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DISTRICTS
OF HONG KONG
Yau
Tsim Mong
The old clock tower near the Star Ferry
concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui is a landmark of the Age
of Steam, when trains arrived here with passengers
who - weeks before - had embarked from London on the
world's longest railway journey. Part of the
original Kowloon Canton Railway Station, it was
completed and came into operation in 1921.
Wan
Chai
The imposing Golden Bauhinia, standing
outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition
Centre on the Wan Chai water significant occasion in
Hong Kong history - the return of the former British
colony to the People's Republic of China, and the
establishment of the Special Administrative Region
of Hong Kong.
Kowloon
City
Once a semi-lawless, high-rise slum inhabited
by squatters, refugees and criminals, the Kowloon
walled city was demolished and replaced y the
Kowloon Walled City Park in 1996. The park features
a Qing Dynasty almshouse, the Old South Gate,
pavilions, sculptures, flower gardens and a
playground.
Wong
Tai Sin
All three main religions of China -
Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism - are practiced at
the colorful Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple,
which is dedicated to a shepherd who earned
immortality through his good deeds. This is a great
place for visitors to have their fortunes told.
Tsuen
Wan
Sam Tung Uk Museum, a restored
two-centuries-old walled village, was once a
prosperous Hakka farmer's family compound,
comprising 12 houses set within defensive walls. It
now houses a folk museum illustrating traditional
Hakka lifestyles.
Sha
Tin
Packed with fascinating hands-on exhibits, the Hong
Kong Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving the
material and visual culture of Hong Kong's people.
It features a variety of specially designed exhibits
covering history, art and culture. Recommended for
families.
Yuen
Long
The Ping Shan heritage Trail reveals some of
the most interesting ancient buildings still
standing in the New Territories districts of Yuen
Long, where hard-working peasants once titled their
smallholdings on the large alluvial plain. One of
the trail's highlights is Hong Kong's only historic
pagoda, Tsui Shing Lau, which was built in 1486.
Tuen
Mun
Originally opened as a rural retreat in 1949,
this peaceful oasis in the heart of Tuen Mun's
crowded residential estate features pavilions, lotus
ponds and bonsai trees. The Taoist temple, Ching
Chung Koon, contains many treasures including
lanterns from Beijing's Imperial Palace.
Islands
The world's largest, seated, outdoor, Bronze
Buddha sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid
the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island.
Take time to sample the delicious vegetarian lunches
prepared by the monks of Po Lin Monastery.
Tai
Po
In the lush, green valley of Lam Tsuen
stand the enchanting Wishing Trees, laden with
colorful pieces of paper. According to tradition,
believers write their wishes on bundles of paper and
throw them into the air. Their wish will be granted
if the paper catches on the trees' many branches.
Sai
Kung
The remote and tranquil island of Kau Sai
Chau, in the middle of the large bay off the New
Territories township of Sai Kung, is home to the
Hung Shing Temple. The temple has been recognised by
UNESCO as an outstanding culture and heritage
restoration project. Built in 1889, the temple is
shrine to Hung Shing, God of the Sea, one of the
deities worshipped by the island's many fishermen.
Sham
Shui Po
Little known to many overseas
visitors, Cheung Sha Wan Road is a great place to
pick up trendy fashion items at wholesale prices.
Most of the shops can be found between Yen Chow
Street and Wong Chuk Street. At the flea market in
Ap Liu Street you might pick up a rare antique for a
song. While the items sold here are mainly
electrical devices, electronic products and the
like, you can sometimes find antique clocks, old
coins and other collections.
Kwun
Tong
The fishing village of Lei Yue Mun
is popular for its seafood and ideal for a night out
with friends. Choose your own fresh fish directly
from a tank and decide how you'd like it prepared.
Make sure you ask the price before' ordering.
Central
& Western
Perched like an eagle's eyrie
above the incredible harbor, the Peak Tower offers
viewing terraces and other attractions, including
dining, shopping, rides and exhibits. Pick a clear
day and enjoy this incredible view.
Kwai
Tsing
The latest and greatest engineering
marvel of this dynamic city, the Tsing Ma bridge is
now Hong Kong's proud new landmark, massively
imposing by day, and a twinkling fairyland of lights
by night. At 2.2 kilometres (1.36 miles), it is
world's largest road-and-rail suspension bridge.
North
Dominating the sky-line from its commanding site
on hillside overlooking the New Territories town of
Fan Ling, the Fung Ying Seen Koon is a superb
example of Taoist temple design. Its massive
orange-tiled double roof, built to a traditional
design and supported by stout red stone pillars,
immediately catches the eye, beckoning the visitor
to step up to its entrance and inspect the many
examples of artistic craftsmanship found within its
grounds.
Eastern
Converted from the 19th-century Lei Yue Mun fort,
the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense includes a
permanent exhibition featuring the history of Hong
Kong's coastal defenses since the Ming and Qing
periods. It also features a historical trail where
visitors can experience first-hand the restored
military installations. A great outing for
children.
Southern
Stanley is one of Hong Kong's most popular
destinations. The open market is packed with bargain
hunters from all over the world, haggling with
shopkeepers and stallholders over the price of
clothing, accessories, souvenirs, ornaments and
Oriental knick-knacks. Murray House is a restored
colonial building (1844) that was dismantled from
its original site in Central. It now houses
up-market
shops and restaurants. |
