Hong Kong is comprised of 234 islands and broadly divided into four main areas, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories and the Outer Islands.



HONG KONG ISLAND

Hong Kong Island is the site of the thriving international city which bears its name, situated along the northern shore of the island, a hub of global commerce with a former British colonial legacy now being re-absorbed within China.



Its unique heritage provides for the interesting mix of the oriental and western cultures which so define its character. You can find Chinese Temples, colonial Christian Churches and administrative British Colonial Buildings dwarfed by the towering modernist skyscrapers set behind Hong Kong’s harbour area.



The tram ride up to Victoria Peak is one of single most important destinations in Hong Kong, providing superlative views of the city below and is worth doing twice, taking in the daytime vistas over the harbour and across to Kowloon and the glittering night time views of the city lights.

The tram leaves from Garden Road, adjacent to Hong Kong Park, the inner city’s premier green space, which also features the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, the Flagstaff Museum of Tea Ware and the Edward Youde Aviary. Nearby, the Hong Kong Botanical Gardens provides another interesting stroll.



Below these landscaped parks, lie some of the city’s most iconic modern architecture, such as the Bank of China building and the HSBC building, leading down to the city’s Central District, while to the west lie the Soho and Sheung Wan districts. To the east lie the districts of Causeway Bay and Wan Chai, home to the famous Happy Valley Racetrack and Hong Kong’s largest green space, Victoria Park.



To the south of Victoria Peak, lies the Aberdeen area, Ocean Park, with its cable car, amusement park, and awesome aquarium while, a little way further east, you’ll find Repulse Bay and its beach.



KOWLOON

Another favourite way to view the Hong Kong skyline, from water level, is to take the famous Star Ferry over to Kowloon.

Disembarking from the ferry, the Tsim Sha Tsui East Promenade leads along the waterfront via Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Museum of Art and Salisbury Gardens to the ‘Avenue of the Stars’ featuring sculpture tributes to Hong Kong’s film industry and the best place to view the ‘Symphony of Lights’ laser and light show broadcast from the skyscrapers.



Further back from the shoreline and ferry terminal, Kowloon Park and its Chinese Garden is a lovely place to wander, while to the east, in Chatham Road South, the excellent Hong Kong Museum of History is the best place to investigate Hong Kong’s fascinating history.



THE NEW TERRITORIES

Home to the vast housing estates of Hong Kong’s commuters, the new Territories are seldom explored by most tourists, but beyond the towering settlements, there are several country parks for the intrepid walker to explore, as well as Mai Po Marsh Nature Reserve and Hong Kong Wetland Park, which despite their close proximity to the Chinese city of Shenzhen, are home to a rich variety of wildlife, especially migratory birds.

There are also several heritage trails, such as the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, which introduces features of pre-colonial Hong Kong.

OUTER ISLANDS

Of Hong Kong’s many islands Lantau is the largest and most easily accessible by road, rail and ferry, and is famed for its Disneyland theme park. Aside from the amusements, there are plenty of trails, villages and beaches to explore. Another famous feature is the Ngong Ping 360 cable car ride up to the colossal Tian Tan Buddha.



Other islands accessible by ferry from Hong Kong are Lamma, Cheng Chau and Peng Chau. Lamma has some good beaches, including Hung Shing Yeh, and is excellent for walking.