Take a look at our list of the top 20 best things to do in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is probably most well known for being a very significant financial center in Asia. It’s naturally deep harbor allows countless cargo ships easy access, making it an important port. Hong Kong is actually an autonomous territory of China with its own political system and independent executive, legislative and judiciary powers. It can be considered a country on its own, but nevertheless, it is still influenced by China, and that shows on both its history and architecture. It’s a popular city for tourists as well thanks to its many resorts, theme parks, markets and other attractions. On this list, we have tried to collect the top 20 best things to do in Hong Kong.
- Happy Valley Racecourse
You would think that gambling is an accepted form of entertainment in a city like Hong Kong, but it is not actually so. It’s illegal mostly, and the only legal way to gamble is by horseracing. The Happy Valley Racecourse is one of the horseracing areas of the city. It’s quite big and the green area among the skyscrapers is quite refreshing, even if you don’t want to gample. Alternatively, you can just watch the race instead of actually placing a bet.
2. Hong Kong Disneyland
The Hong Kong Disneyland might not be the largest one in the world, but it certainly is just as popular and fun as any. It’s best enjoyed if you you come with children, but even adults can have fun here if they let their inner kid selves loose for a little time. The rides will certainly make it worthwhile.
3. Hong Kong Museum of History
The Hong Kong Museum of History displays and teaches the history of the city dating back to artifacts from prehistoric times even. It has around 90 thousand historical objects, and these are mainly for the permanent exhibition. Seasonal and other temporary exhibitions are also often available, themed around things like local food culture, public transportation and fashion. If you want to know more about the city and its origin, then coming here one of the things to do in Hong Kong for you.
4. Lantau Island
Lantau Island is the largest island in Hong Kong, and also quite popular due to the amount of attractions located there. These are quite different, as you can find monasteries, an old fort, a giant Buddha statue, beaches and the Hong Kong Disneyland here, among many others. It’s worth visiting considering how many places you can visit here. Not to mention that you can come here on a cable car.
5. Tian Tan Buddha
The Tian Tan Buddha is located on Lantua Island, and it’s one of its best features. It is a large bronze statue of Buddha Shakyamuni, and symbolises the harmonious relationship between man and nature, people and faith. It’s located on a high hill, making it easily visible from afar. You have to climb the steps leading to it, but is definitely a must-see for those interested in it. Smaller statues are also found around it, called “The Offering of the Six Devas”. These are Buddhistic statues praising and making offerings to the Tian Tan Buddha.
6. Nan Lian Garden
Nan Lian Garden is found in Hong Kong surrounded by skyscrapers and the mountains in the distance. It’s a public park in the style of the old Tang Dynasty, and has great features like a tea house, a vegetarian restaurant and of course spectacular Chinese architecture. It provides a tranquil experience, especially for those who come here to pray. Be respectful when coming here, as it is a place of peace, away from the bustling city.
7. Ocean Park
Some might say that in theme park-aspect the Ocean Park of Hong Kong might be even more fun then the Hong Kong Disneyland, and they might not be wrong. The Ocean Park has everything a theme park should have, and even more. A diverse zoo that includes pandas and dolphins, an aquarium with sharks and rays, roller coasters and carnival games, a cable-car ride and an underground funicular. Just a few of the numerous attractions at the park, which not only children but adults as well love.
8. Star Ferry
Being a coastal city, the Star Ferry provides the most scenic route through the city, transporting guests between the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. It’s an excellent way to see the city from the ferries, and has been a popular tourist attraction for years. Visitors claim it as a breathtaking experience, seeing the skyscrapers of the city and the surrounding island from the ocean. It’s a must-see among the things to do in Hong Kong for everyone visiting.
9. Street Markets
A visit to Hong Kong is not a visit without checking out and touring all the different Street Markets throughout the city. They are all diverse, catering to to different people with various merchandise. For example, there’s a Ladies’ Market for women’s clothing and accessories, there’s Stanley Market, an old fishing village turned into a market of souvenirs and jewelry, and Temple Street Night Market, dealing mainly with electronics, food and accessories during the night.
10. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
The Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is another popular spot for tourists and citizens alike, as this walkway along Victoria Harbour provides a great and relaxing experience. Just sitting down and watching the ships and people go by can be quite refreshing, not to mention all the bars and restaurants that the promenade offers. Lightshows are also often available here, so coming here during the night and seeing the skyscrapers on the other side of the harbour is just as great.
11. Victoria Peak
If you are not yet sick of viewing the city from different angles, be sure to visit Victoria Peak, one of the highest points of the city on the top of the mountains. Victoria Peak offers several lookouts and observational decks, as well as dining and shopping options while you are there. There’s also the Peak Circle Walk, which takes you along cliffside paths so you can enjoy scenic views of the city.
12. Jumbo Kingdom
Floating restaurants have beena trend in Hong Kong for quite a while, but perhaps the most incredible of them is the so-called Jumbo Kingdom. The ship holds over four floors worth of eateries and attractions, ranging from fine dining to tea houses and wine gardens. The most important aspect of it is that it resembles a Chinese imperial palace, obviously very fitting in such a city. Even if you don’t plan on eating here, at least see it from outside.
13. Chungking Mansions
Chungking Mansions is a large building well-known for being one of the cheapest accomodations in the city. It features around 2000 guesthouses and curry restaurants, African bistros, clothing shops, sari stores, and foreign exchange offices. Staying here might not be as recommended, as there are quite a lot of eccentric people that some might not want to deal with. It’s only for the fearless backpackers, if anything.
14. Kowloon Walled City Park
The Kowloon Walled City Park occupies the location of the old Walled City, a densely-populated series of several-storey high apartments. It was at first a military fort, then became the apartment complex for immigrants, then the Triad gangs moved in and later the police finally closed down the city-state-like building. Now a park stands around the same spot, and only the remains are visible.
15. Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave
The Cheung Po Tsai Pirate Cave is said to have been the hideout of the famous 19th century pirate, Cheung Po Tsai. He had a fleet of around 600 ships and 20 thousand man, and it was here that he supposedly stored his treasures, but unfortunately, they haven’t been found.
16. Central-Mid-Levels Escalators
The Central-Mid-Levels Escalators is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. The system covers over 800 metres and elevates over 135 metres from bottom to top. It takes around 20 minutes to cover the enitre system, which was constructed as a means of transporting a growing population through the island’s challenging slopes. Visitors can freely step off and on at several gates during the ride.
17. Noah’s Ark
Noah’s Ark is a replica of the biblical ship under one of the bridges of Hong Kong, built as part of a small theme park, with animal couples as well. Other features cinlude the Nature Garden featuring live, rare animal species, an indoor jungle gym with swings and climbing areas called Noah’s Adventureland, a solar observatory telescope tower and a resort on the top floor for lodging and dining.
18. Noonday Gun
The Noonday Gun is a former naval artillery piece mounted on a small enclosed site which is fired everyday at noon. The origin is a local legend, but the fact remains that it became a popular tradition, just like ringing church bells.
19. Wong Tai Sin Temple
The Wong Tai Sin Temple is a beautiful temple located in Hong Kong, and it’s dedicated to the Taoist deity, Wong Tai Sin. The huge shrine includes many halls and altars, and though it is primarily a Taoist temple, the shrine also has Buddhist and Confucian worshipping halls. Fortune telling and incense burning are also popular activities to do here, besides praying and regular tourism.
20. Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees
The Lam Tsuen Wishing Trees are well known as a pair of trees near a Hong Kong shrine, that are said to grant wishes, but only the ones they hold on to, since it was a tradition to throw write our desires on small paper scrolls and then tie them onto branches or throw them into the tree. The higher they got, the better the chance for the wish to be granted, unless they fell down, of course. Due to the many scrolls weighing down and breaking once of the branches some years ago, it is now prohibited. Instead, plastic replica trees have been built for this purpose.
