Top 10 Most Visited Destinations in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a massive destination in every sense of the word, with more than 7 million people, 260 islands, and more skyscrapers than any other city on the ... read more...planet. But don't be intimidated; it's a very easy city to get around in. Visitors can explore river cruises, ancient monasteries, quiet fishing villages, and futuristic light shows, and finish the day with a cocktail and a bird's-eye view. Here are the most visited destinations in Hong Kong.
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The sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is on the 100th floor of Hong Kong's tallest building, the International Commerce Centre (ICC). It is Hong Kong's only indoor observation deck, standing 393 meters above sea level and offering 360-degree views of the territory and its famous Victoria Harbour.
Pros:
- A bird’s eye view of the city.
- Learn more about Hong Kong’s history with a state-of-the-art multimedia exhibition.
- See the city up close through high-end telescopes.
- An excellent place for photographers and tourists of all kinds.
Why it’s awesome:
- When you arrive in a new city, nothing beats getting a full view of the Hong Kong skyline, which you can get from the Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. In 60 seconds, the high-speed elevator will whisk you to the 100th floor, where you'll be treated to a 360-degree view of the city. You can also spend some time looking at the displays and learning more about Hong Kong and its culture for the price of admission. This will not only help you gain a better understanding of the city, but it will also help you develop a greater appreciation for the people who live there.
What to do there:
- You should spend some time looking out the window, trying to spot the hostel you're staying in from above, and taking photos, but you can do more than that. The 360-degree view allows you to take in Hong Kong's iconic skyline from the best possible vantage point, and you can use a high-end telescope to get a closer look at the city. There's also an interactive multimedia exhibition that gives you an inside look at Hong Kong's history and culture.
Address: 九龍九龍城區International Commerce Centre 1 Austin Rd W
Phone: +852 2613 3888 - A bird’s eye view of the city.
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Since 2004, "A Symphony of Lights" (SoL) has been illuminating Hong Kong's skyline for millions of tourists to enjoy. This multi-media show has always been Hong Kong's signature icon, symbolizing the city's dynamic energy and diverse culture.
SoL took a new direction in December 2017, transforming Hong Kong's cityscape into a true symphony. The Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra recorded the new musical score in grand style, entwined with a vibrant and contemporary flavor, representing Hong Kong's charismatic rhythm. Traditional Chinese flutes and string bowed instruments such as the Erhu have been woven together to create a truly unique sound that reflects Hong Kong's "east meets west" character.Pros:
- Great for families looking for an evening activity.
- Ideal for photographers.
- A free activity in Hong Kong.
Why it’s awesome:
- Nothing beats a musical and light show, and none compares to the Symphony of Lights, which takes place every night at 8 p.m. on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade. The light show is a fifteen-minute show that illuminates the Hong Kong skyline across Victoria Harbour with lights and lasers. The show stretches all the way from Causeway Bay to Central Hong Kong.
What to do there:
- Find your favorite spot on the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, or take a junk boat cruise along Victoria Harbour if the timing is right. Because most of the lights are on top of the buildings on Hong Kong island, the best place to see the light shows is from Tsim Sha Tsui promenade looking over at Victoria Peak. Make sure you watch the show every day at 8 p.m. Arrive early to secure the best spot!
Address: Victoria Harbour
- Great for families looking for an evening activity.
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Wong Tai Sin Temple is a well-known temple dedicated to Wong Tai Sin. People from Hong Kong visit this temple on a daily basis to pray for good health and prosperity. Wong Tai Sin is a neighborhood in New Kowloon's Wong Tai Sin District. The Wong Tai Sin Temple was the inspiration for the area's name.
Pros:
- A living example of modern religious beliefs in Hong Kong.
- The Wong Tai Sin Temple has amazing architecture and decorations.
- You can get your fortune told!
Why it’s awesome:
- Exploring a travel destination's past is great, but sometimes you want to learn about the present as well; Wong Tai Sin temple will provide you with this opportunity, and it is a must-see on any Hong Kong itinerary. It's a Buddhist temple that was originally constructed in 1920 and then replaced in 1968, so you're looking at architecture and religious beliefs from the 1960s. As a result, it's an excellent way to learn more about recent history and how modern-day Hong Kong came to be.
What to do there:
- Observing daily life is the focus of a visit to Wong Tai Sin Temple. You probably won't understand much of the architecture or activities in the temple if you aren't Buddhist, but that doesn't mean you can't participate.
- This temple is dedicated to the Taoist god of horse racing and sickness healing. The complex is made up of several large structures, each with its own decorations and purposes. You'll probably see fortune-tellers and locals burning incense in the halls while you're there. If you're lucky enough to visit in the fall, you might catch a glimpse of the festival held in the Gods' honor.
Address: Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, Hong Kong SAR
- A living example of modern religious beliefs in Hong Kong.
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The Leisure and Cultural Services Department manages a number of museums, including the Hong Kong Heritage Museum. The Hong Kong Heritage Museum, which opened in 2000, has a gross floor area of 32,000m2 and a net exhibition area of 7,500 m2, making it Hong Kong's largest museum of its kind.
Pros:
- Learn about Chinese art and culture.
- Kids will love the ‘Children’s Discovery Gallery,’ so make sure to bring the whole family.
- A good way to get some peace after the busy streets.
- For art lovers and anyone interested in history.
Why it’s awesome:
- The history of China is long and varied, and it differs greatly from that of Western countries. It's also not well-known outside of Asia, and a visit to the Hong Kong Heritage Museum can help change that. It's a way to gain a better understanding of a country that has grown into a global powerhouse while also becoming a popular tourist destination. You'll pass by some incredible works of art along the way.
What to do there:
- The museum's exhibits change frequently, so check out what's on offer while you're in Hong Kong. Six permanent galleries dedicated to Chinese art and Cantonese opera are available. A children's area is also a permanent exhibition, where they can enjoy the displays while learning in a fun and interactive way. The museum is fascinating at any time, but it's particularly fascinating during one of Hong Kong's frequent rainstorms, when you can learn about the city while staying dry.
Address: 1 Man Lam Rd, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
- Learn about Chinese art and culture.
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The Hong Kong Science Museum is a massive four-story building that embraces almost 150,700 square feet. Its innovative take on museum culture has made it one of China’s most popular tourist attractions. Unlike many other museums, the visitor has the chance to do hundreds of first-hand activities that aid in the learning of science.
Pros:
- Interactive, high tech displays.
- A good mix of entertainment and education.
- Perfect for anyone who’s interested in science.
- Great for families.
Why it’s awesome:
- The Hong Kong Science Museum is divided into four floors, with a surprise around every corner. It strikes a good balance between entertainment and education, enthralling children and adults of all ages and leaving them wanting more. It features a variety of interactive displays that are likely to surprise you, making you wish you could go back to science class!
What to do there:
- This museum has four floors of exhibits, so make sure you go through each one to find something that interests you. The video gallery, as well as the Dinosaur Model Making Workshop, are particularly popular with visitors of all ages. If you have a good time at the museum, stop by the gift shop on your way out to pick up some souvenirs to remember your visit.
Address:香港梳士巴厘道 10
- Interactive, high tech displays.
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Renowned as 'The Peak', this place should be put on the top of your list. With million of tourists every year, The Peak is the highest point on the Hong Kong Island. From there you can contemplate one of the most majestic views in the world that gives a unique chance to admire a magnificent scenery of Hong Kong. It is especially colorful at night, when thousands of lights shine all over the city, and the view of Hong Kong at night will make in you an indescribable feeling.
Moreover, tourists often visit Victoria Peak to see the show named 'A Symphony of Lights', which starts daily at 8:00pm. Despite the panoramic views, visitors also have a chance to explore all its one-of-a-kind attractions, Peak Tram. A trip on the tram will be one of the most unforgettable tours on your Hong Kong trip. The views are spectacular. The tram is the best way to experience all the natural beauty of Hong Kong. Since its completion in 1888, the peak tram is 373 meters above sea level from where opens the magnificent scenery of Hong Kong.
Pros:
- A great place to take photographs of Hong Kong’s famous skyline.
- Escape the city and spend some time in nature.
- Easily accessible via a range of transport options.
- One of the most amazing views in Hong Kong at night!
Why it’s awesome:
- When you first arrive in a new city, it's easy to get caught up in the small details. This is understandable given the abundance of things to see and do, but it also means that you lose sight of the bigger picture. And it's easy to forget that there's more to life than the concrete jungle. When you visit Hong Kong's Victoria Peak, however, you get a glimpse of the bigger picture in vibrant color. You can admire the city's concrete and glass against the lush green forest and the deep blue ocean. And the contrast is absolutely stunning!
What to do there:
- At any time of year, the view from Victoria Peak is breathtaking. During the day, the entire city is laid out as if it were a giant child's toy. You'll have a perfect view of the city lights against the darkness of the ocean at night. While you're there, be sure to check out the massive park at the top, which features numerous lookouts. When you've had your fill of nature, head to the Peak Tower and Galleria, which features an observation deck as well as restaurants and shops.
Address: 1 Lugard Road, Hong Kong
- A great place to take photographs of Hong Kong’s famous skyline.
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Situated on reclaimed land in Penny's Bay, Lantau Island, Hong Kong Disneyland is a theme park. It is withinside the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort and it is under the ownership and management of Hong Kong International Theme Parks. Hong Kong Disneyland is the largest theme park in Hong Kong, followed by Ocean Park Hong Kong and was opened to visitors on Monday, 12 September 2005 at 13:00 HKT.
Disney made an effort to avoid problems of cultural backlash by incorporating Chinese culture, customs and traditions when designing and building the resort, including abidance to the rules of feng shui. Notably, a bend of culture was put in a walkway near the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort entrance so good qi energy would not flow into the South China Sea.
Pros:
- Definitely one of the best places for families to visit in Hong Kong.
- Includes a range of characters and lands from Disney movies.
- Great for photographers.
- For the young and the young at heart.
Why it’s awesome:
- Everyone, regardless of age, should visit Hong Kong Disneyland at least once in their lives. This is the world where dreams come true; a world born of one man's imagination and desire to tell stories. Of course, there are some drawbacks to visiting Hong Kong Disneyland, primarily the crowds and commercialism of the park. But seeing all of your favorite Disney characters and locations come to life right in front of your eyes is something else entirely.
What to do there:
- Mystic Point, Main Street, U.S.A., Grizzly Gulch, Toy Story Land, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, and Future: Frozen Land are the seven lands that make up Hong Kong Disneyland. You'll see performances, musicals, Disney characters, and rides as you wander around these lands – some of which will be very familiar to you – all of which will appeal to the child in you and remind you of old favorites. There are also plenty of opportunities to take photos and eat a lot of unhealthy food, so forget about your diet and adult life for a day and just have fun!
Address: South Lantau Road, Hong Kong
- Definitely one of the best places for families to visit in Hong Kong.
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Located in Wong Chuk Hang and Nam Long Shan in the Southern District of Hong Kong, Ocean Park Hong Kong, widely known as Ocean Park, is a marine mammal park, oceanarium, animal theme park and amusement park. It is, in fact, the second-largest theme park in Hong Kong, after Hong Kong Disneyland, as well as the largest theme park in Hong Kong by area. It is also the second-oldest theme park in Hong Kong, after the now-defunct Lai Chi Kok Amusement Park which closed its doors on 31 March 1997, four months before the 1997 handover.
Pros:
- Includes rides as well as historical sites.
- A great place for anyone who loves the ocean or likes to see animals.
- Has an enormous aquarium with over 400 species of fish.
- Also includes pandas!
Why it’s awesome:
- Hong Kong's Ocean Park has something for everyone. The rides, animals, and aquarium will delight the children, who may also learn something about Hong Kong along the way. But this park isn't just for kids; it's also for anyone who wants to see a panda – China's iconic animal – and learn about Hong Kong's history.
- Ocean Park is so popular in Hong Kong that if you ask any kid which theme park they prefer, they will always say Ocean Park! The dolphin show is a big hit with the crowds, and the pandas are adorable.
What to do there:
- The aquarium at Ocean Park is a great place to cool off for an hour or so. It has a large collection of exotic fish, as well as a touch pool, and is a fascinating place for both adults and children to spend some time. If you're looking for something a little more thrilling, Ocean Park has roller coasters and the Giant Panda Adventure, where you can see this iconic animal as well as red pandas and the endangered Chinese Giant Salamander.
Address: 1 Lei Tung Estate Road, Hong Kong
- Includes rides as well as historical sites.
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Lan Kwai Fong, commonly renowned as LK is a small square of streets in Central, Hong Kong. The area was mainly focused on hawkers before the Second World War, but underwent a renaissance in the mid-1980s. Currently, it is a popular expatriate haunt in Hong Kong for drinking, clubbing and dining. The street Lan Kwai Fong is L-shaped with two ends joining with D'Aguilar Street.
Pros:
- Trendy, open-air restaurants.
- A dizzying mix of cuisines.
- One of the most popular night time eating areas.
- A great place to sit, eat something delicious, and people watch!
Why it’s awesome:
- Hong Kong's food is its beating heart. No other city in the world compares to it in terms of both local cuisine and mastery of a variety of international cuisines. In Hong Kong, it's rare to have a bad meal, and in Lan Kwai Fong, it's nearly impossible.
- This area consists of main streets and small alleys that are all crammed with restaurants that are literally stacked on top of one another. You'll find anything you want on these streets, and it'll almost certainly be the best version you've ever had.
- It is also the most popular nightlife destination. No matter where you go on Hong Kong Island, your trip will not complete without visiting LKF.
What to do there:
- Bring your appetite with you and spend some time wandering the streets before deciding where to eat. The ground level is just the beginning; look through the directories at the main entrances to the buildings to see what the higher levels have to offer.
- There's nothing like sitting on one of the outdoor patios and watching the crowds while enjoying your meal, so make it a point to include it in your itinerary.
- If you're in town for the nightlife, LKF is a popular spot to mingle with other travelers and expats. There are numerous bars and clubs, as well as a 7/11 that is open 24 hours a day, where you can usually find the international crowd enjoying a street beer or two (the bars can be quite expensive). But be warned: in LKF, time seems to vanish. You go out for one drink, and the next thing you know, it's 6 a.m.!
Address: Zhongxi District, Hong Kong
- Trendy, open-air restaurants.
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A 34-meter bronze statue, Tian Tan Buddha was built in 1993 and faces north to overlook mainland China as a guardian. It is a major centre of Buddhism in Hong Kong as well as draws tourists and religious pilgrims. This ‘Big Buddha’ symbolizes the harmonious relationships between faith and people, humans and nature.
Pros:
- Amazing views from the top of Tian Tan Buddha.
Perfect for nature lovers.
A remnant of Hong Kong’s past.
You’ll be shocked at just how huge this statue is!
Why it’s awesome:
- Tian Tan Buddha or ‘Big Buddha’ may have captured the in pictures, but nothing prepares you for how big this statue is in reality. It’s among the largest Buddha statues in the world and took 12 years to complete. Encompassed in acres of green, there is an fascinating view over the forest and ocean. This is the perfect place to get that iconic picture of your trip to Hong Kong with the most glorious backdrop possible.
What to do there:
- The ‘Big Buddha’ is situated on Lantau Island above the Po Lin monastery, which you’ll stroll through on your way to the statue. The monastery was st up in 1906 and contains several incredible architectural features, such as the Hall of Bodhisattva Skanda and the Main Shrine Hall of Buddha. Before you head up to take pictures of the seated Buddha, make sure you explore this piece of Hong Kong’s past in detail.
- To get to the Tian Tan Buddha, you can take the Ngong Ping cable car from Tung Chung in Lantau Island, which offers an incredible view of the mountains and surrounding ocean as you journey up to the top. If you’re lucky, you might get a car with a glass floor so you can see the mountains below.
Address: Tian Tan Buddha, Hong Kong SAR
- Amazing views from the top of Tian Tan Buddha.