Hongkong Destination Guides > Places To Visit
 Ocean Park
Ocean Park is a major attraction in Hong Kong, the luminous pearl of the Orient and world financial center in southeast China. Hong Kong's mild climate and coastal scenery, attracts throngs of visitors annually from all over world. Any visit to Hong Kong should include the world famous Ocean Park.
Hong Kong Ocean Park is located on the south end of Hong Kong Island. The larger of two sections is on the headlands of Mount Nanlang. The smaller section is in the Huang Zhu Keng Valley lowlands. With an area of 170 miles, it's one of the largest ocean parks in the world. The two entrances to Ocean Park (Tai Shue Wan Entrance and Main Entrance) are connected by cable-car.
Imagine a virtual trip through the ocean park from the lowland section to the headland section:
The trip starts from the Middle Kingdom neighboring the Tai Shue Wan Entrance. At the Middle Kingdom, tourists will see many ancient structures such as temples, pavilions and streets. Walking through the Middle Kingdom, you come upon the Hong Kong Jockey Giant Panda Habitat, home to two lovely pandas, Anan the male, and Jiajia the female. Both are very popular and appear contented in their lush green environs. Tourists enjoy watching them eat and sleep.
Beyond the Panda habitat one enters the 'Dinosaur-Now and Then' exhibits. Here tourists will see vivid dinosaur models, especially the model of Tyrannosaurus Rex. Learn how the dinosaurs became extinct 65 million years ago. 'Dinosaur- Now and Then' attractions include the Chinese Alligator and Chinese Giant Salamander.
Continue on to the Dolphin Breeding Center. Here tourists will learn of dolphins' daily living habits and the importance of protecting this intelligent maritime mammal. Tourists can view at eight bottlenose dolphins including two little dolphins bred by artificial insemination for the first time in the world.
Additional wildlife exhibits on the lowland section include the Butterfly House, the Goldfish Pagoda among others. Most of the exhibitions emphasize the importance of protecting endangered species.
When visitors are ready for cool relaxation and a swim, they will find the Water Paradise delightful. The Water Paradise is one of the most well-equipped aquatic entertainment centers in Asia. Thrill seekers can slide down a huge slide or jump into the water from a diving platform. A swim through the zigzag watercourse will have you wanting to return to the Ocean Park.
Taking the cable-car, visitors ascend to the headland section. From the cable-car, you will have an unparalleled spectacular view of Hong Kong Island and the sublime South China Sea beyond. From here you can see the expanse of the marvelous maritime landscape comprised of Atoll Reef, Shark Aquarium, Ocean Theater, Ocean Park Tower and among others.
Atoll Reef is shaped like a three or four storied elliptical fishbowl. Tourist can view a variety of fish through six centimeters (about 2.4 inches) glass windows. Atoll Reef is divided into the shadow and the deep levels each exhibiting its characteristic aquatic life. The collection includes sharks, tropical fish and nautilus. Visitors will see morays, groupers, turtles and over 400 kinds of maritime animals from the Pacific Islands or the South China Sea. Apart from fish, some corals and cays are exhibited. Look, a tiny Pomacentridae fish and a gigantic Zebra Shark are swimming leisurely in the expansive Atoll Reef.
Actually, the Shark Aquarium is an underwater viewing tunnel to observe the dangerous maritime creatures. In the aquarium, Black Tip Reef Shark, Pygmy Swell Shark and other kinds of sharks may startle you as they approach. Be prepared to look sharks eye to eye as they pass safely over head. If you time it right, you might see divers feeding or playing with sharks.
Ocean Theater is the most famous and popular spot in the whole Ocean Park. It is an open-air theater in which dolphins and sea lions stage a wonderful performance in a huge pond. Under the guidance of trainers, adorable dolphins and sea lions stand in a line or jump into water and raise theirs heads out of water. You will be thrilled by their theatrics.
Ocean Park Tower in the headland section is another aerial vantage point, with a height of 72 meters (about 236 feet). It‘s slowly revolving cabin enables one to catch a panoramic view of the whole park when it rotates from the ground to the top.
Hong Kong Ocean Park also is famous for its many thrilling rides on the headland. The latest ride is the Abyss Turbo Drop, which moves vertically on a 185 foot tower. As the platform slowly ascends, riders have an overall view of the ocean park. The platform stops briefly at the top before it drops abruptly, surprising even the prepared. The thrill is hard to express. Flying Swing is another ride where tourists are swung in chairs as high as seven meters (about 23 feet) through a gyrating wave. When it begins to swing, it seems riders will be thrown off. Another very visceral ride is the Roller Coaster, the longest one in Hong Kong. It twists and swoops with a maximum speed of 77 kilometers (almost 48 miles) per hour. Screams reach a crescendo as trilled riders are briefly suspended upside down. The thrill remains even after the ride is over.
Hong Kong Ocean Park will fill your day with wonder, pleasure and excitement and reward you with satisfying memories of your visit to the impressive Hong Kong Ocean Park.
Victoria Peak
If Hong Kong is a city of jade during the day, it becomes a luminous pearl with a sea of lights twinkling in the streets after dark. Where is the best place to enjoy the multi-colorful night scene that encompasses Hong Kong and Vitoria Harbor? Victoria Peak is a good location to view its night scene. Being 554 meters (about 1,817.6 feet) above sea level, Victoria Peak is the highest point within Hong Kong and occupies the western part of the island.
How to reach Victoria Peak? Tourists can take the Peak Tram, a pleasant ride ascending the mountain. The tram has been in operation for over one hundred years, and to date, no accidents have ever occurred. Your journey aboard the tram will take eight minutes and upon reaching the summit you will see a seven storied building in the shape of a ship. This is the Peak Tower in which there are several attractions namely, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium, and the Peak Explorer Motion Simulator.
If you want to take a photo with your favorite movie or sport stars, then please visit Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. This museum exhibits over 100 waxworks of celebrities from all works of life from the middle ages to the present day, including President Hu Jintao. On the second and the third floors of the Peak Tower is a museum called Ripley's Believe It or Not! Odditorium. From its name, tourists may image how bizarre the more than 450 exhibits collected from all over the world are. On the fourth floor is the Peak Explorer Motion Simulator. It is very welcoming to all visitors and equipped with high-tech projectors, sound system and motion chairs. Sitting on the chair and looking at the images on screen, it appears that you are actually there and witnessing what happens around you. Here you will enjoy an exciting journey.
Viewing Hong Kong at night is a must! The panoramic vista is one of the most beautiful night scenes in the world so a visit to the Lion Pavilion on the peak is a must. Standing upon the pavilion and overlooking the Victoria Harbor and the Kowloon Peninsula, a spectacular night view will unfold in front of your eyes. The Victoria Harbor is one of the world's busiest harbors and has a constant ebb and flow of shipping all year round. With row upon row of skyscrapers stand prominently on the Central District which is Hong Kong's financial and economic hub. The most spectacular are the Bank of China Tower and the Central Plaza. The Bank of China Tower, with 72 stories soars skyward and is designed by an American-born Chinese architect Bei Yuming (Ieoh Ming Pei); with the bamboo-shaped outlook of the tower symbolizing that the Bank of China aspires to get better and better. The Central Plaza is a reinforced concrete building with 78 stories.
The whole city is swathed by glittering neon lights along the banks of Victoria Harbor. Another way to experience Hong Kong's night views is from Peak Garden. You can walk among fragrant flowers, butterflies and birds while enjoying the spectacular vista.
No matter when you come to the Victoria Peak, it will always give you a beautiful view of Hong Kong.
Po Lin Monastery
The Po Lin (Precious Lotus) Monastery is located on western Lantau Island, known as the 'Buddhist Kingdom in the South', it is one of the well-established Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong. Serving as a Buddhist retreat, this monastery was originally built by three monks in 1920 with only a shrine dedicated to Buddha. In 1924, it was renamed 'Po Lin Monastery' and many monks gradually settled there. Since the 1930s, the monastery has been expanded with additional larger halls and temples added to it. In the 1970s, it became one of the top 10 Buddhist monasteries in Hong Kong.
The main building at the monastery is the temple, although the decorations inside are very simple, which does not tend to overwhelm visitors with the glamour of Buddhism. It does not even have the traditional atmosphere as founded in Man Mo Temple on the Hong Kong Island.
From the gate of the temple, you can see a big copper statue of Sakyamuni - Tian Tan Buddha, which is located on the top of the Muyushan Mountain. It is regarded as the largest outdoor Buddha statue in the world. Completed in 1993, the statue along with its adjoining pedestal is about 34 meters tall (111 feet), depicting a sitting Buddha in a mediating position.
The pedestal of the statue is a three-story exhibition hall with a big bell inside. The bell is delicately engraved with Buddhist figures and Buddhist scriptures. Controlled by a computer, the bell is rung once every seven minutes, 108 times a day - in essence to 'relieve' 108 vexations. People can walk up the 268 steps to the platform where there is a tiny museum containing many elegant relics that you cannot find in the main temple.
Serving as a place where the Buddhist faithful seek enlightenment through mediations, the quietness of this monastery is only broken by visitors, especially on weekends. However, Buddhist faithful and monks still manage to live in a secluded world, despite the chaos caused by the tourists.
The Buddhist discipline forbids alcohol and meat in the monastery. However, if you like, you can try some of the delicious, Chinese vegetarian dishes offered at the temple.
Repulse Bay
Repulse Bay, located in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, is the most spectacular bay in the region. Its name comes from a 19th century battle in which the British army repulsed attacking pirates. Today, Repulse Bay is a luxurious residential area for dining, relaxation, and aquatic activities.
The beach stretches long with clear azure blue water gently lapping the seashore. Its sand is golden and soft. With water temperatures ranging from 16 C (60.8F) to 26 C (80.6F) year round, it is a mecca for locals and visitors alike to escape the heat.
Swimming is obviously popular and the bay is outfitted for safety with shark prevention nets and floating platforms. During the summer, lifeguards are on duty.
Besides aquatic activities, there are extensive facilities for visitors. Barbecue racks are available under the shade near the beach. In addition, the area is dotted with hotels, supermarkets, and cafes. A lighthouse near the beach is a popular place to take photos. Watching the sunset is another popular pastime for visitors. The Zhenhai Tower Park, built in the traditional Chinese style, is located near the beach. Huge statues of the Queen of Heaven and the God of Mercy (Kwan-yin) sit in front of the park.
Wanchai
Wanchai, formerly a favorite place for sailors to take R&R, is now a fabulous shopping centre and a popular tourist attraction.
Here, on the north end of Hong Kong, old buildings coexist with modern architectures. The old buildings remind us of the Hong Kong in the past, while the modern architecture shows us Hong Kong's journey to the 21st Century. Some favorite places for people to visit in Wanchai are: the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center, the Museum, and Bauhinia Square.
The most notable place is the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Center. In the Center is Xinyi Hall where the ceremony marking Hong Kong's return to China in 1997 was held. This beautiful hall looks like a sea-gull spreading its wings. In front of the Xinyi Hall is Bauhinia Square. The sculpture of golden bauhinia there is a present that was given by the Chinese mainland government to celebrate the founding of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Every day there is a flag raising ceremony in honor of Hong Kong's returning to China.
Causeway Bay in Wanchai is a popular shopping site. Here, both the dearest and the cheapest merchandise are on sale. Perhaps no other place has such a diverse marketplace as does Hong Kong. The shopping spots include Times Square, Japanese department stores, Lee Gardens, and the Hong Kong World Trade Centre. These shopping attractions should not be missed. The extensive array of items is unbelievable. Times Square is the biggest emporium in Causeway Bay. There are phenomenally good buys from the ground floor to the top floor. Each floor has its own special pricing. Hong Kong World Trade Centre is a favorite place for office workers as it always has specially designed promotions. Additionally, there are a myriad of restaurants that provide customers with a good place to enjoy the beautiful view outside through windows while dinning. Tired of shopping and eating, take a rest! Go to Hong Kong's largest park, the exquisite Victoria Park, which is also located in Causeway Bay.
Tsim Sha Tsui
Known as the "Shopping Paradise", Hong Kong's shopping districts mainly concentrate on Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay.
Tsim Sha Tsui is located at the very tip of Kowloon peninsula and is best reached by taking the scenic Star Ferry across the harbor from Central. As well as jaw-dropping shopping and dining options, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of Hong Kong's most diverse and exhilarating locales. There is something for everyone here, from the bright lights of streets that never sleep to tranquil parks and architectural reminders of the colonial years.
Named after the British governor who designed it, bustling Nathan Road, stretching from the seaside of Tsim Sha Tsui to the Boundary Street to the north of the Kowloon Peninsula, is the major road in this area. It once was scorned as a white elephant and originally dubbed "Nathan's Folly". In recent decades, however, it has become celebrated as the "Golden Mile" because of the dazzling array of neon-decorated shops, hotels, restaurants and nightspots that flank the wide thoroughfare.
Tsim Sha Tsui prepares everything for shopper and makes sure that it can fully cater to your needs. If you desire brand name products, then you can go to Sun Plaza and Park Lane Shoppers Boulevard where various famous brand goods, such as Nike, Bossini, Esprit, and U2 can be found. And if you are fond of more modern clothes, Beverley Commercial Center can help you to follow the fashion.
Of course, if shopping is not your thing and you prefer a more cultural experience while in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui has the highest concentration of cultural centers and museums in the area. Hong Kong Museum of Art, Hong Kong Space Museum and Hong Kong Cultural Center are all situated here, providing you with a chance to taste the exciting culture and science in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Space Museum
The Hong Kong Space Museum one of the most famous landmarks in Hong Kong is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront and is easily recognized by its unique egg-shaped dome. Construction began in 1977 and was completed in 1980, covering an area of 8,000 square meters (about 1.97 acres). This museum is reputed to be the first local planetarium built to popularize astronomy and space science.
The museum is comprised of two wings, east and west. The east wing located under the dome is the planetarium's core, housing the Hall of Space Science, the Space Theatre, workshops and offices. The west wing houses the Hall of Astronomy, the Lecture Hall, the astronomy book store, gift shop and offices.
The planetarium was the first in the world to possess a fully automated control system. The Space theatre is equipped with a domed screen with a diameter of 23 meters (about 25 yards). Every year, two multi-media planetarium shows and the best foreign OMNIMAX films are shown on the dome screen with presentations broadcast simultaneously via head phones in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Japanese. The images are notable for their unsurpassed size, clarity and impact. The Hong Kong Space Museum was the first planetarium in the eastern hemisphere with an OMNIMAX film projector.
There are two main thematic halls: the Hall of Space Science is on the ground floor and the Hall of Astronomy on the first floor. The Hall of Space Science consists of three parts: the Ancient Astronomical History Area, the Early Rockets Area and the Space Station Area that portrays the history of human space exploration. Visitors have the opportunity to experience many interactive exhibits. In the Launch Vehicles Area, visitors can sit in a 'gyrochair' and learn how to control a gyro as well as launch a multi-stage rocket. The Hall of Astronomy introduces visitors to the solar system, stars and universe. With the help of interactive electronic equipment and the exhibits, visitors can learn about the mysteries of space quite easily.
The Hong Kong Space Museum has a collection of meteorites and organizes¬ extension activities that enrich the lives of both children and adults. A lot of information related to astronomy can be found by visiting the museum's homepage.
Aberdeen
On one of the southern tips of Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen is the largest satellite town with a population of about sixty thousand. It was a pirates' den two centuries ago and later turned into a simple fishing village. In recent years, with local high-rise building developments, Aberdeen has modernized, and now it becomes a vibrant waterfront resort for people from metropolitan Hong Kong.
Despite modernization, traditional fishing life still prevails. Hundreds of junks and sampans, old-fashioned boats serve as floating homes for thousands of people. They crowd in the narrow harbor, dramatically juxtaposed against a modern high-rise building that spreads up the nearby hillsides. If you were lucky, warm-hearted fishers would invite you onto their dwellings, from where you can glimpse the life of the boat-people. If no invitation forthcoming, you can always take a sampan ride yourself. Butdo place caution and safety first. You should take rides only with licensed operators.
Besides experiencing the traditional life of boat-dwellers, you may also enjoy tasty seafood here. Two magnificent floating restaurants, namely "Jumbo Floating Restaurant" and the "Tai Bak Seafood Boat" are available. They are anchored in the Aberdeen Harbor, where guests can take a free ferryboat shuttle to reach them for a feast of delicious seafood.
Wong Tai Sin Temple
Wong Tai Sin Temple, a Taoist temple established in 1921, is one of the most famous temples in Hong Kong. It is also renowned among overseas Chinese in Southern Asia, Europe, and America.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is named after Wong Chuping. When Wong Chuping was 15, he began to follow Taoism. Forty years later, he achieved enlightenment and became immortal. People called him Wong Tai Sin from then on. It is said that he punishes evils, heals the wounded, and rescues the dying. The influence of Wong Tai Sin spread from Guangdong Province to Hong Kong in the early 20th century. With his mercy and his power, he is said to grant whatever is requested. Wong Tai Sin Temple is known for its fortune-telling. The fortune sticks (or lots) in Wong Tai Sin Temple are very accurate. Many people who visit the temple come to have their fortunes told. Generally, worshippers entreat the fate of the same year. They light worship sticks, kneel before the main altar, make a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until one falls out. The stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number, and the soothsayer then interprets the fortune on the paper for the worshipper. Wong Tai Sin has many worshippers in Hong Kong, so the joss sticks and candles burn exuberantly all year round, especially during the Chinese Lunar New Year and Wong Tai Sin's birthday - the 23rd day of the eighth lunar month.
Wong Tai Sin Temple is also called Sik Sik Yuen. The architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple is in the traditional Chinese temple style: grand red pillars, a magnificent golden roof adorned with blue friezes, yellow latticework, and resplendent multi-colored carvings. Aside from the Daxiong-baodian or Grand Hall, Sansheng Hall and the Good Wish Garden are also worth seeing. The temple grounds also feature three memorial archways. The first one stands outside the temple and is carved with the name of the temple. If you walk past the soothsayers and the fortune-telling stalls, you can see another memorial archway. And if you continue further along the third memorial archway standing before you. Memorial archways are a common feature of traditional Chinese architecture. Also at the temple are the Nine Dragon Wall--a replica of the renowned Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing, and the Good Wish Garden - a miniature copy of Beijing's Summer Palace
Hong Kong Disneyland
As the newest Disneyland in the world, Hong Kong Disneyland is a must-see because of its special attractions and the inimitable sense of Chinese culture. Walking into Hong Kong Disneyland, you feel you are in a wonderland. Accompanied by Mickey Mouse and other Disney friends, you start a fantastic and magical journey. With unique scenic spots and Disney Theme Hotels, you can go escape from the real world, and make your dreams come true. The availability of delicious Chinese and Asian food is also a lure for many visitors and Disney fans.
The first theme park you might come across is 'Main Street, U.S.A.'. Entering Main Street, you will be amazed by the delicate buildings, dim gas lamp and Paddy Wagon passing by. Antique taxicabs, Disneyland Railroad and the City Hall transports you back to America of the early 20th century. There are Chinese elements here too. Plaza Inn, the first Chinese restaurant in Main Street, complete with 19th Century Chinese table service. With the image of cartoon heroine Mulan everywhere, you come to the conclusion that Mulan is really at home now. Market House Bakery and Main Street Corner Cafe are also good places for you to enjoy. Lingering in Emporium and Main Street Mercantile, having a look in The Curiosity Shop and Silhouette Shop, you will surely find timeless treasures.
If you feel courageous, try Adventureland. Guided by a brave captain, Jungle River Cruise will take you into the heart of hidden regions. Hippos, cobras, elephants, orangutans and startling jungle events are waiting for you. As an attraction originally conceived by Walt Disney fifty years ago, it has been given an entirely new appearance with exciting 21st century Disney magic especially for Hong Kong Disneyland! Festival of the Lion King will keep your eyes glued on the show. Adapted from Disney's animated classic 'The Lion King', this colorful pageant of music and dance is just like a classic music drama because of its consummate performers, costumes and exotic scenery. This is a show that will appeal to all ages. Traveling by raft in the Rivers of Adventure, you land at your destination: Tarzan Island. Exploring Tarzan Island and visiting Tarzan's Treehouse reminds you of the story of this human child raised by gorillas. After your travel to Tarzan Island, follow the rhythm of jungle drums to find the secret of Liki Tikis. Once you are in the circle, the refreshing blasts of water will surprise even the hardiest explorer. Tahitian Terrace Restaurant and River View Cafe here will make you feel satisfied to dine in the jungle. You can even buy a jungle leaf in Professor Porter's Trading Post as a keepsake.
Have you ever been touched by Cinderella's extraordinary story and Winnie the Pooh's adventures in the forest? Have you ever wanted to be a princess such as Snow White or Sleeping Beauty? Do you still remember the little Flying Elephant and Alice in Wonderland? Don't hesitate to come into Fantasyland. Cinderella Carrousel, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Sword in the Stone, Mad Hatter Tea Cups, Sleeping Beauty Castle, Dumbo the Flying Elephant and Snow White Grotto to make all your storybook dreams come true. You can also join Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and many other friends at a dizzying 3-D attraction in Mickey's PhilharMagic. Wearing special glasses, you can lie on the magic carpet with Aladdin and smell the flavor of Donald Duck soup. Watch carefully and don't forget you are a part of the program; otherwise you might be sprinkled by the soup! The most fantastic place must be The Golden Mickeys at Disney's Storybook Theater. Adapting all the Disney classics into a 25-minute musical drama, mixing acrobatics and special effects, this will make you stop blinking. In the theater, Tarzan swings quickly on the rigging, just like the fan on the ceiling. When The Little Mermaid Ariel appears, the whole theater is submerged by bubbles descending from the ceiling; you really feel that you are at sea. Mulan practicing martial arts and traditional flag dances show the combination of eastern and western culture.
Leave the fairytale wonderland perfectly contented; you can step into Tomorrowland. Screaming in Space Mountain, you will have no time to appreciate the sparkling stars because of the exciting roller coaster. In Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters, you can fly in your space capsule and fight against the aliens with your space gun. If you are weary of the breathtaking attractions, Orbitron is a good choice for you to fly above Tomorrowland and take a rest. After space traveling, take a break at Starliner Diner and Comet Cafe to enjoy some 'earth' cuisine that you can not taste in outer space. Also, Space Traders and Star Command Suppliers will gives you a chance to do some space shopping. Don't forget to watch the Grand Parade and Firework Play after a whole day's play!
When night falls, you crash out at a choice of Disney Theme Hotels all with unparalleled accommodation. Whether you are at the Victorian style Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or being a big star in Disney Hollywood Hotel, the magic of Disneyland can never stop!
Star Ferry
With a history of over 100 years, the Star Ferry is a witness to the many changes that have taken place in Hong Kong over the years. As both a vehicle and a tourist attraction it is a symbol of Hong Kong. The Star Ferry Company came into existence around 1898 and since then its ferries have been shuttling busily between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. The Star Ferry now owns 12 double-deck ferries and each ferry has a cabin on the upper deck that is equipped with air conditioning. All of its ferries have the word 'star' in their names, such as Night Star, Morning Star, Gold Star, and Heaven Star.
The Star Ferry operates on four routes: between Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui, Tsim Sha Tsui and Central, Central and Hung Hom, and Hung Hom and Wanchai. Service times and ticket prices vary with the different routes. On weekdays ferries operate from about 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. between Hung Hom and Wanchai, and Hung Hom and Central and from about 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. between Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui and Tsim Sha Tsui and Central. On weekends these schedules change. The ticket prices between Wanchai and Tsim Sha Tsui are the cheapest: adults cost HK$2.20; children and the disabled cost HK$1.30 and seniors are free. On the other three routes adults cost HK$5.30; children and the disabled cost HK$2.70 and seniors are free.
The Star Ferry is a favorite among the local people because it is affordable, convenient and quick. Its ticket prices are the cheapest in Hong Kong; ferries run very frequently; and it takes only about 10 minutes to travel across the harbor. In the evening, passengers can enjoy the gentle breeze from the sea and the world-famous sights of Victoria Harbor. Far from the hustle and bustle, a ride on the Star Ferry provides a rare chance to relax.
In 2003, the Star Ferry Company designed a custom-built ferry to use for tours of Victoria Harbor. This ferry is a reproduction of a ferry of the 1920s and features a coffee house and a deck for sunbathing. It has proved to be very popular with tourists who can enjoy a cup of coffee or just relax while feasting their eyes on the sights of Victoria Harbor.
Kwoloon Park
Located in the central zone of Tsim Sha Tsui in Hong Kong, Kowloon Park is one of the larger parks in Kowloon, covering an area of about 13.5 hectares (about 33 acres). It is said to be the 'green lung' at the centre of city.
The park is built in a classical Chinese style, and is visited by many tourists. Flowers and trees are plenty in the park. There is an attractive variety of rarely-seen beautiful birds and flowers.
There is an abundance of scenic spots and enough establishments for tourists to enjoy themselves. The scenic spots include Bird Lake, Bainiao Garden, the pretty birds and flowers of which make a visual feast for visitors. The establishments include a children's amusement park, a mini-sized football playground, a swimming pool and a gymnasium, among which the swimming pool is one of the best equipped in Hong Kong and can hold 1,500 people. There is also a labyrinth, banyan courtyard, and an open air sculpture exhibition. When night falls, shadows thrown by lamps make these artistic sculptures more charming.
Next to the park is 'Bolin Shopping Road' which imitates the American style. The three gardens in the road provide a comfortable place to rest after sight-seeing in the park and strolling on the shopping road.
Take the subway and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui to reach the park. The park is open every day except Friday and festival days. |