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Panoramic View of Hong Kong from Victoria Peak |
Hong Kong Island, the second largest island and the earliest area opened to the world in Hong Kong, is now the commercial and political center of the city. For visitors, there are so many things to do on the island from visiting various points of interests, going shopping in grand malls to enjoying delicious local foods.
What to see on Hong Kong Island
There are many small mountains on the Island, whose heights are around 300-400m (328-437yd). The highest one is the 554m (605.8yd) Victoria Peak, the best place for an overview of Victoria Harbor. The night view is especially charming. Visitors are suggested to go to the Peak by Peak tram, a very unique and traditional transport tool with a history of over 100 years. In the Peak Tower, there is a Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum, where you can take photos with your favorite stars or other celebrities.
At the south end of Hong Kong Island are some major tourist zones including Repulse Bay and Ocean Park, one of the most visited world-class theme parks. Repulse Bay is now an exclusive residential area; visitors could swim and enjoy the beautiful beach here, too.
The northern part of the Island is the commercial and political center of the city. The Central and Causeway Bay with countless skyscrapers locate here. You may come to the Central to feel the fast pace of this modern metropolis. Take the Central-Mid-Levels Escalator and Walkway, the world’s longest outdoor escalator, to visit those prosperous streets that appeared in many famous Hong Kong movies. And you could go to the International Commerce Center, the International Finance Center and the Central Plaza to overlook the whole CBD from the above. Or you could attend a horse racing at Happy Valley Racecourse to experience the excitement of the game and the horse-racing culture. At night, visit a bar at Lan Kuai Fong in Central and SoHo in Wan Chai and feel the night life in HK with people from all over the world. As the political center, the Central Government Office of HK, The Old Supreme Court Building and The Government House situate here.
| Victoria Peak | | | Ocean Park | |
The place worth visiting on the northwest of the island is Shueng Wan. You could wander in the streets, and visit the old city starting from the Possession Street, along Hollywood Street, to discover those small blocks, where you can learn the beginning of the island’s colonial history and the combination of Cantonese and western culture. Many specialty shopping streets, such as Ginseng & Bird's Nest Street, Herbal Medicine Street, Seafood Street and Antique Street gather here. Don’t forget to taste local snacks like salty rice pudding and Chinese egg puff and buy some souvenirs in Sheung Wan. The world famous Hong Kong University also locates in this district.
Where to shop on Hong Kong Island
Shopping is what a visitor can’t miss on the island. In Central and Causeway Bay, you can find almost any luxury item or fast fashion brand, including the well-known Apple Exclusive in Central, which is the largest Apple store in Asia. Experience the charming Shopping Paradise in more than one hundreds shopping malls. City Plaza is the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong Island and a family-oriented mall where you can find anything you want. Design Gallery is a retail venue focusing on original HK designers’ brands. Fashion Walk focuses on middle-priced brands with high fashion. What’s more, the Lane Crawford, Island Beverly Center, IFC Mall, Hysan Place, Lee Gardens One & Two, SOGO, Times Square and WTC Mall and so many other shopping centers can surely meet your needs.
In Hong Kong you never have to worry about having nothing new to eat. Many local distinctive restaurants are recommended including Lin Heung Tea House at 160 Wellington Street, Central, Lan Fong Yuen at 2 Gage Street, Central, Tai Cheong Bakery at 35 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, Murray House in Stanley Bay, SoHo Dessert Street at south of Hollywood Street and Queen’s Road East in Wan Chai. And you could always find delicious snacks stalls along the streets while hanging around.
The transportation to and on this island is very convenient. To get to the Island you could take
MTR,
ferries,
buses or
taxis. Once on the island, the metro system is also well developed and can take you to most places worth visiting. Besides, you can take buses, especially the double deck ones or the trams to have a leisurely sightseeing tour on the island. To save time, the taxis are available almost anywhere.
- Last updated on Jun. 14, 2022 -