Sights and landmarks in Hong Kong

Sights and landmarks 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. SeeEastern District

   Central Plaza

   Can be seen from most of Wan Chai. Central Plaza was the tallest building in Asia from 1992 to 1996, and the tallest in Hong Kong until 2003. It is possible to tell the time by the changing lights on the top of this building. During business hours, you can take the lift from the ground floor to the sky lobby on the 46th floor to get a spectacular free view of the harbour and the island. Another option for a free is view is from the observation lift in the Hopewell Centre at 183 Queen's Road East. This is one of the very few round towers found in the city. This glass lift can be taken from the 17th floor and the amazing journey to the 62nd floor takes about 90 seconds. Once at the top you can eat at the revolving restaurant on top of the building, or head back down again.

4. SeeCentral

   Central-Mid-Levels Escalator

   At 800 m long, this is the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world. The escalator runs downhill from 6AM to 10AM and uphill from 10:30AM to midnight every day. Part of it near the bottom goes along Cochrane Street, and it's hard to miss. It goes from busy areas at the bottom to upscale residential neighborhoods at the top. For tourists it's not all that useful for transportation, but it's an interesting curiosity that CNN declared one of the world's coolest commutes.

   Free

5. SeeCentral

   Chater Garden

   Adjacent to the Legislative Council Building, this is the place where disgruntled Hongkongers come to protest. Named after businessman Sir Paul Chater.

6. SeeOutlying Islands

   Cheung Chau

   長洲

   A traditional community based on an active fishing fleet and many thriving seafood restaurants. It has a number of reasonable hiking trails and some usable beaches.

7. SeeNew Territories

   Ching Chung Koon

   A traditional Taoist temple. Many people go to here to worship the gods.

8. SeeCentral

   City Gallery

   A celebration of planning proposals and infrastructure projects. Interactive features and devices give visitors the latest information on planning and infrastructure developments in Hong Kong.

   Free

9. SeeCentral

   City Hall

   Concert hall, theatre, and exhibition space. This cultural hub is famous for its dim sum restaurant.

10. SeeKowloon

    Dialogue in the Dark

    An exhibition in complete darkness. Experience five different Hong Kong themed environments using your non-visual senses on a 75-minute tour with the help of a visually impaired guide. Reservations are recommended, especially for a tour in English or Mandarin instead of Cantonese.

    10AM–7:30PM daily·Weekdays $160, $90 for students and seniors; weekends $180, $100 for students and seniors

11. SeeLantau

    Discovery Bay

    As a residential district, Discovery Bay is not really a tourist destination. However, it boasts a 400-m beach, a golf and marina club for members and guests, meaning that the area attracts day trippers. It also holds festivals, including most notably, dragon boat races at the beach in May/June and a multicultural festival in November.

12. SeeCentral

    Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware

    Museum of teapots and cups, with exhibits ranging from modern to 3000 years old.

    Wed-Mon 10AM-6PM·Free

13. SeeEastern District

    Gloucester Road

    Pronounced in the British way as Gloss-ter Road, this street is famous for car showrooms where the rich will spend and the rest will take photographs of themselves in front of their dream car.

14. SeeEastern District

    Golden Bauhinia Square

    The site of the ceremony in 1997 in which the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong to China. A flag raising ceremony is held here ever morning at 8AM, when the Hong Kong Police will perform foot drills and raise both the Chinese national flag and the Hong Kong flag to the accompaniment of the Chinese national anthem. Visit at night time for a stunning view of the neon-lit skylines of Kowloon and Hong Kong.

15. SeeCentral

    Government House

    禮賓府

    Originally the official residence of the British Governors of Hong Kong under colonial rule, since the handover back to China in 1997, it has been the official residence of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong. Only open to the public on specific open days that are usually published on the web-site in advance, usually once in the spring to coincide with the blooming of the flowers in the garden, and once in the autumn.

16. SeeEastern District

    Hong Kong Central Library

    Opened in 2001, Hong Kong's main public library looks over the playgrounds of Victoria Park. It is an impressive 12-storey structure that holds a vast collection of Chinese and English resources. Visitors will find exhibitions, wifi access, newspapers and magazines. There is a souvenir shop and a branch of Delifrance where you can relax.

17. 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

18. SeeKowloon

    Hong Kong Cultural Centre

    香港文化中心

    Opened in 1989 and in a prominent position on the waterfront, it is a contender for being the most famous ugly building in Hong Kong. However, if you are a lover of the arts, don't judge this building by its bland exterior; inside the architects have created a superb space that really does justice to the sights and sounds of each performance.

    9AM–11PM

19. SeeLantau

    Hong Kong Disneyland

    Asia's second Disneyland was opened in September 2005 and features some of the Disney favourites. The park is accessible via the MTR. Change at the Sunny Bay station on the Tung Chung MTR line for the Disneyland Resort Line. It has nine themed areas: Main Street USA, Adventureland, Fantasyland, Tomorrowland, Toy Story Land, Grizzly Gulch, Mystic Point, World of Frozen and Stark Expo. Tickets are $639 for adults, $475 for children, and $100 for Seniors over 65. There are fewer rides than the other Disney theme parks. A few rides have a slightly different take on them, but there is little unique here. Some rides are simply identical to other parks. If you get there at opening time on a weekday, it would be possible to do all the rides and shows by mid-afternoon. English speakers are well catered for, with all attractions narrating in both English and Cantonese. The Jungle River Cruise, however, which depends so much on the English language delivery of the guide doesn't fare well. There is a choice of Cantonese and American cuisine around the park. The Fantasyland Banquet Hall offering the broadest range of food types and kids meals to keep everyone happy. Meals around $55. There are plenty of drinking fountains in the park. Bring a water bottle to fill, or pay a bottle in the park. On weekends and holidays the tickets are $350 for adults and $250 for children. Children under 3 are free. Visit on weekdays to avoid the crowds.

20. 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

21. SeeNew Territories

    Hong Kong Heritage Museum

    For those with a serious interest in Chinese culture, this might appeal to you as one of Hong Kong's best museums. Modern, informative and attractively presented, this museum houses several permanent exhibitions of life in the New Territories, Cantonese opera, and Chinese art, as well as temporary exhibitions of a high calibre.

    Mon Wed-Fri 10AM-6PM, Sat Sun 10AM-7PM (closed Tue plus first ane second day of Chinese New Year)·Free for permanent exhibits

22. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Maritime Museum

    香港海事博物館

    In addition to original artifacts, cannons, scrolls, ship's models and paintings, the galleries of Hong Kong Maritime Museum have over 25 interactive screens using the latest technology to introduce visitors to the vast range of stories and topics at the heart of Hong Kong's – and the world's – maritime story. You can learn of Poon Lim, the world record holder for solo survival at sea. See how a junk is built. Trace the development of China's trade routes from the Han to the Qing Dynasty. Investigate China Trade paintings. Hunt pirates. Load a container ship.

    Mon-Fri 9:30AM-5:30PM, Sat Sun 10AM-7PM·$30, half price for seniors and students

23. SeeKowloon

    Hong Kong Museum of Art

    A fascinating, strange and elusive place. The entrance lies up one floor, mimicking the “temple” approach to the high altar of culture and art. Once you arrive on the first floor, you are bathed in light from the wall of glass that gives you a panoramic view of Hong Kong Island. The objects on show are Chinese ceramics, terracotta, rhinoceros horn and Chinese paintings. There is also a temporary exhibition space devoted to items from their own collection with additional lent material. There is also space for contemporary art produced by Hong Kong artists, most of whom have moved away from the traditional Chinese art forms to fusion art with North American and British influence, reflecting Hong Kong's colonial past.

    closed for renovations until 2019·$10, concessions $5

24. 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

25. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences

    香港醫學博物館

    The neighbour of one of the earliest hospitals in Hong Kong, Tung Wah Hospital, this museum shows how the healthcare system evolved from traditional Chinese medicine to modern Western medicine, via the establishment of numerous hospitals and the first medical school (now the University of Hong Kong), of which Dr. Sun Yat-sen was a student.

26. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Park

    A great place to relax in Central. Head for L16 cafe and bar which is one of the few places where you can eat and drink outdoors away from the traffic.

    Daily 6AM-10PM

27. 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

28. SeeNew Territories

    Hong Kong Railway Museum

    香港鐵路博物館

    An open-air museum converted from the old Tai Po Railway Station. It has seven railway coaches and two locomotives.

    Open from 10AM-6PM on Mon and Wed-Sunday. Closing is 1 hour earlier (5PM) on Christmas Eve and Lunar New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays) and first two days of Lunar New Year.·Free

29. SeeKowloon

    Hong Kong Science Museum

    Large museum with many interactive exhibits including an energy machine and an airplane. A museum which decided to make an architectural statement about its purpose, yet somehow got it horribly wrong. This museum is primarily aimed at children. The maths puzzles and optical illusions on the top floor are challenging. There is a giant Rube Goldberg machine spanning the entire museum that is run for a few minutes every two hours. (Sections are being renovated during 2016.)

    Mon-Wed Fri 10AM-7PM; Sat Sun 10AM-9PM·$35 (permanent exhibitions only $25)

30. 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

31. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre

    Offers visual arts studios for artists as well as exhibition halls.

    Wed-Mon 10AM-9PM

32. SeeNew Territories

    Hong Kong Wetland Park

    Is a relaxing park set amidst an ecological mitigation area. One can stroll along a network of board walks built over the marshy area and watch birds from a tower. The park also features a large visitors centre/museum. The museum has many interactive exhibits ideal for children, as well as some live animal habitats. To visit, take MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station, then the #705 light rail to Wetland Park. The park is pushchair and wheelchair friendly.

33. SeeCentral

    Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens

    A small, free zoo with reptiles, primates, a jaguar, and rare and endangered birds and plants.

34. SeeLantau

    Inspiration Lake Recreation Centre

    迪欣湖

    Inspiration Lake is the largest artificial lake in Hong Kong, and has a 1500-m jogging trail. It also has an arboretum, and rents paddle boats and surrey bikes. It is in Penny's Bay, a 15-minute walk from Disneyland Resort MTR station, or take the R8 bus.

    9AM-7PM, daily.·Free

35. 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.

36. SeeKowloon

    Kowloon Park

    the location of a former British barrack. There, you will find not only pleasant gardens, but aviaries, museums, and sporting facilities, including Hong Kong's best swimming pool complex, which offers both indoor and outdoor pools. A wide range of swimming, diving and children's play-pools will appeal to kids of all ages, and their frazzled parents who are seeking a safe place for youngsters to play away from the traffic.

    5:00AM-midnight·Free

37. 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

38. SeeOutlying Islands

    Kwo Chau islands

    果洲群島

    Located to the east of Hong Kong island. There are three main islands and 29 small islands. The Kwo Chau Islands look like a bowl of fruit from the air and so this is how they got their name. Likewise, the three main islands look like nine pins from the sky, hence the name. Individually, they are known as East Ninepin Island (Tung Kwo Chau), South Ninepin Island (Nam Kwo Chau) and North Ninepin Island (Pak Kwo Chau). On the islands the dual processes of weathering and erosion have combined to sculpt some fascinating coastal scenery.

39. SeeNew Territories

    Lam Tsuen Wishing Tree

    林村許願樹

    The Wishing Tree is an old tree. Traditionally, it is believed that it will bring good luck and fortune. Nowadays, it is a tourist spot for both Westerners and locals. Simply go to Tai Po Market Railway Station and take the green minibus route 25K, or bus 64K to get to the Wishing Tree. Alternatively, you are advised to take a green taxi from Tai Wo Railway Station if you have 4 or 5 people travelling together.

40. SeeOutlying Islands

    Lamma Island

    南丫島

    Has become increasingly popular with Western hippies who have created their own small residential community in Yung Shue Wan (榕樹灣). On both sides of the island you will find attractive bars, restaurants and cafes, making it a popular destination for local Chinese people out on a day trip.

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