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Hong Kong Island
Whilst Hong Kong Island covers less than 10% of the total land mass, it is the economic heart of Hong Kong. The northern side of the island, which faces Kowloon, is mostly urban, with the famous skyscrapers competing for a view of Victoria Harbour, whereas the southern side is relatively undeveloped and strewn with parks and mountains.
As the name suggests, Central is located in the middle of the business district on the northern side of Hong Kong Island and is, consequently, one of the most visited areas on Hong Kong Island. As well as numerous hotels, restaurants and bars, Central is the nearest point to Victoria Peak.
Located on Central’s eastern side, Admiralty refers to the former Admiralty Dock, which used to house a naval dockyard. Several shopping malls, tower blocks and Hong Kong Park combine to make this a popular place for tourists.
The most famous tourist attraction in Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is situated 500m above the city and offers panoramic views of the harbour, Kowloon and southern Hong Kong Island. To get to the top of Victoria Peak, take the 5 minute funicular ride, which departs every 15 minutes from Central.
Built in 1845 in the south of Hong Kong Island, Happy Valley Racecourse is the home of horse racing in Hong Kong. For sheer excitement and the opportunity to rub shoulders with the locals, nothing beats a night at the horse races in Happy Valley. The horse racing season starts in September and ends in July.
Arguably the most famous harbour in the world, Victoria Harbour separates Kowloon from Hong Kong Island. The harbour's deep, sheltered waters and strategic location on the South China Sea was instrumental in Hong Kong's establishment as a British colony and its subsequent development as a trading centre. Today, the best way to enjoy the harbour is to take a ride on the Star Ferry at dusk and marvel at the lights from all of the skyscrapers.
The Soho District, meaning South of Hollywood Road, is an entertainment zone in the Mid-Levels of Hong Kong Island. One of the easiest ways of getting to Soho is through the Central-Mid-Levels escalator, which was built in 1993. It is said that the very existence of, now vibrant, Soho is attributed to the creation of the escalator system, which at the time was the longest escalator system in the world. The area now consists of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, art galleries and antique stores of Staunton Street and Elgin Street.
Lan Kwai Fong is a small square of streets in Central, Hong Kong. The area was dedicated to hawkers before the Second World War, but underwent a renaissance in the mid 1980s. It is now a popular expatriate haunt in Hong Kong for drinking, clubbing and dining.
Stanley Market is a street market in Stanley on Hong Kong Island. The street is a typical example of a traditional old open-air market in Hong Kong and has since become a major tourist attraction, well known for its bargains. Many of the stalls or shops in Stanley Market sell Hong Kong souvenirs as well as clothing, toys, ornaments, luggage and souvenirs.
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Hong Kong Island is featured in the following:
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