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There are an array of landmarks in Europe
to see, with Hong Kong sharing quite a few of those!Hong Kong is a city that breathes the air of change and modernity, yet its impressive landmarks stand as an eternal reminder of its rich history and cultural heritage.
From the towering skyscrapers of Central to the iconic Victoria Peak, these landmarks embrace the beauty, diversity, and complexity that define this vibrant metropolis.
Each building, memorial, or statue is like a chapter in a captivating story, taking us on a journey through Hong Kong’s past, present, and future.
So, let’s explore the heart and soul of this bustling city through its most iconic landmarks.
1. The Peak
A popular tourist attraction in Hong Kong that offers stunning views of the city skyline.
What to see or do: Take a ride on the Peak Tram, which is the steepest funicular railway in the world, and enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ascend to the top.
Once you reach the peak, you can visit Sky Terrace 428, which is the highest viewing platform in Hong Kong, and take in breathtaking panoramic views.
Don’t miss: The nightly light show, Symphony of Lights, which illuminates Victoria Harbour and the surrounding skyscrapers in a spectacular display of colors.
Insider travel tips: To avoid crowds, plan to visit The Peak early in the morning or during the week.
Additionally, be sure to bring a jacket or sweater as the temperature can be cooler at the top, even during the summer months.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider hiking up to The Peak instead of taking the tram for a unique and challenging experience.
2. Victoria Harbour
Victoria Harbour is a natural landlocked harbor that separates the Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula in Hong Kong.
What to see or do: – Marvel at the stunning view of the city skyline with skyscrapers that light up at night.
Don’t miss: – Symphony of Lights show, a nightly multimedia show that combines laser beams, LED lighting, music and narration to create a stunning display of lights and sounds.
Insider travel tips: – Harbour cruises can be enjoyed either from a traditional Chinese junk boat or a modern ferry.
3. Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is a gigantic statue of Lord Buddha located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Apart from the statue itself, visitors can also marvel at the stunning views of the island and the South China Sea.
Don’t miss: The Po Lin Monastery is situated near the Big Buddha and is worth a visit.
Insider travel tips: – Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds and heat.
4. Hong Kong Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is a theme park located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.
What to see or do: The park features several themed lands, including Fantasyland, Adventureland, Tomorrowland, and more. Visitors can enjoy various rides and attractions, such as Space Mountain, It’s a Small World, the Jungle Cruise, and more.
There are also daily parades, live shows, and meet-and-greets with Disney characters throughout the park.
Don’t miss: Make sure to catch the Flights of Fantasy parade, which features colorful floats and Disney characters. The nighttime fireworks show, Disney in the Stars, is also a must-see.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid long lines, consider visiting on weekdays, outside of peak travel seasons.
5. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
A waterfront promenade located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Enjoy the stunning views of Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, skyline, and nightly Symphony of Lights show. Take a leisurely stroll or jog along the promenade.
Explore the nearby attractions such as Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and Space Museum.
Don’t miss: The nightly Symphony of Lights show which starts at 8 pm. Look out for the iconic clock tower which is a landmark of the promenade.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the day for a peaceful and relaxing atmosphere. Explore the nearby food stalls and enjoy some local delicacies.
Avoid visiting on weekends or public holidays as it can get crowded.
6. Avenue of Stars
Avenue of Stars is a walkway in Hong Kong dedicated to celebrities of Hong Kong’s thriving film industry, with plaques honoring famous figures, handprints of movie stars, and bronze statues.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the Avenue of Stars and admire the impressive skyline of Hong Kong Island. You can also admire the handprints and plaques of your favorite Hong Kong movie stars.
Don’t miss: The Symphony of Lights show, a nightly multimedia show that incorporates laser beams and colored lights to highlight Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, can be viewed from Avenue of Stars in the evenings.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the daytime to take advantage of the stunning harbor views. Also, consider visiting on weekdays to avoid the crowds on weekends.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery.
7. Tian Tan Buddha
A giant bronze statue of Buddha located in Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a cable car to the Buddha and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of Hong Kong. Walk up the 268 steps to reach the Buddha’s platform and take in the serene atmosphere.
Don’t miss: Watching the monks chant their daily prayers at Po Lin Monastery which is adjacent to the Buddha.
Insider travel tips: It’s worth planning your visit for a clear day with good visibility to fully appreciate the views. Also, make sure to try some of the delicious vegetarian food served at the Po Lin Monastery’s restaurant.
8. Ngong Ping 360
Ngong Ping 360 is a tourist attraction located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong. It is a cable car ride that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and seas.
What to see or do: Take a cable car ride and enjoy the panoramic views of Lantau Island. Visit the Big Buddha statue, which stands at 34 meters tall.
Explore the nearby Po Lin Monastery and learn about the Buddhist culture.
Don’t miss: The glass-bottomed cable cars that offer an even more thrilling experience for adventure seekers. The Ngong Ping Village, a cultural themed village that offers a unique shopping and dining experience.
Insider travel tips: Book tickets online to avoid long queues on the day of the visit. Go early in the morning to avoid crowds and have a better experience.
The cable car ride can be quite chilly, so bring warm clothing.
Consider purchasing a package that includes access to other nearby attractions such as Tai O Fishing Village and the Wisdom Path.
9. Ladies Market
The Ladies Market is a famous open-air market in Hong Kong that offers a wide variety of goods for women such as clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and home decor.
What to see or do: Visitors can browse through rows of stalls displaying colorful and trendy merchandise. Haggling with vendors for better prices is a common practice.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss out on the impressive range of cheap and fashionable clothing items and accessories, including handbags, scarves, and jewelry.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the day to avoid large crowds and the heat. Bring cash as some vendors do not accept credit cards.
Be prepared to bargain as vendors will often quote higher prices to tourists. Keep an eye out for pickpockets as the market can get quite crowded.
10. Ocean Park
Ocean Park is an exciting marine-themed amusement park in Hong Kong that offers visitors a range of fun attractions, including thrilling roller coasters, aquariums with over 400 different species of marine animals, and other exciting rides.
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11. Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin Temple is a famous Taoist temple in Hong Kong dedicated to the immortal Wong Tai Sin, who is believed to have healing powers.
What to see or do: Visitors can marvel at the impressive traditional Chinese architectural style of the temple’s main hall, which is adorned with red pillars, golden beams, and intricate carvings.
The temple also features beautifully landscaped gardens with ponds, bridges, and pavilions, as well as a fortune-telling area where visitors can consult the I Ching or a fortune-teller.
Don’t miss: The temple’s signature activity is the burnishing of incense sticks, which are believed to help with wishes and good fortune.
Visitors can buy a bundle of incense sticks and join the worshippers in lighting them up and placing them in the burners.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit Wong Tai Sin Temple during weekdays or early in the morning to avoid the crowds. Dress conservatively and remove your shoes before entering the temple’s main hall.
Photography is allowed, but be courteous and respect the worshippers.
12. Temple Street Night Market
Temple Street Night Market is a bustling open-air market in the heart of Kowloon, Hong Kong, that comes to life after dark.
What to see or do: Visitors can browse a variety of merchandise including clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and traditional Chinese goods. Food stalls line the streets selling local delicacies like seafood, noodles, and barbecued meat.
Visitors can also watch fortune-tellers or indulge in a foot massage from one of the many street-side vendors.
Don’t miss: The neon-lit entrance gates are a great spot for taking photos, as well as the traditional Cantonese opera singers that appear on some evenings.
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13. Hong Kong Museum of History
The Hong Kong Museum of History is a museum dedicated to the rich history and culture of Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the various exhibitions that demonstrate the different periods of Hong Kong’s history, from the prehistoric era to modern day.
The museum incorporates advanced multimedia techniques to provide an immersive experience to visitors, including interactive displays and multimedia shows.
Don’t miss: The permanent exhibitions to visit are the “The Hong Kong Story” and “The Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall” exhibits.
The Hong Kong Story exhibit presents the different phases of Hong Kong’s history from its geological beginning to the return to China in 1997.
The Cantonese Opera Heritage Hall presents over 200 exhibits as well as an interactive exhibit that enables visitors to try on opera costumes.
Insider travel tips: – Consider visiting early in the day to avoid crowds.
14. Hong Kong Space Museum
The Hong Kong Space Museum is a popular science museum in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
What to see or do: The museum boasts an impressive collection of exhibits relating to astronomy, space science, and space exploration. Visitors can discover the secrets of the cosmos through various multimedia presentations, virtual reality experiences, and hands-on exhibits.
The highlight of the museum is the OMNIMAX theatre, which features a giant dome screen and state-of-the-art projection technology to offer an immersive space experience.
Don’t miss: The OMNIMAX theatre is a must-visit attraction at the Hong Kong Space Museum. Visitors can watch stunning space documentaries and movies on the colossal dome screen.
The museum also has a Space Hall, a Hall of Astronomy and a Hall of Space Science, which are filled with fascinating exhibits on the history of space exploration, the solar system, and the universe.
Insider travel tips: – Visit the museum during the weekdays to avoid the crowds.
15. Man Mo Temple
A historical temple in Hong Kong dedicated to the worship of the God of Literature (Man) and the God of Martial Arts (Mo).
What to see or do: Marvel at the grand architecture of the temple, which dates back to 1847.
Admire the intricate details of the red and gold decorations and the hanging incense coils that fill the air with their fragrant smoke.
Don’t miss: The massive bronze incense burners that are over 10 feet tall and weigh more than a ton. Take a moment to participate in the traditional act of burning incense and making wishes.
Insider travel tips: Visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds. Bring small change to purchase incense sticks and make offerings at the altars.
Wear comfortable shoes as there are many steps to climb.
16. The Hong Kong Observation Wheel
The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a giant Ferris wheel located in the Central district of Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Ride the Hong Kong Observation Wheel for a breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour, the city skyline, and the surrounding mountains. The 60-meter tall Ferris wheel has 42 cabins that offer a 360-degree panoramic view of Hong Kong Island.
Don’t miss: The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is especially beautiful during sunset and at night when the city lights up. Don’t miss a chance to take some stunning photos and capture the mesmerizing views.
Insider travel tips: For a more exclusive experience, book the VIP cabin with a glass bottom for an even more thrilling ride.
Alternatively, grab a drink or a bite to eat at one of the cafes or restaurants located near the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.
Also, be sure to check for discounted tickets online for a more budget-friendly option.
17. Central–Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system
The Central-Mid-Levels escalator and walkway system is a series of outdoor escalators, covered walkways, and staircases that connect the Central and Mid-Levels neighborhoods in Hong Kong.
What to see or do: The walkway system runs through some of Hong Kong’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods.
Along the way, take in the vibrant street art and graffiti, as well as the unique architecture and local shops and restaurants.
Don’t miss: One of the most popular stops along the route is the historic Jamia Mosque. Visitors can also catch stunning views of the city and harbor from the various lookout points along the way.
Insider travel tips: Take your time to explore the various side streets and alleys that branch off from the main walkway. Many hidden gems, including small cafes, vintage shops, and art galleries, can be found tucked away in these areas.
Be sure to also wear comfortable shoes as there are plenty of steps to climb and walkways to navigate.
18. 1881 Heritage
A cultural and shopping complex located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong.
What to see or do: – Explore the beautifully restored historical architecture of the former Marine Police Headquarters.
Don’t miss: – The “1881 Heritage Afternoon Tea” experience, served in a beautiful setting with views of Victoria Harbour.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during weekdays to avoid the crowds, especially during weekends and holidays.
19. Lantau Island
Lantau Island is the largest outlying island in Hong Kong, known for its stunning natural scenery and cultural attractions.
What to see or do: – Take a trip to the Big Buddha statue, which stands at 34 meters tall and is one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world.
Don’t miss: – The Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, which offers panoramic views of the island’s lush greenery and sparkling waters.
Insider travel tips: – Bring plenty of water and sunscreen if you plan to hike the Lantau Trail, as the route can be challenging and exposed to the sun.
20. Repulse Bay
Beach located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island.
What to see or do: Enjoy the golden sand beach and clear blue water. Take a dip in the ocean or try water sports like paddleboarding or kayaking.
There are also nearby hiking trails with scenic views.
Don’t miss: The iconic statue of the “The Repulse Bay Lady” and the luxurious shopping mall “The Pulse”.
Insider travel tips: Visit during weekdays to avoid crowds. Bring sunscreen and plenty of water as it can get hot.
Stay until sunset for stunning views.
21. Stanley Market
Stanley Market is a popular shopping destination located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island.
What to see or do: The market offers a variety of shops and stalls selling everything from souvenirs and clothing to jewelry and home decor. It’s a great place to shop for unique gifts and souvenirs.
Don’t miss: Be sure to grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants or cafes in the area.
You can also take a walk along the scenic waterfront promenade or visit the nearby Murray House, a colonial-era building that has been restored and converted into a shopping and dining complex.
Insider travel tips: – The market can get crowded, so try to go early in the day to avoid the crowds.
22. Nathan Road
A major thoroughfare in Kowloon, Hong Kong that stretches over three miles.
What to see or do: Shop at the numerous stores and malls including the famous Chungking Mansions, visit the historic Peninsula Hotel, admire the colorful signs and lights, and soak in the bustling atmosphere of the city.
Don’t miss: The Symphony of Lights, a mesmerizing light and sound show that takes place every night at 8 pm.
Insider travel tips: Nathan Road can get extremely crowded, so plan your visit during off-peak hours if possible. Be aware of pickpockets and keep your belongings close to you.
And don’t be afraid to haggle for a better price when shopping!
23. Western Market
A historic shopping destination in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, dating back to 1906.
What to see or do: Wander through the two-story building to browse various shops offering a range of products including silk products, Chinese antiques, jewelry, clothing, and souvenirs.
You can also grab a bite at one of the many food stalls lining the arcade.
Don’t miss: The unique architecture of the building featuring a striking Edwardian-style dome and red brick façade, which makes for great photo opportunities.
Insider travel tips: Bargain for better prices, be aware of fake items, and try the local snacks like egg tarts and pineapple buns. Plan to visit in the morning to avoid crowds and save time.
24. Hong Kong Park
Hong Kong Park is a peaceful oasis in the bustling city of Hong Kong.
What to see or do: There’s plenty to see and do in the park, including visiting the aviary, the greenhouse, and the tea museum.
Don’t miss: Be sure to check out the walk-in aviary, which features over 80 species of birds.
Insider travel tips: – The park is free to enter and is easily accessible by MTR.
25. Tai O Fishing Village
Tai O Fishing Village is a small village located on the western side of Lantau Island, Hong Kong.
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26. Po Lin Monastery
A Buddhist monastery located on Lantau Island in Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Visit the Tian Tan Buddha statue, the world’s largest seated outdoor bronze Buddha. Explore the temple complex and observe the various Buddha statues, carvings, and paintings.
Take part in a Buddhist ceremony or try vegetarian cuisine at the monastery’s restaurant.
Don’t miss: The Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride, which provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains and sea.
Insider travel tips: Avoid visiting during weekends or holidays, when the monastery and cable car can be crowded. Dress appropriately by covering your shoulders and knees when entering the temple.
27. Kowloon Park
Kowloon Park is a large and picturesque public park located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
What to see or do: – Check out the beautiful gardens and water features, including the Chinese Garden and the Rose Garden.
Don’t miss: – The flamingos and other exotic birds at the park’s bird lake.
Insider travel tips: – The park can get quite busy on weekends and holidays, so try to visit during the week if possible.
28. Causeway Bay
A bustling commercial and residential district in Hong Kong.
What to see or do: Shop at some of the city’s largest malls, including Times Square, SOGO, and Hysan Place.
Explore the vibrant street markets and food stalls, and snap photos of the flashy billboards and neon lights that light up the district at night.
Don’t miss: Victoria Park, a green oasis in the heart of the district, and Lee Garden Road, a narrow street lined with trendy fashion boutiques and cafes.
Insider travel tips: Visit Causeway Bay during the annual Lunar New Year celebrations to witness the dazzling fireworks display over Victoria Harbour. Take the ding-ding (tram) for a scenic ride through the district and beyond.
Avoid shopping on weekends if possible, when the crowds can be overwhelming.
29. Chungking Mansions
A famous building complex in Hong Kong known for its cheap accommodations, diverse food options, and eclectic mix of businesses.
What to see or do: Explore the different levels of the building to find amazing food from around the world, shop for interesting goods like African art, or find affordable accommodations.
Don’t miss: The bustling atmosphere of the ground floor, where vendors and guests from all over the world come together to exchange goods and stories.
Insider travel tips: – Be sure to keep an eye on your belongings as the area can be quite crowded and notorious for pickpocketing.