional methods of wooden construction, without the use of nails. The official opening of the renovated monastery took place in 2000, and today the complex includes a convent, a temple, Chinese gardens, a vegetarian restaurant and dormitories for temporary guests. The temple halls contain such valuables as statues of Buddha and figures of other Bodhisattvas. The impression is complemented by a walk through the gardens of the Tang Dynasty, with their hilly landscapes, lotus ponds, rock rocks and lush vegetation.
27. Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery (Sha Tin district)
The pagoda and surrounding statues of Archan at the Buddhist Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas in Hong Kong Mk2010
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More than 500 golden statues and 431 steps lead to the monastery complex of Ten Thousand Buddhas Mk2010
Buddhist temples do not necessarily represent ancient structures — for example, the Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas has not yet turned a century old, and crowds of tourists and pilgrims flock to it. The monastery was founded by a simple layman, although he was a pious preacher of Buddhism and his sermons attracted numerous parishioners. In order to conduct performances in a more organized manner, the temple was erected, but for many more years its interior was complemented by countless Buddha statuettes. And today the number of Buddhas has crossed the ten thousand mark and reaches 13 thousand — all the statuettes are gilded and have a small height of up to 30 cm. At first glance, they may all seem the same, but gradually new features appear — it becomes clear that some Buddhas are smiling, others are laughing, others are angry, others are shouting, and others are thinking. The monastery is spread out on the slopes of a rocky hill, and all the buildings are connected by a staircase of 431 steps.
Official website: https://www.hongkongextras.com
28. Happy Valley and Sathin Racetracks (Sathin County)
General view of Happy Valley Racetrack from Stubbs Road in Hong Kong Minghong
A lot of Hong Kong residents are gambling fans of horse racing, so during the whole racing season tens of thousands of people rush to the racetracks, and those who cannot get there for various reasons rush to special betting establishments. Among the racetracks, the largest and most popular are two — the old Happy Valley, founded in the middle of the 19th century and accommodating up to 40 thousand people, and the modern Sathin, built in the 70s of the last century and accommodating up to 85 thousand spectators. Both are managed by the Hong Kong Jockey Club. Everyone chooses a racetrack to their liking, because they are different not only in size and age, but also in character. If Happy Valley is a legendary place where the atmosphere of irrepressible excitement reigns, then Sathin is a more equipped, modern and calm place for true connoisseurs of horse racing.
Official website: https://entertainment.hkjc.com
29. Qingma Bridge
Qingma Suspension Bridge over the Mawan Canal at night in Hong Kong
Qingma is a bridge that is famous for its length and construction. After all, this is one of the longest suspension bridges in the world, it connects the eastern island of Qing and the western Mawan, from where its name came from. The total length of the structure is about 40 kilometers, the structure is two—level — a wide highway is laid on the upper level, and railway tracks on the lower level. The main span of the bridge, with a length of almost 1.4 kilometers, is also the longest in the world among the bridges on which railway traffic is carried out. And this is not surprising, because the total length of the strongest cables supporting the structure is 160 thousand kilometers! During periods of typhoons, which are not uncommon in Hong Kong, a specially protected lower tier is provided for cars. Currently, Qingma is not only a busy highway, but also a popular tourist destination, it has a panoramic center.
Official website: https://www.discoverhongkong.com
30. Zoo and Botanical Garden (Victoria Peak)
Hong Kong Zoo and Botanical Garden on the northern slope of Victoria Peak Wpcpey
Travelers planning a family vacation will not have to look long for what to see in Hong Kong with children, because not every major city will be able to see such a large number of entertainment, parks and game centers as in Hong Kong. Among the places for entertainment, Hong Kong Disneyland is especially famous, and for those whose children love wildlife, you can recommend the large Aquarium and the Hong Kong zoo, which combines a botanical park and a zoo. The latter was founded in 1871 and is located on the picturesque slope of Victoria Peak. The main asset of the zoo is about 700 inhabitants, including a large number of primates, as well as reptiles, turtles, snakes, and birds. Although the small territory does not allow you to keep large animals, but visiting the park is absolutely free. The beautiful zoo occupies 5 hectares and contains about a thousand species of tropical plants, including 20 species of bamboo, 30 species of palm trees, as well as flowering camellias, magnolias, azaleas and an abundance of other vegetation.
31. Hong Kong Tram
Double-decker trams are a landmark of Hong Kong hans-johnson
Even with two days in Hong Kong at your disposal, you can see a lot of interesting places — the main thing is to plan your route correctly and make the most of your mini-trip. One of the best ways to reveal the whole flavor of the metropolis, to feel its essence and energy is to ride around the city on an absolutely amazing transport, a double—decker tram. But if the view of such a tram is something fantastic for a tourist, then for locals it has long been a familiar public transport, without which it is difficult to imagine Hong Kong. Once the lands of Hong Kong were a British colony, it was from there that the use of a kind of transport began — for sure, many people know London double-decker buses. All tram lines run in Hong Kong along the oldest part of it, there are about 170 trams running here, and this is a great way to arrange a budget city walk.
Official website: https://www.hktramways.com
32. Star Ferry
Star Ferry passenger ferry in Victoria Bay against the backdrop of the financial district of Hong Kong
Ferry service between Hong Kong, Kowloon Island and some other islands is not just one of the types of local transport that has not lost its relevance for a century and a half. Charming boats, constantly scurrying through the waters of Victoria Bay, are a true symbol of Hong Kong. One of the oldest ferries in the city is Star Ferry, which is suitable not only for crossing, but also for getting new impressions from a boat trip both day and night. The evening time on the “star” ferry is a period of fantastic spectacles, when fascinating views of urban panoramas with illuminated giant skyscrapers open from the water. A particularly good moment is 8 p.m., when the Hong Kong Sky Line becomes the venue for a laser show. And by crossing the water on the TurboJet and Cotai Water Jet ships, you can go explore the sights of Macau.
33. Ngongping 360 (Lantau Island)
Ngongping 360 Cable Car and 30 meter bronze Buddha statue on Lantau Island in Hong Kong
The most beautiful sights of the city are located high in the mountains on Lantau Island — here is a giant statue of Buddha, striking in its size, and the picturesque Po Lin Monastery, and the Path of Wisdom with wooden steles along it with carved quotations from the Sutra. Previously, this magnificent region could only be reached on foot or by bus, until the modern Ngonping 360 cable car opened here in 2005. Now the road to the mountains is a pleasure, it takes about half an hour and brings indescribable emotions from contemplating the extraordinary natural landscapes. The length of the cable car is about 6 kilometers, its lower station is located on the coast of Lantau, and the upper one is located next to Ngongping Square. The cable car is equipped with the latest design elements and has three types of cabins — standard for several people, “crystal” with a transparent glass bottom, as well as private, the most comfortable.
Official website: https://www.np360.com.hk
34. Funicular Peak tram
The path of the Peak Tram funicular from the Central District to Victoria Peak in Hong Kong
Victoria Peak is one of the most sought—after and coveted tourist destinations, and thousands of visitors come here every day to admire the magnificent city panoramas from a height of half a kilometer. There are several ways to get to the top of Victoria Peak, but the most popular of them is to travel by the elevated tram Peak Tram, which appeared here at the end of the 19th century and became the first cable funicular in Asia. Back then, it represented the only way to move between the lower settlements and the mountainous areas. Initially, the funicular was powered by a steam engine, and only many years later it was equipped with electric traction. The entire journey takes about 8 minutes and runs through the oldest historical districts of Hong Kong. The updated funicular is equipped with an automatic speed control system and can reach up to 6 meters per second.
35. Sky 100 Observation Deck
Overview of Hong Kong Island from the observation deck on the 100th floor of the Staeiou International Trade Center
If we talk about the places from which the best view of the metropolis opens, then we can advise you to visit the 60-meter Ferris wheel of Hong Kong, however, this attraction is significantly inferior in height to the Sky 100 observation deck, located on the hundredth floor of the tallest 490-meter building in Hong Kong. Sky 100 is the highest enclosed observation deck in the city, a 360-degree view of which allows you to see Victoria Bay and the surrounding city from a bird’s-eye view. It is located on the hundredth floor of the International Center building at an altitude of about 400 meters. Sky 100 is also known for the fact that it regularly hosts multimedia exhibitions using laser technologies that allow you to get acquainted with the history and culture of Hong Kong. A kind of map with the image of the most important urban objects located on the site allows you to choose a route for further travel right here.
Official website: https://sky100.com.hk
36. “The Dragon’s Back”
Hong Kong Naval Surface Warriors Walking Tour of the Dragon’s Back Mountain Range
Hong Kong residents are big fans of hiking, so all Hong Kong islands are covered with a network of hiking trails and trekking routes of varying difficulty. One of the most famous tracks of this kind is called “Dragon’s Back”, which is an optimal combination of low difficulty and the best reviews. The route passes through the tops of two hills, connecting them and resembling the “dragon ridge” in its outline. The total length of this trail is about 8 kilometers, and it takes about 5 hours to cover the entire path. During a walking trip, you can enjoy fascinating views of the South China Sea, local villages, beaches, and from the upper points you can even see the neighboring island of Lamma. Strange plants grow along the entire mountain range, colorful butterflies flutter, and at the highest point of the route there is an extensive observation deck.
Official website: https://www.discoverhongkong.com
After visiting Hong Kong, be sure to visit the capital of China – Beijing! We have prepared for you an overview of the best sights of Beijing so that you can be inspired to travel further around China.
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