HONG KONG'S 18 DISTRICTS
(Courtesy of the Hong Kong Tourism Board)


Explore the richness and diversity of Hong Kong's many interesting and historical sights.

Yau Tsim Mong
The old Clock Tower near he Star Ferry concourse at Tsim Sha Tsui is a historical landmark of the age of Steam when trains arrived here with passengers who--weeks before--had embarked from London on the world's longest railway journey.  Part of the original Kowloon-Canton Railway Station, it was completed and came into operation in 1921.

Wan Chai

The imposing Forever Blooming Bauhinia sculpture and the Reunification Monument, standing outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on the Wan Chai waterfront, marks the most significant occasion in Hong Kong's history--the return of the former British colony to the People's Republic of China, and the establishment of the Special Administrative Region of Hong Kong.

Kowloon City

Once a semi-lawless, high rise slum inhabited by squatters, refugees and criminals, the Kowloon Walled City was demolished and replaced by the Kowloon Walled City Park in 1996.  The park features a Qing Dynasty almshouse, the Old South Gate, pavilions, sculptures, flower gardens and a playground.

Wong Tai Sin

All three main religions of China--Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism--are practiced at the colourful Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple, which is dedicated to a shepherd who earned immortality through his good deeds.  This is a great place for visitors to have their fortunes told.

Tsuen Wan

Sam Tung Uk Museum, a restored two-centuries-old walled village, was once a prosperous Hakka farmer's family compound, comprising 12 houses set within defensive walls.  It now houses a folk museum illustrating traditional Hakka lifestyles.

Sha Tim

Packed with fascinating hands-on exhibits, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum is dedicated to preserving the material and visual culture of Hong Kong's people.  It features a variety of specially designed exhibits covering history, art and culture.  Recommended for families.

Yuen Long

The Ping Shan Heritage Trail reveals some of the most interesting ancient buildings still standing in the New Territories district of Yuen Long, where hard-working peasants once tilled their smallholdings on the large alluvial plain.  One of the trail's highlights is Hong Kong's only historic pagoda, Tsui Shing Lau, which was built in 1486.

Tuen Mun

Originally opened as a rural retreat in 1949, this peaceful oasis in the heart of Tuen Mun's crowded residential estate features pavilions, lotus ponds and bonsai trees.  The Taoist temple, Ching Chung Koon, contains many treasures including lanterns from Beijing's Imperial Palace.

Islands

The world's tallest, seated, outdoor, bronze Buddha sits serenely atop Ngong Ping plateau amid the spectacular mountain scenery of Lantau Island.  Take time to sample the delicious vegetarian lunches prepared by the monks of Po Lin Monastery.

Tai Po

In the lush, green valley of Lam Tsuen stand the enchanting Wishing Trees, laden with colorful pieces of paper.  According to tradition, believers write their wishes on bundles of paper and throw them into the air.  Their wish will be granted if the paper catches on the tree's many branches.

Sai Kung

Stretching along the town of Sai Kung's waterfront, Sai Kung Hoi Pong Square is hoe to about a dozen quality seafood restaurants.  A stunning variety of fresh seafood in glass tanks outside the restaurants and the relaxing waterfront scenery further enrich a distinctive dining experience.  Take some time to wander around Sai Kung and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this tiny town.

Sham Shui Po

Little known to many overseas visitors, Cheung Sha Wan Road is a great place to pick up trendy fashion items at wholesale prices.  Most of the shops can be found between Yen Chow Street and Wong Chuk Street.  At the flea market in Ap Liu Street, you might pick up a rare antique for a song.  While the items sold here are mainly electrical devices, electronic products and the like, you can sometimes find antique clocks, old coins, and other collectibles.

Kwun Tong

The fishing village of Lei Yue Mun is popular for its seafood and ideal for a night out with friends.  Choose your own fresh fish directly from a tank and decide how you'd like it prepared.  Make sure you ask the price before ordering.

Central & Western

Perched like an eagle's eyrie above the incredible harbour, the Peak Tower offers viewing terraces and other other attractions, including dining, shopping, rides and exhibits.  Pick a clear day and enjoy this incredible view.

Kwai Tsing

The latest and greatest engineering marvel of this dynamic city, the Tsing Ma Bridge is now Hong Kong 's proud new landmark, massively imposing by day, ad a twinkling fairyland of lights by night.  At 2.2 kilometers (1.36 miles), it is world's longest road-and-rail suspension bridge.

North

Dominating the sky-line from its commanding site on a hillside overlooking the New Territories town of Fan Ling, the Fung Ying Seen Koon is a superb example of Taoist temple design.  Its massive orange-tiled double roof, built to a traditional design and supported by stout red stone pillars, immediately catches the eye, beckoning the visitor to step up to its entrance and inspect the many examples of artistic craftsmanship found within its grounds.

Eastern

Converted from the 19th-Century Lei Yue Mun fort, the Hong Kong museum of Coastal Defence includes a permanent exhibition featuring the history of Hong Kong's coastal defences since the Ming and Qing periods.  It also features a historical train where visitors can experience first-hand the restored military installations.  A great outing for children.

Southern

Stanley is one of Hong Kong's most popular destinations.  The open market is packed with bargain hunters from all over the world, haggling with shopkeepers and stallholders over the price of clothing, accessories, souvenirs, ornaments and Oriental knick-knacks.  Murray House is a restored colonial building (1844) that was dismantled from its original site in Central.  It now houses upmarket shops and restaurants.