Hong Kong

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

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.

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.

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

Chater Garden

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

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.

Ching Chung Koon

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

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

City Hall

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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)

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