Since the 60s of the last century, Hong Kong has experienced strong economic growth, which has transformed it from a modest provincial town to one of the most developed regions in the world. Technological progress has transformed Hong Kong, and now tourists have begun to come here not only in order to get acquainted with the traditional culture of China, but also in order to see various sights..
I personally really like Hong Kong. At the time of this writing, I have already been there twice, and I hope I will go again. But not the fact that you will like it there too. However, here is a list of what to see in Hong Kong first..
The content of the article
- one What to see in Hong Kong on your own
- 1.1 Victoria Peak
- 1.2 Observation deck Sky 100
- 1.3 Exchange Square and Bank of China Tower
- 1.4 Big Buddha on Lantau Island
- 1.5 Disneyland
- 1.6 Ocean Park
- 1.7 Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas
- 1.8 Avenue of Stars and Laser Show
- 1.9 House with a flagpole
- 1.10 Science Museum
- 1.11 Botanical and Zoological Garden
- 1.12 Hong Kong Park
- 1.13 Nan Lian Garden and Chi Ling Monastery
- 2 Attractions Map
What to see in Hong Kong on your own
Victoria Peak
Hong Kong can boast not only of its economic strength and progressive man-made objects - this city is also not deprived of natural attractions. The main of them is considered to be Victoria Peak. One of its peaks is the highest point in Hong Kong. The locals respect this place so much that a law was passed according to which no building should exceed its height (because of this, by the way, the International Commerce Center is much lower than it was planned in the original project).
At the peak, cafes, restaurants, viewing platforms were built. Great views from Victoria to Hong Kong; it is believed that it is from here that you can truly appreciate the city's night panorama. In order to climb the peak, you can use the old tram-funicular, or escalator from the book of records, having overcome half the way on it (further on foot up the hill). In my opinion, Victoria Peak is the attraction that you need to see on your first visit, that is, if you have only 1-2 days, then here first. More about Victoria Peak.
Entrance cost: admission to the peak itself is free; one-way tram ticket - HK $ 28 (free for children under 3); entrance to the first level of the tower at the peak is free; to the observation deck of the tower (Sky Terrace 428) + tram in both directions - 65 Hong Kong dollars.
View from Victoria Peak to Hong Kong
Observation deck Sky 100
In the 21st century, Union Square has been deservedly considered the pearl of Hong Kong. More than $ 4 billion was spent on its construction. Union Square is almost entirely made of glass and metal, which is the first thing that catches the eye after exiting the subway. The strive of the designers to create maximum symmetry is clearly visible, which is a tribute to traditional Chinese architecture. The Union Square complex includes the square of the same name, six Waterfront skyscrapers (the very first buildings in Union Square), Elements shopping center, a residential complex of 5 Sorrento skyscrapers, Harborside and TheArch skyscrapers, Cullian Towers (the most elite real estate in Hong Kong) and International Trade Center.
The International Commerce Center is home to leading financial corporations and the world's tallest hotel. It is also the tallest building in Hong Kong and has an observation deck on the 100th floor. By the way, the elevator goes there in just 60 seconds..
Entrance Fees: If booked online, the ticket will cost HKD 142, at the box office HKD 168. Children under three years old are admitted free. Ticket «Sun & Stars» - from 198 HKD.
Observation deck Sky 100
Exchange Square and Bank of China Tower
Skyscraper lovers might like the Exchange Square complex. Here is the office of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange, which ranks 6th in the world in terms of capitalization: the total turnover is about 3 trillion US dollars. In addition to the stock exchange, the buildings of the complex contain consular missions of several countries, offices of leading banks. Foreign tourists in Exchange Square can be attracted by the shopping center, exhibition center and, of course, the external beauty of the building and the respectability of the complex..
Another extraordinary high-rise in Hong Kong is the Bank of China Tower. A special feature of the tower is its unusual angular shape, which makes the building look futuristic, which seems incredible considering that the construction was completed 26 years ago. The observation deck of the Tower, which is located on the 43rd floor, attracts special attention of tourists. It makes sense to visit all these sights of Hong Kong twice: once during the day, and the second at night, because Hong Kong is considered one of the most beautiful night cities..
Entrance fee: there is a free observation deck on the 43rd floor of the Bank of China Tower, but in the spring of 2016 it was closed, as will be further - you need to check on the spot.
Big Buddha on Lantau Island
Another attraction of Hong Kong, but already natural, is Lantau Island. Lantau is a combination of nature and civilization, and civilization is not only modern, but also ancient. Disneyland and the international airport are close to beaches and national parks. There are also numerous ancient fortresses scattered around the island, which became the last refuge of the Song dynasty. The most famous sights of the island are the Po Lin nunnery and the giant Buddha statue, where you can climb the cable car in a glass-bottom trailer.
There is also the Path of Wisdom, consisting of 38 tall wooden pillars, on which ancient mantras are written. I liked it even more than Big Buddha. And for those who have time and love walking, you can trek around the surroundings (there are routes and even places for tents for those who spend the night). More about the Big Buddha and the Path of Wisdom.
Entrance cost: you can go to the Big Buddha free of charge, there is a museum inside the statue, there is a paid entrance to it - 78 Hong Kong dollars (the price includes lunch at the monastery's vegetarian restaurant). You can also climb to the Big Buddha by the Ngong Ping 360 cable car. The cost of an adult one-way ticket in an ordinary booth (not with a glass floor) is from 130 Hong Kong dollars.
Signs on the arm and chest
Disneyland
Hong Kong Disneyland is also located on Lantau Island and can be reached by bus or subway. This is a huge amusement park based on American cartoons and decorated with a peculiar Chinese flavor. There are five thematic zones here: Main Street and four so-called Countries: Adventure Land, Fantasy Land, Toy Land and Future Land. Main Street is home to souvenir shops, cafes and an animation academy that broadcasts fireworks over the famous Cinderella Castle. Adventureland hosts the Lion King show and rides that take visitors on a cruise «jungle». In Fantasyland, children meet Disney characters and visit Sleeping Beauty's Castle. Toyland is a world inspired by «Toy Stories», and the Country of the Future is a real impromptu Space! In the center of Disneyland there is a giant lake, which is also a playground for games and attractions..
Disneyland is often visited during the one-day transit to Hong Kong (when the plane arrives in the morning and departs in the evening) because it is near the airport. Therefore, if you have 6-8 hours between flights, then you can catch a glimpse here.
Ticket price: from 539 Hong Kong dollars.
Ocean Park
Ocean Park is spread over an area of almost 90 hectares and consists of two parts. The lower part, the city coast, offers a great variety of children's entertainment: an aquarium, carousels, fountains, goldfish, alligator swamp, pavilions with giant pandas and monkeys. You can even fly in a hot air balloon here! The upper part of Ocean Park is located on the top of the mountain and consists mainly of attractions for adults. You can get to this part of the park in three ways: by cable car, on an escalator or along a rail track, in a trailer simulating underwater swimming. A breathtaking view of the park and Hong Kong opens up from above. Here you can ride a roller coaster, swim up the river on a wooden boat - and fall in it from a cliff, raising a fountain of splashes, feel the extreme of a tropical forest - and all this in an atmosphere of absolute realism. There are also two pavilions that recreate the nature of the North and South Poles - with king penguins, walruses and arctic foxes. In short, Ocean Park is not only an amusement park, but also an oceanarium and a real zoo.!
Ticket price: from 385 Hong Kong dollars.
Monastery of Ten Thousand Buddhas
Hong Kong's most famous religious site is the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. The monastery is not active today, but it still attracts pilgrims from all over the world. It got its name thanks to the 12,800 Buddha monuments installed here..
the entrance is free.
Avenue of Stars and Laser Show
Hong Kong also owes its fame to the famous action films featuring Bruce Lee. Hong Kong's film industry is one of the most significant in the world, second only to Hollywood in the US and Bollywood in India. Fans of Asian cinema should definitely visit the local Avenue of Stars with its monuments to famous actors and memorial plates. In addition, the Alley is located on a picturesque embankment, and from here you can admire skyscrapers and a laser show that takes place once a day.. More about the Avenue of Stars and the Laser Show.
Avenue of Stars and Bruce Lee
Laser show
And once you find yourself here, then check out the Clock Tower. The tower reminds of the fact that Hong Kong was once a British colony. The Clock Tower is the oldest European-built structure in Hong Kong that still exists today. For a long time, this 44-meter tower towered over the city, but today it is lost among the skyscrapers. However, the greatness of the British Empire can still be felt in this building. At the moment, the Clock Tower is closed for restoration, so its beauty can only be admired from the outside.
the entrance is free.
House with a flagpole
Another legacy of the British Empire in Hong Kong is the Flagpole House. The building is very beautiful and made in neoclassical style, but tourists are not interested in the building itself, but in the thematic museum located in it. It was here that an exhibition dedicated to tea was first created, which eventually reached such proportions that it took a whole museum to open..
The tea ware museum displays a huge number of exhibits: from ancient porcelain sets for tea ceremonies to modern automatic machines that are found in China at every turn. The museum also continuously shows films about the traditions of tea ceremonies in Korea, Japan and China..
Entrance fee: entrance to the museum is free, to the tea ceremony - about 80 Hong Kong dollars.
Science Museum
Some consider this museum for children, and it is really better to go there with a child in order to show him the essence of various physical phenomena on working models. Yes, most of them you can touch, twirl, and watch how it works. Parents should be interested there too. 4 floors of various exhibits, ranging from the simplest electrical circuits, ending with a real-size car simulator and household appliances in a section. More about the Science Museum.
Entrance fee: from HK $ 25 per adult.
Science Museum
Botanical and Zoological Garden
A striking landmark of Hong Kong is the Botanical and Zoological Gardens, located on the slope of Victoria Peak. The garden was founded in the 19th century by British colonists. Here are collected about a thousand species of plants, many species of animals, reptiles and birds. And at a certain time, tourists are even offered to participate in the planting of exotic plants..
Entrance to the garden is free.
Hong Kong Park
Alternatively, if you go to the botanical garden, then on the way to go for a walk along the beautiful territory of Hong Kong Park, it is very close. Lots of greenery, paths, ponds, a large playground. And there is an observation deck in the tower about in the middle of the park, you can climb there and look at the whole area from a height. Yes, compared to the skyscrapers, it is very low, but nevertheless. More about Hong Kong Park.
the entrance is free.
View from the lookout in Hong Kong Park
Nan Lian Garden and Chi Ling Monastery
Very nice garden, albeit small. A kind of small man-made oasis among the tall buildings of the metropolis. Tropical trees and bonsai, scattered stones and Chinese-style gazebos, it is beautiful there both during the day and in the evening, when the lights come on. There is also a museum of ancient Chinese architecture and a restaurant with a waterfall on site. And opposite the garden there is a monastery, which is also quite interesting.. More about Nan Lian Garden.
the entrance is free.
Nan Lian Garden
Attractions Map
Hong Kong landmarks
Science Museum in Hong Kong:
Street escalator (Mid Level Escalator):
Tung Chung Subway Station:
Big Buddha statue:
Path of Wisdom:
Silverstrand Beach:
Chi Lin Monastery:
Entrance to Nan Lian Garden:
Fish Market:
Local Arbat:
Pok Fu Village:
Victory Peak Viewpoint:
Great views of Hong Kong:
Ribbon Tree is a very beautiful tree:
Avenue of Stars:
Star Ferry:
Kowloon Macau Ferry:
The tree is beautiful and the TimeBall:
Chung King Mansion:
Mirador Mansion:
Kowloon Park:
Dragon Hostel:
Temple street night market:
The apartment where we lived:
Victoria Peak Tram:
Space Museum:
Museum of Art:
Hong Kong Park:
Ocean Park:
Hong Kong Disneyland:
Botanical and Zoological Gardens:
Supermarket Kai Bo Food:
Wanchai market:
P.S. On my first visit in 4 days, I visited Victoria Peak, at the Big Buddha, went to swim in the New Territories, went to the Nan Lian Garden, walked along the Avenue of Stars and walked through the city. If you plan everything in advance, then you can have time to see a lot.
