Oct 19
2008Hong Kong has much to extend everyone from sightseeing to buying at to eating to only engaging the aura and mix of cultures this world-class city has to offer. Here are some must see places on your visit :
The Peak Tram is maybe the most favourite tourist magnet and decidedly a must on any visit to Hong Kong. A furnicular railway takes you up The Peak for some exhilarating views of the Kowloon Penisular, Victoria Harbour and close islands.
You can achieve the Peak Tram station utilising the No 15C Shuttle Bus from the Star Ferry Terminal in Central or the No 12S bus from Admiralty MTR station.
At the top there are shops, restaurants and other attractions besides the 360 degree wide-screen view.
You can get the MTR from Kowloon to Central, but a trip up on the ferry is a must for the have and sees of Victoria Harbour.
The Mid Levels Escalator, at 800m is the farthest hidden outdoor escalator system in the world. It takes commuters between the respected Mid Levels residential area and the center of Central Hong Kong.
Travel along it is free but beware it operates in one direction (down) during the morning hurry hour then is exchanged to up thereafter.
Nearby is the famous Chop Alley (Man Wa Lane) which is lined with small green-painted huts where chop makers sell chops. A chop is a Chinese seal typically carved from jade, soapstone, bone or ivory. You can get the carvers to transform your name into Chinese for a custom-made seal. For a soapstone custom-made chop expect to pay around 15.
Buying At in Hong Kong
Outstanding shopping centers on Hong Kong Island include Landmark in Central, Pacific Place in Admiralty, Times Square in Causeway Bay, and City Plaza in Taikoo Shing. Kowloon also has its share of malls, which lets in the linked Ocean Terminal and Harbour Centre building complexes.
Bird Mart
Yuen Po Street, Mong Kok, 10 minutes walk from Prince Edward MTR station.
Hundreds of song birds in cages of all shapes and sizes merge to make a resound
Nathan Road
Not a market, but there’s a definte market-feel to the many shops that are swotted up along the littler end of this street in Tsim Sha Tsui with their neon signs jutting out into the street from the constructions. Here there is everything from cameras, electronic goods, tailors to jewellery shops. Street hawkers will offer “Custom suit”, “Copy watch”, “Jade rings”, anything and everything is accessible here.
Nighttime Market
Shanghai Street, Yau Ma Tei
After dusk into late night a browse through this market is charming. There’s everything from fortune-tellers to open air eating places.
Ladies’ Market
Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok
Accessible everyday from noon to 10:30pm sells everything from false designer accessories and clothing to cheap cosmetics and toys. It is also popular for late night snacks.
Hong Kong Island
Shops along this street are filled with a mix of bric-a-brac, real and fake old-timer and hundreds of stalls.
Western Market
Morrison Street
Opened in 1906 this red brick established building was a food market for more than 80 years. Today it has been regenerated and in 1991 became a shopping complex. It puts up handcrafts, fabric and souvenir stalls.
Stanley Market
Stanley Market Road, Stanley, Hong Kong Island
Stanley Market is the clear place to bargain something grand for supporters or relations. The historic fishing lanes are jam-packed with vendors selling Chinese graphics, silk collectibles and curiosities.
