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Hong Kong Sightseeing and Attractions

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• Victoria Peak
  High above Hong Kong Island on the 'back of the Dragon', Victoria Peak is the City of Life's premier visitor attraction, providing magnificent harbour and city views. Arriving late afternoon enables you to experience the dazzling panorama of Hong Kong Island, the harbour, Kowloon and the hills beyond. Later, you can thrill to the neon-dotted skyline by night. What's more, The Peak offers visitors a multitude of fantastic entertainment, dining and shopping options.
  
  Peak Tram
  The best way to get to the top is via the Peak Tram, a funicular railway that carves a steep 396-metre swathe up the lush mountainside. The tram has been in operation since 1888, and once competed with sedan chairs as the most popular way up. Try to get seats at the front of the tram on the right-hand side for the journey skyward. The only way to describe the views from this vantage point is "simply breathtaking".
  
  Peak Tower & Peak Galleria
  Thrilling indoor entertainment is housed in the Peak Tower and Peak Galleria. Attractions include a hi-tech virtual-reality ride, the Peak Explorer, as well as a showcase of weird and wonderful artefacts at the Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium. Then, rub shoulders with the famous at world-renowned Madame Tussaud's wax portraits museum. With around 100 astoundingly life-like wax figures means getting up close and personal with Jackie Chan and Arnold Schwarzenegger has never been easier. And let's not forget dining. There are several mouth-watering options on the Peak, including Cafe Deco Bar & Grill and Movenpick Marche Restaurant. All impress hungry visitors with their international menus and outstanding views.
  
  Peak Walks
  The Peak is the perfect location to embark on several trails. For a spectacular circular walk that takes about one hour, turn right out of the Peak Tower and head for Lugard Road. To climb to even greater heights, stroll up Mount Austin Road to Victoria Peak Garden, then venture down to Aberdeen or return to Central via Old Peak Road.
  
  How to get there :
  1. Take bus no. 15C at Star Ferry Pier to Garden Road (Tram Terminal) (HK$3.2; runs daily : 10am - 11:45pm). 2. Take bus no. 12S at Admiralty MTR station (West) to Garden Road (Peak Tram Station) (HK$2.5; runs daily : 10am - 12mn). 3. Take maxicab No.1 (HK$7.4) from Central (Lung Wui Road near Hong Kong City Hall) runs daily (6:30am - 12mn). 4. Take bus no.15 (HK$9.2) from Central (Exchange Square) Bus Terminus runs daily (6:15am - 12:15am).
  
   

• Repulse Bay
  Primarily a well-to-do residential area, sun-drenched Repulse Bay has a relaxed resort-like atmosphere. The wide, wave-lapped beach is popular with locals and visitors alike and great for sandy strolls - early morning with the waking of another day, when the sun is up and the sunbathers are out in force, or at sunset when all is at peace. As well as sun, sea and sand, there are plenty of diversions nearby. The ornate Life Guard Club is built in a traditional Chinese style, its ceiling decorated with magnificent swirling dragons. The picturesque gardens that lead down to the beach are dominated by towering twin statues of Kwun Yum and Tin Hau, both protectors of fishermen. The colonial-style, The Repulse Bay, houses designer shops and award-winning restaurants and resembles the luxury hotel that originally occupied the site. This is the ideal place for a romantic dinner under the stars. For something more down-to-earth, several open-air restaurants nearby specialise in the joys of wholesome barbecued food, including the freshest prawns, squid, fish and other seafood. All are cheery hives of activity every night of every week.
  
  How to get there :
  Take Bus no. 6, 6A, 6X, 260 from Central (Exchange Square) Bus Terminus and alight at Repulse Bay.
  
   

• Ocean Peak
  Ocean Park is one of Southeast Asia's largest oceanariums and theme parks, and tops the itinerary of many visitors to Hong Kong - especially those with children. You'll need a whole day to see everything. There are funfair rides and dolphin shows, scenic cable cars and sea lions, magnificent shopping, great dining and so much more. The Lowland Gardens are a must-see, featuring the park's most adored attractions - the giant pandas An An and Jia Jia. The animals live happily in a 2,000-square-metre habitat that closely resembles the natural living conditions of giant pandas in the wild. The project provides an excellent opportunity for the public to learn more about this endangered species, the survival problems they face and how they can be saved from extinction.
  The undersea world is explored at Marine Land. Here visitors journey under water at the Atoll Reef to discover more than 250 kinds and 2,000 fish, including an 80-year-old, 1.8-metre-long giant grouper can be seen. The Atoll Reef also boasts the largest number of Giant Napoleon fish to be found in any aquarium in the world. The young and the young at heart can't wait to jump on Ocean Park's Headland Rides. The Dragon is Hong Kong's largest roller-coaster that flips riders at super high speeds through loops, twists and turns for the ride of a lifetime. The Flying Swing lifts the daring as high as seven metres in a gyrating wave-like motion. Adventure Land is another place for high-octane thrills. You can ride down the Raging River in a boat, navigating through swirling and narrow ravines.
  Then test your astronautical skills on the hair-raising Space Wheel . And don't miss out on Mine Train, Ocean Park's newest phenomenal ride with 678 metres of twisting, climbing and dipping exhilaration - definitely not for the faint of heart. It's non-stop excitement as Whiskers, Ocean Park's mascot offers up the latest thrill-a-minute sensation with "Whiskers Wild Ride" an exciting simulated tour by land, sea and air. You won't believe it until you see it and experience the thrill yourself!

Getting there :
Join the Ocean Park Citybus Tour at Admiralty MTR Station or from the Star Ferry Pier in Central (HK$204 for adult; HK$102 for children). This tour package includes admission to the park and round trip transportation. Alternatively, one can opt for public transportation. Alight at bus stops after the Aberdeen Tunnel. It's just a short walk to the park:

*Route 262 operates Mondays to Saturdays only
 

• Open Air Market
  Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
  This delightful garden is the favoured gathering place of Hong Kong's songbird owners, who carry their pets around in intricately carved cages. All manner of beautiful birds can be seen here, as well as a host of traditional bird-keeping paraphernalia. The market is located on Yuen Po Street in Mong Kok.
  
  Flower Market
  One of Hong Kong's most colourful street markets, the Flower Market is a jungle of exotic blossoms, luck-bringing houseplants and sweet scents. You'll find this botanical treat on Flower Market Road, Mong Kok, Kowloon.
  
  Goldfish Market
  Aquariums bring luck and natural beauty to many living rooms in Hong Kong. This specialist market is the preferred source for goldfish of every shape and hue, as well as tanks and aquatic ornaments. Head for Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.
  
  Jade Market
  Collectors and jade lovers gather at this unique market, where small stalls display everything from rare and valuable jade carvings to small and inexpensive trinkets. They make great gifts for friends and loved ones. If you are purchasing jade of significant value, it is advisable to go with someone who is an expert. You'll find the Jade Market at the junction of Kansu and Battery streets in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.
  
  Temple Street Night Market
  Hong Kong's most famous open-air market opens at 2:00pm but really comes to life at dusk, with a bustling array of stalls selling everything from watches and leatherware to clothing and souvenirs. Other attractions include fortune-tellers and occasionally, Cantonese opera singers. Temple Street is in Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon.
  
  Ladies' Market
  Kowloon's most popular day-long street market is devoted to anyone with an eye for bargain-priced clothing, toys, cosmetics and household knick-knacks. The stalls making up this enjoyable market can be found on Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon.
  
  Stanley Market
  The historic fishing lanes of Stanley on Hong Kong Island's picturesque southern coast are jam-packed with vendors selling Chinese artwork, silk collectibles, clothing and curios a plenty. This most adored of all Hong Kong's open-air shopping options is on Stanley Market Road.
  
  How to get there :
  1) Take bus no. 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Central (Exchange Square) Bus Terminus. 2) Take MTR to Causeway Bay station (Exit B) walk to Tang Lung Street then take a maxicab no. 40. 3) Take bus No. 973 at Tsim Sha Tsui East Bus Terminus.
  
   

• Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple
  Decorated in a riot of colours, Wong Tai Sin is an excellent example of a traditional Chinese temple and features red pillars, a golden roof adorned with blue friezes, yellow latticework and multi-coloured carvings. A traditionally carved granite archway separates the temple's two terraces, while the main hall is surrounded by doors and windows. Worshippers gather in the front courtyard. Other temples on the grounds are dedicated to Buddha and Confucius. Legend has it that Wong Tai Sin was a shepherd boy living in a part of China's Zhejiang Province called Red Pine Hill. When he was only 15, an immortal taught him the art of refining cinnabar into a medicine that was said to cure all illnesses. He spent the next 40 years living in seclusion until he was found by his brother, who had spent all those years searching for him and the sheep in his care.
  
  Wong Tai Sin was also said to have changed white boulders into sheep to replace those he had lost. This feat is represented in the temple by two large gilded carvings of sheep. Today, Wong Tai Sin is not only worshipped by those with health concerns, but also by those with business problems, who come to seek his advice. The present Wong Tai Sin Temple was opened in 1956, but the painting of Wong Tai Sin, housed in the main temple, was originally brought to Hong Kong from Guangdong in 1915. It was officially moved to this temple site in 1921. Most people who visit the temple want their fortune told. This is done with the aid of a bamboo container holding numbered sticks. The worshipper lights joss sticks and kneels before the main altar, then makes a wish and shakes the container until a stick falls out. This stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number. The fortune on the paper is then interpreted by a soothsayer. Daily, 7:00am-5:30pm
  
  How to get there :
  Take MTR to Wong Tai Sin Station (Exit B3) and take three minutes walk to Temple.
  
   

• Aberdeen
  Aberdeen Harbour is home to hundreds of people living on fishing junks. Their traditional lifestyle is dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise community that spreads up the nearby hillsides. In the evenings, the thousands of twinkling lights reflected on the water are a magical sight. To get a close-up look at the Aberdeen way of life, many visitors take a sampan ride. In the evenings, many others prefer to take in the view from one of two magnificent floating restaurants anchored here. Three storeys high and elaborately decorated with swirling red and gold dragons and other traditional Chinese motifs, the experience is not to be missed. Neither, of course, is the delicious fresh seafood and the excellent Cantonese fare on offer. Aberdeen is also the site of Ocean Park, one of Southeast Asia's largest oceanarium and theme parks.a
  
  How to get there :
  Take bus no. 70 at Exchange Square bus terminus of Central or bus no. 970 outside Bank Centre of Mongkok MTR station (Exit E2) and get off the terminus. Sampantrips can be arranged from the Aberdeen Promenade. (Negotiate the fee first)
  
   

• Stanley Market
  Stanley Market is the place to find silk garments, sportswear, art, Chinese costume jewellery, other souvenirs and a host of fantastic bargains. And when the shopping is done, you can relax at one of the area's pleasant beaches set in sheltered, sandy coves. One is a favourite destination for Hong Kong's windsurfers. Stanley village also offers an appetising range of restaurants and snack bars.
  
  A trip to Stanley would not be complete without a stop at Stanley Plaza which comprises a six-storey shopping centre featuring shops and restaurants. Right next to it is Village Square which serves as a multi-functional outdoor performance venue. Adjacent to that is Murray House - a former British army officers' quarters and the oldest example of Western architecture. It was dismantled in 1982 and put back together again - brick by brick. Another colonial building worth a visit is the Old Stanley Police Station, one of the oldest surviving police stations in Hong Kong. This landmark was built in 1859. In the area you'll also find the Old Stanley Fort and a cluster of historic military sites. Other sightseeing attractions include an interesting 18th century Tin Hau Temple, huddles of charming cottages and palatial country homes on the village slopes.
  
  How to get there :
  1) Take bus no. 6, 6A, 6X or 260 from Central (Exchange Square) Bus Terminus. 2) Take MTR to Causeway Bay station (Exit B) walk to Tang Lung Street then take a maxicab no. 40. 3) Take bus No. 973 at Tsim Sha Tsui East Bus Terminus.

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  Information provided by Hong Kong Tourism Board.

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