Historic places in Hong Kong

Historic places in Hong Kong

1. SeeNew Territories

   10,000 Buddhas Monastery

   萬佛寺

   This rather garish but enjoyable modern temple dating from the 1950s in fact contains no less than 12,800 Buddhas lining the walls of the main hall. There's also a nine-story pagoda and some smaller temples above the main complex. Half the fun is getting there, the 500-metre path that climbs up the hill is lined with life-sized golden plastic statues of Buddhas in poses ranging from serene to outrageous. A point of mortal interest is the embalmed body of the Monatery's founder the Venerable Yuet Kai, which is exhibited in the main temple hall.

   Free admission, but donations welcome

2. SeeNew Territories

   Castle Peak Monastery

   Classed as a Grade I historic building that has been standing for more than 1000 years. These historic monuments have stood through the ages in a tranquil woodland area. The striking and picturesque surroundings create an enjoyable view, as well as a solemn ambiance. Upon entering the monastery, you will notice the words "香海名山" (Fragrant Sea and Prestigious Mountain) engraved on the portico. The Tsing Shan Temple is among the three oldest temples in Hong Kong. Inside the temple, there is a main worship hall. Walking up the stairs leading to the hall, you will see "一切有情、同登覺地" (which means Everything on Earth Has Ties and Reaches Nirvana Together). The peaceful environment of this Buddhist temple offers an abiding sense of harmony.

3. SeeSouthern District

   Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum

   The museum has been extensively renovated with 10 galleries including a mock gallows, two replicas of prison cells and more than 600 separate exhibits including historical documents, photographs and artifacts from the history of Hong Kong's prison system. An annex also displays examples of products made by prisoners at the nearby Stanley Prison.

   Tue-Sun 10:00 to 17:00 except on public holidays·Free

4. SeeKowloon

   Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre

   Housed in former British colonial barracks, which are architecturally interesting in their own right. The centre houses one permanent (Explore our Heritage) and a couple of temporary exhibitions about Hong Kong's and China's history. There are also lectures, workshops and similar events.

   Mon-Wed 10AM-6PM, Thu closed, Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat-Sun 10AM-7PM·Free

5. SeeKowloon

   Hong Kong Museum of History

   The permanent exhibition, the Hong Kong Story, covers the history of Hong Kong from millions of years ago until the reunification with China in 1997. Exhibits are about the nature, culture and history of Hong Kong. Also special exhibitions changing every few months. Forget the idea that all of Hong Kong museums are frumpy and boring. The Hong Kong Story is a real must go and do, ideal for those who want to make sense of Hong Kong's vibrant past in an engaging and interactive way. Allow 2-4 hours.

   Mon Wed-Fri 10AM-6PM; Sat Sun 10AM-7PM·$10, concession $5, Wednesday free. Cash only

6. SeeEastern District

   Hong Kong Police Museum

   There are five galleries: Orientation describing the history of the force, Triad Societies and Narcotics describing the history of Triad Societies and narcotic problems, Police Then & Now describing the transformation of Hong Kong Police Force over the years, Current Exhibition exhibiting changing themes, and Heroin Factory exhibiting a heroin production site.

   Wed-Sun 9AM–5PM, Tue 2–5PM·Free

7. SeeKowloon

   Hong Kong Space Museum

   Small museum, with a basic history of space flight in static exhibits, including a single exhibit on Chinese space flight. It also has interactive exhibits, allowing you to fly a hang glider, work a space motion system, and simulate walking on the moon. It has a planetarium attached that shows movies projected onto the roof. Plan ahead if you want to see an English session, as most are Cantonese. It is fun for kids aged around 10 to 15 years.

   Mon Wed-Sat noon-8:45PM, Sun 10AM-8:45PM, Tue closed·$10 on most days. Free on Wednesdays

8. EatKowloon

   Jade Palace

   A tasty and tourist-friendly dim sum spot. Order by selecting from a card (also in English), not from a cart. Try the shrimp and chive dumplings and the tripe in ginger soup. Dim sum served 11AM-3PM daily, dishes $16-40 each.

9. SeeNew Territories

   Kat Hing Wai

   Of more historical than practical interest, this tiny walled village was one of the first settlements of the Tang clan, who arrived in Hong Kong in the 12th century and have dominated much of the area ever since. The village today, however, has lots of nondescript modern low-rise concrete housing blocks crammed behind a crumbling gray brick wall. $1 donation requested, and if you see the old Hakka women lounging near the sole entrance, expect to pay $10 or so if you want to take their picture.

10. SeeKowloon

    Kowloon Walled City Park

    The Kowloon Walled City began as an enclave that remained under Chinese sovereignty when the New Territories and the rest of Kowloon were ceded to the British. After the fall of the Qing Dynasty in 1912, its legal status became disputed, and there was no effective government within the walled city as a result. The massive influx of mainland Chinese refugees after the communist takeover led to haphazard construction of high-rise buildings, resulting in a horrendous convolution of maze-like alleys, darkness, cramped space, unsanitary conditions and fire hazards. There was no effective police presence inside the city, and it was a hotbed of triads, prostitution and unlicensed doctors and dentists. The Walled City was notorious for drugs, vice and many things shady and criminal. In 1994, after so many years of being beyond the reach of the law, the colonial government struck a deal with the Beijing authorities and razed the place to the ground. The park that replaced it is very tame in comparison to its distinctive history, but it does offer a few clues and remnants from its colourful past, including the former yamen dating back to the Qing Dynasty. As of 2026 there is an exhibition within the park that has some simulacral recreations of the walled city.

    6:30AM-11AM daily. Exhibitions room: 10AM-6PM, closed Wed·Free

11. EatKowloon

    La Taverna Restaurant

    Hong Kong's oldest Italian restaurant sits hidden in plain view at the end of busy Ashley Road. Stepping through the door is like stepping back in time to a Hong Kong of the past or at least an Italian version of it circa 1960s. Delicious pastas and meat dishes and risottos to die for. Well worth a visit as much as for a sense of Hong Kong history as the tasty Italian food. A true oasis of tranquility in bustling Kowloon and very reasonably priced.

    Noon-3PM, 7-11:30PM

12. SeeCentral

    Lung Fu Shan Country Park

    Hong Kong newest and smallest Country Park. Its proximity to the Peak makes it highly accessible and one is rewarded by a pleasant hike away from the crowds nearby. A convenient place to make a BBQ with great views over Victoria Harbour. Budding military historians will enjoy exploring Pinewood battery and other remnants of the Second World War.

13. SeeNew Territories

    Miu Fat Buddhist Monastery

    This is a temple built in 1960 and is one of the best monasteries for visitors to enjoy.

14. DoCentral

    Mount Davis

    Walk up Mount Davis to see the abandoned Second World War-era gunnery fortifications. Take the steps up from Victoria Rd just west of Kennedy Town; or follow Victoria Rd until you reach the roundabout (about a kilometre), and take the mountain road up. The climb will take a while, but there are many ruins to explore, and great views. There's also a youth hostel at the top if you are too tired to make it back in one go.

15. SeeEastern District

    Noon Day Gun

    Noonday Gun

    The historic gun is fired every day at noon and once a year at midnight on New Year's Eve. To access the Noon Day Gun, enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Centre and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs. Finding this tunnel is difficult and you might need to ask staff for directions. The tradition of firing a gun into Victoria Harbour everyday at noon dates back to the 1860s. It is believed that this is the gun referred to in Noel Coward's song "Mad Dogs and Englishmen".

    Free

16. SeeOutlying Islands

    Peng Chau

    坪洲

    Although it has a reputation for being dull and lacking in tourist attractions, you may be nevertheless be pleasantly surprised. Restaurants here are cheaper than the other islands and you get the feeling you are off the 'beaten-track' of mass tourism. Perhaps it is the place to go at the end of your holiday when you are weary of the fast-pace of the big city and just want to slow down, have a drink and chat with friends. From Peng Chau you can easily take the dilapidated ferry over to the Trappist monastery on Lantau island and walk, for a couple of hours, along the hilly footpath to Mui Wo. From Mui Wo you can take another ferry back to Hong Kong island. It is located 8 km to the west of Hong Kong Island. The size of the island is 1km square. Peng Chau, as the name suggests, is mostly flat land.

17. SeeNew Territories

    Ping Shan Heritage Trail

    This is a kilometre long trail enabling you to take in the most important buildings in this historical area, including the ancient pagoda of Tsui Sing Lau, the Tang Ancestral Hall and the Kun Ting Study Hall.

18. SeeLantau

    Po Lin Monastery

    寶蓮禪寺

    The monastery was founded in 1906 by three monks from Jiangsu province. The main temple building houses three bronze statues representing the Buddha of the past, present and future.

19. SeeEastern District

    The Museum of Coastal Defence

    Despite its dry title, this museum is worth a visit if you enjoy military history.

    Fri-Wed 10AM-5PM, last admission at 4:30PM·Admission $10

20. DrinkEastern District

    The Pawn

    Wan Chai. A Western-style bar and cafe in an attractive building that was once a pawn shop. It is away from the naughty parts of Wan Chai in one of the few historic buildings remaining in Hong Kong. It will appeal to visitors seeking a good range of imported beers and wines.

21. SeeCentral

    University Museum and Art Gallery

    The oldest museum in Hong Kong dating back to 1953 has a large permanent collection of Chinese antiquities as well as modern paintings. It also host exhibitions of contemporary and ancient art.

    Mon-Sat 9:30AM-6PM, Sun 1-6PM

22. SeeKowloon Not mapped

    Hong Kong Palace Museum

    香港故宮文化博物館

    A museum displaying artefacts from the Forbidden City in Beijing.

    Mon Wed Thu 10AM-6PM, Fri Sat Sun 10AM-8PM·Adults $50, concessions $25, entry is free on Wednesdays provided you book online

23. EatCentral Not mapped

    Maxim's Palace

    One of Hong Kong's most popular dim sum spots, featuring harbour views if you're lucky enough to score a window table. The atmosphere and food are very much in the classical dim sum tradition, a large, noisy hall with waitresses pushing around carts laden with goodies; try the siu mai (燒賣), har gao (蝦餃) and mango pudding. Dim sum served 11AM-3PM daily, expect to queue on Sundays (when the restaurant opens at 9AM). Try to gather a few people so you can try many different kinds, and expect to pay $100-200 a head. Don't confuse this with Maxim's Restaurant on the 2nd floor.

24. SeeNew Territories

    Tsz Shan Monastery Buddhist Art Museum

    慈山寺佛教藝術博物館

    No. 88, Universal Gate Road, Tai Po

    10:00-13:00 (last admission at 12:30), 14:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30), closed on Mondays (except Mondays that fall on a public holiday)·Free

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Hong Kong (CC BY-SA 4.0).