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Happy Valley
Racecourse
Happy Valley Racecourse was built on reclaimed marshland, and the
first races were held here in 1846. They have been extremely popular
ever since. Today, the track is ultra-sophisticated with
computerised betting and races broadcast live on gigantic screens.
Night racing was introduced at Happy Valley in 1973 and was an
immediate success. The extra revenue raised was used to build Hong
Kong's second racecourse at Sha Tin in the New Territories, which
opened in 1978.
How to get there :
1) Take MTR to Causeway Bay station (Exit A) walk along Matheson
Street to Wong Nai Chung Road about 20 mins. 2) Take tram to Happy
Valley Tram Terminal. 3) Take Bus No.1, 5A at Admiralty MTR station
or take No.19 at Yee Wo Street of Causeway Bay MTR station. 4) Take
Taxi outside Causeway Bay MTR station (Exit A)
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Bank of China Tower
The soaring 70-storey Bank of China Tower is one of Hong Kong
Island's most stunning landmarks. Designed by acclaimed architect
I.M. Pei, the inspiration of his design is derived from the elegant
poise of bamboo; its sectioned trunk being propelled higher and
higher by each new growth. The building's blue-glass walls and
triangular glass facade also make it one of the most photographed
buildings in the city.
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Central Plaza
Located on the reclaimed land of North Wan Chai, 78-storey Central
Plaza is the tallest building in Hong Kong and one of the highest in
Asia. It is also the world's tallest concrete-framed building. After
dusk, bright neon rods at the top of the building change colour each
quarter-hour, creating the city's most visible timepiece.
How to get there :
Take MTR to Wan Chai station (Exit A1) and walk along pedestrian
bridge towards the direction of Gloucester Road.
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Cheung Kong Center
Towering 62 storeys between the Bank of China Tower and the HSBC
Headquarters, Cheung Kong Center is the new headquarters for
renowned property tycoon Li Ka-Shing's Cheung Kong Group. An
immaculate example of modern architecture designed by world-renowned
architects Leo A Daly and Cesar Pelli, it is enclosed in a sheath of
reflective glass interwoven in a rich tapestry of stainless steel.
How to get there :
Take MTR to Central station (Exit J2) walk along Jackson Road to
Queen's Road Central.
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Exchange Square
Not only is it home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, this
spectacular building is also recognised architecturally after being
noted as an important achievement in architecture by
Time magazine. With its three towers of rose-coloured granite and
silver glass, it is an aesthetic forum where some of the most
important financial transactions are made.
How to get there :
Take MTR to Central station (Exit A).
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Hong Kong Convention
& Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)
One of Hong Kong's most important venues for trade fairs,
exhibitions and international conventions. The HKCEC's harbour-facing
glass curtain wall is the largest in the world. The extension to the
building, with its distinctive winged roof, sits on a man-made
island in Victoria Harbour. This was the site of the handover of
Hong Kong to Chinese sovereignty in 1997.
How to get there :
1) Take MTR to Wan Chai station (Exit A1) walk 10 mins via the
elevated walkway to Habour Road. 2) The HKCEC Airport Express
Passengers can now enjoy a free airport express shuttle bus from
HKCEC to the Hong Kong Station. The bus stop is located at the
HKCEC's Harbour Road Entrance.
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Hongkong & Shanghai
Banking Corporation Headquarters
Designed by acclaimed British architect Sir Norman Foster, the super
hi-tech HSBC Headquarters in Central is a marvel of modern
architectural design. It is one of the most expensive buildings in
the world, at nearly US$1 billion. On a more traditional note, it is
believed that rubbing the paws of the two bronze lions that have
guarded the portals of the bank since 1935 invokes good luck.
How to get there :
Take MTR to Central station (Exit K)
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The Center
Best viewed at night, this soaring harbourside skyscraper on the
edge of Sheung Wan is decorated top to bottom with the latest in
computerised neon lighting. Every evening, it provides an amazing
and entertaining synchronised spectacle of colour. The HK Tourism
Board's Visitor Information & Services Centre is located on the
ground floor.
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Tsing Ma Bridge
The magnificent Tsing Ma Bridge is the world's longest road-and-rail
suspension bridge at 2.2 kilometres. It was just one of 10 Airport
Core Programme (ACP) infrastructure projects. And with its main span
of 1,300 metres, it surpasses even that of San Francisco's famous
Golden Gate Bridge and is a mesmerising sight when lit at night. The
Lantau Link Viewing Platform is a vantage point to view the Lantau
Link, Tsing Ma Bridge, Kap Shui Mum Bridge and Ting Kau Bridge.
How to get there :
Take maxicab no. 308M (6:24am - 9:30pm daily) from Tsing Yi MTR
Station (Exit A1) and get off Lantau Link Visitor Centre and Viewing
Platform; or a 10 mins. taxi ride from Tsing Yi MTR Station.
Sightseeing
Information provided by
Hong Kong Tourism Board.
