1. Ngong Ping 360
When you think about Hong Kong, the breathtaking skyline and bustling city life are the first things that come to mind. But did you know that Hong Kong has a plethora of natural attractions to visit? A vacation to Hong Kong would be incomplete without seeing its spectacular natural beauty, thanks to its hilly topography.
The sheer amount of “must-sees” around the city will no doubt overwhelm first-time tourists, so why not start with the famed Ngong Ping? This neighborhood, which is far from the skyscrapers and directly over Lantau Island, offers unique natural and cultural experiences that you should not miss. Here are some reasons why we think you should include this attraction in your travel plans:
An immersive cable car trip is the greatest way to go to Ngong Ping! The 25-minute excursion, dubbed Asia’s longest bi-cable aerial ride, offers breathtaking views of the South China Sea and Lantau Island, as well as rugged landscapes and hiking paths.
If that isn’t enough, spice up your trip to the village by riding the Crystal Cabin cable car, where you can gaze out at the endless sea and the rolling grassland slopes beneath your feet. It’s a truly unforgettable trip, but make sure to register early on reputable booking platforms because cabins are limited.
Halal food is available!
You won’t have to worry about finding a halal restaurant because Ebeneezer’s Kebabs & Pizzeria is right next to the cable car station. This cafe has locations all across Hong Kong, and while the dishes are a touch more expensive than local street food, kebabs and pizzas are always a good choice.
Finish with a glass of Coke and some chips to round out your meal. You’ll need to refuel, especially if you’ll be walking a lot. We recommend splitting the tandoori pizza if you’re coming with a larger group!
Ngong Ping is centered around Hong Kong’s rich culture, therefore there are many sights that showcase the city’s beauty, such as the famed Big Buddha. The monument is one of the world’s largest outdoor seated bronze Buddha statues, at 112 feet tall! Put on your walking shoes because the Big Buddha is nestled in the hills of Lantau Island, and you’ll have to climb 268 stairs to get it! Don’t worry, it’ll take some time (and a lot of rest stops), but it’ll be worth it!
That’s not all; a short walk further will lead you to Po Lin Monastery, one of Hong Kong’s most prominent Buddhist shrines and the home of many faithful monks. This well-known monastery is known for its vibrant depictions of Buddhist iconography, as well as its lovely garden, which is fragrant with flowers. There’s even a vegetarian restaurant on the premises!
2. Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak is a peak in Hong Kong Island’s western region. Mount Austin and The Peak are two more names for it. It stands at a height of 552 meters (1,811 feet). On Hong Kong Island, it is the tallest peak. (Tai Mo Shan is Hong Kong’s highest peak.)
Victoria Peak delivers a comprehensive sense of tranquillity and modernism, with its distinctive tram, modern Peak Tower architecture, diversified good food, and natural beauty.
The most alluring feature is that you can see the Hong Kong skyline as well as the complete Victoria Harbor land vista. Victoria Peak is very certainly the most visited attraction in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong Island’s highest peak, at 1,811 feet, provides 360-degree views of the city’s impenetrable skyline. “The Peak,” on the other hand, has a lot more to offer than just photo opportunities.
From beautiful strolling trails to historic and cultural restaurants, here’s how to make the most of your next trip to Hong Kong’s most famous mountain.
The highest point on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak, provides visitors with a stunning 360-degree view of the city. Victoria Peak was a favored retreat for British officials due to its elevation. The top, which is 1800 feet above sea level, provides fresh air and a way to avoid the insects that swarm at sea level.
The location was so attractive that only European people were allowed to dwell there until 1947, which meant that Hong Kong Chinese citizens were not allowed to live there. The wealthier occupants were transported up the mountain in station wagons because there were no roads in the nineteenth century.
If you want to get away from the concrete and enjoy the natural beauty of the mountain, there are several trails to explore. One of the options is the Morning Trail, which is an alternative to the tram. This is a terrific climb up to the mountain, with breathtaking views of the city.
Take the Circle Walk, which rounds the city center, if you don’t want to exert yourself physically. It passes through a grove of banyan trees and numerous waterfalls. Views of Hong Kong’s high-rises and the mesmerizing waterfront, including the charming Star Ferry Pie, are available from the loop. One of the most impressive constructions is the Bank of China Tower.
With heaped prisms forming a shining beam, this 70-story skyscraper is an architectural wonder. Another excellent but lesser-known option is the vista from Victoria Peak Garden. It’s on the grounds of a former Governor’s summer mansion, so you may take in the vista in relative peace.
Another attraction on Victoria Peak is Madam Tussauds, which features wax reproductions of international celebrities and political figures. It’s a great place to get out of the rain and take some photos with your favorite celebrities.
3. Ocean Park
Ocean Park is Hong Kong’s premier educational theme park, located on the island’s southern tip. The current park, which spans over 915,000 square meters, offers a broad range of world-class animal attractions, thrill rides, and shows, which are divided into two sections: The Waterfront and The Summit. It is a not-for-profit company run by the Ocean Park Corporation, a statutory board that aspires to bring elements of entertainment, education, and conservation at an affordable price.
The Cable Car and the Ocean Express are the two main modes of transportation for getting from The Waterfront to The Summit. The 1.5-kilometer cable car system between these two places provides not only a convenient but also a spectacularly scenic path, with outstanding panoramic views of Hong Kong’s southern shore and the South China Sea.
Hair Raiser, Whirly Bird, Bumper Blaster, The Flash, and Rev Booster are among the thrill attractions in Ocean Park’s Summit. The neighboring Marine World has rides such as the Dragon, Crazy Galleon, Ferris Wheel, Flying Swing, and Abyss. The Ocean Theatre is a family favorite where dolphins and sea lions perform daily presentations that both entertain and educate visitors about these marine mammals’ environments. Guests can engage with 1,000 magnificent sea jellies in the Sea Jelly Spectacular, which features stunning music and multimedia displays. The Ocean Park Tower, one of Southeast Asia’s tallest observation towers, has a 360o gently spinning viewing area 72 meters above ground that allows guests to see all the way to Aberdeen and the outlying islands. Pacific Pier, meanwhile, delivers a touch of sunny California to Hong Kong, replete with an interactive underwater display featuring sea lions in action.
The Amazing Asian Creatures, Ocean Park’s newest themed area, is located on the Waterfront and contains an educational and highly entertaining collection of displays featuring some of Asia’s rarest animals. The Gigantic Panda Adventure, which will also contain giant pandas Ying Ying and Le Le, will have red pandas for the first time in Hong Kong. Goldfish Treasures is a viewing pavilion with hundreds of sparkling goldfish, including some of the newest and rarest varieties. The Panda Village provides a terrific opportunity for bird watchers to see Ocean Park’s feathery friends far above the trees, as well as visit some adorable Asian Small-clawed Otters. Finally, kids will enjoy Whiskers Harbour, a dedicated section with a huge and fascinating selection of kid-sized and kid-oriented rides. The Whiskers Theatre, where live presentations take a humorous look at a day in the lives of Ocean Park’s sea lions, welcomes the whole family.
4. Hong Kong Space Museum
The egg-shaped dome construction of the Hong Kong Space Museum has made it a Hong Kong landmark. The museum first opened its doors in 1980, and it was the world’s first planetarium to have a completely automated control system. Some of the facilities are among the world’s most advanced.
It has two wings, one on the east and one on the west. The museum’s center is the east wing, which features an egg-shaped dome. Stanley Ho Space Theater, featuring a hemispherical projection dome, Space Science Hall, and workshops are all located beneath the dome. The Hall of Astronomy, Lecture Hall, and a gift shop are located towards the west. Visitors can learn through informative and enjoyable encounters at the interactive exhibitions.
Activities and Exhibits
The Hall of Space Science and the Hall of Astronomy are two thematic exhibition rooms that allow visitors to learn through interactive and enjoyable encounters.
OMNIMAX films and sky displays are shown in the hemisphere projection dome, which has a diameter of 23 meters (25 yards). A multi-language and interactive system is fitted to the chairs.
The museum hosts a variety of outreach events, including fun scientific lab sessions, an astronomy competition, and astronomy film screenings.
The Hong Kong Space Museum is located on the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, and its egg-shaped building has become a significant landmark in Hong Kong over the years. Inside the museum, there is a lot to see and do, especially for those interested in science, astronomy, and exploration. It is divided into two sections, one of which houses the Hall of Space Science and Astronomy and the other of which houses the popular Stanley Ho Space Theatre.
Several exhibits about the solar system and astronomy, as well as a digital planetarium projector and numerous interactive displays, aim to educate people about the universe’s wonders. Aside from that, there are exhibits on ancient astronomical equipment, early rockets, and the history of manned space flights, among other things. The highlight of any visit to the museum is a virtual 3D glider ride (which will make you feel like you’re walking on the moon). The 40-minute Omnimax Sky Show at Stanley Ho Space Theatre is another highlight of the Hong Kong Space Museum.
Features
A world-class astronomy and space science museum with some of the world’s most advanced facilities.
A fantastic destination for space science enthusiasts and families with children.
5. Wetland Park
A 10,000m2 tourist center and a 60-hectare Wetland Reserve make up the Hong Kong Wetland Park. The Visitor Centre has themed exhibition halls, a theatre, a gift store, and an indoor play area. Thematic exhibition galleries highlight the value of wetlands in terms of biodiversity, civilization, and conservation.
The Hong Kong Wetland Park is a year-round attraction that is open all 12 months of the year, thus there is never a bad time to go because there are always various species to observe. However, if you are a bird watcher, the best time to visit is from October to April, when the birds are migrating.
Though the weather in Hong Kong Wetland Park is good throughout the year, the ideal months to come are October to December, when there is no rain. Although April is a dreary month in Hong Kong, summer is also a pleasant time to visit the park.
Travel:
By metro, take the MTR West Rail to Tin Shui Wai Station, then switch to the 706 or 705 Light Rail to Tin Sau Station or the Hong Kong Wetland Park MTR. Following the easy-to-understand steps, it’s only a 5-minute walk from there.
By Bus: Take Bus 967 to the Hong Kong Wetland Park from MTR Admiralty Station Exit B. It’s about a 5-minute walk from there if you follow the signage. Bus 276B to Hong Kong Wetland Park departs from the MTR Sheung Shui Station Exit C. To get to the park, follow the signage and walk for 5 minutes.
Adults must pay INR 275 to access the park, while children under the age of three must pay INR 140. Children under the age of three are admitted for free. Hong Kong Wetland Park tickets can be purchased online to avoid long lines at the park.
Pui pui the crocodile is a local celebrity as well as a tourist attraction in Hong Kong’s Wetland Park. She was rescued and sent to Hong Kong, which is not the best habitat for crocodiles, but the park has made every effort since her arrival to make the park as comfortable as possible for this wonderful reptile.
Bird viewing is one of the most popular activities in the Hong Kong Wetland Park, and there is numerous bird watching towers throughout the park that can be easily discovered using the Hong Kong Wetland Park map. Northern Pintail, Chinese Pond Heron, Yellow Bittern, Eastern Great Egret, and many other species of birds can be found here as well. Because it is migration season, the best time to visit this park for bird watching is from October to April.
6. Noah’s Ark
Ark of Noah Hong Kong is a fun educational activity for kids that has a gigantic, real ark just like in the Bible. They say that this is the first “full-scale” reproduction in the world, although we’re not sure how to verify it. Although there is enough to keep toddlers up to 10-year-olds entertained, the Christian-themed kid’s park is best suited to young children. Even though it occasionally leans toward kitsch, it does a wonderful job of advocating for environmental protection, sustainability, and respect for others.
The ark has three layers, each of which contains a fascinating discovery. A brief 4D video portraying Noah’s experience in the great flood is shown on one floor, while hands-on archaeological activities are located on another. For all ages, children can enjoy
A Treasure House exhibition with many colorful exhibits illustrating topics like plants, the universe, music, robots, and languages is appropriate for toddlers and young children. A Nature Garden with imitation animals is also there (walking 2-by-2, of course).
For older kids, there is a solar observatory with a powerful telescope that explains the solar system, a place where you can manufacture your gadgets, and a place where you can use the sun’s energy to prepare food. Adventure land, which features a fantastic rope course to swing around, is perfect for those who prefer more active games.
Finding Noah’s Ark Hong Kong
Noah’s Ark Hong Kong is simple to get to by taking the ferry from Central Ferry Pier to Ma Wan Pier. Ma Wan Island is a little piece of land between New Territories and Lantau Island. The trip costs HK$22 for adults and HK$11 for children, and it takes about 20 minutes. Alternatively, you could board the Noah’s Ark shuttle bus from the Kowloon neighborhood’s Mong Kok MTR Station.
Added characteristics
On-site amenities include a café, a restaurant, and a gift shop. Other worthwhile destinations, such as Ma Wan Park and Tung Wan Beach are close to the kids’ theme park and can be visited on the same outing.
Nature Garden
The award-winning Nature Garden, located near Noah’s Ark Hong Kong, blends the themes of natural education, art, and love, allowing visitors to stroll through thousands of native trees, blooms, and wildlife along tiered pathways and nature paths. Views of the surrounding islands and local rivers are stunning from the Hilltop Lookout. Visitors may anticipate a lively trip through the lush landscapes, sculptures, and breathtaking 360-degree views of Hong Kong at this lush botanical garden. In The Best Landscape Award 2008, the lovely landscape architecture of Ma Wan Park Nature Garden, which puts people in direct contact with nature, won three honors, including a grand award of excellence, a gold in landscape design, and gold for horticultural maintenance.
7. Avenue of the Stars
Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars has undergone improvements and reopened in 2019. Utilize its position, improved design, refreshments, and vistas to their fullest potential.
One of the best sites to see the port and the city skyline is from this waterfront promenade, where the Symphony of Lights is performed every evening. It is arguably the world’s busiest and most visited promenade. To assist you in visiting the Avenue of Stars, China Highlights has put together some travel advice, suggestions, and a brief tour schedule.
The Victoria Harbour shoreline’s Avenue of Stars is its top attraction. Victoria Harbour is where most visitors to Hong Kong go. In comparison to other cities, Hong Kong today receives around 7 million more visitors (about 30 million in 2018).
Its prominent location between Tsim Sha Tsui behind it and Central’s Harbourfront Promenade, ferry piers, and IFC Mall in front of it contributes to its popularity. These are some of the most popular tourist destinations in Hong Kong. It is next to the Harbour City Mall, the biggest and most well-known mall in Hong Kong.
The Avenue of Stars promenade and the dockside offer the greatest views of the Symphony of Lights. The largest and most well-known city-building lightning effect show in the world is this one.
The Stars Avenue Most people visit Victoria Harbour to visit Hong Kong. Hong Kong is by far the most visited city in the world, and Victoria Harbour is the most well-known place for tourists. Consequently, one of the most well-known locations worldwide is the Avenue of Stars promenade.
It extends slightly into Victoria Harbour, which connects Hong Kong Island with the Hong Kong-mainland in an almost ideal way. Typically, people rank the port as one of the most beautiful on the entire globe. The channel is geographically relatively sheltered, which keeps the water calm most of the time.
Best time to arrive: Any time of day is a lovely time to be outside, but the sunrise, sunset, and Symphony of Lights show at 8 p.m. are the most spectacular. On weekends and holidays, it is preferable to arrive when there aren’t many people around.
Transportation to the Avenue of Stars: Bus routes 6, 7, and others will take you to the Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsui. Go through exit J at Tsim Sha Tsui Station or East Tsim Sha Tsui Station if you’re riding the MTR. The Star Ferry departs from the pier in front of the IFC Mall, which is the best option if you are traveling from Central.
8. Tai Kwun
Hollywood Road’s Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts has finally opened its doors after more than ten years of planning and building – including a setback when a wall fell in 2016 – The old Central Police compound, which is now a landmark and top-notch art venue, intends to become the city’s premier location for contemporary and performing arts. Visitors to the 13,600 sq m venue can anticipate outstanding contemporary art exhibitions, concerts on the grass, frequent Sunday movie screenings, and a wide range of other cultural events. The director of Tai Kwun, Timothy Calnin, gives us the skinny on the location and attractions to look forward to in the first several months.
There are more than simply old buildings in Tai Kwun.
It’s a very interesting and diverse area to explore as you take in the incredible variety of architectural styles that span many decades. There is an amazing range of experiences available on the website. Our goal is to use all of the site’s creative potential to activate it.
The largest conservation project in Hong Kong is this one.
There needs to be a book written on what we discovered about historic conservation in Hong Kong because of the honesty and thoroughness of our research, which changed the game. Along the way, there were some extremely big issues, such as structural changes and using real construction materials, like bricks from Leicester, England, from the 19th century.
Cell-fies can be taken.
“In the main heritage exhibit, you may learn about the Central Police Station’s history as it relates to Hong Kong’s history and significant events from the same period. To put yourself in the shoes of prior convicts, you can enter a cell block that has been left exactly as it was when the last prisoner departed. Our head of heritage believes they’re more likely to be selfie cells than contemplation cells. When the public explores these renovated and revitalized locations, I believe they will feel a tremendous feeling of discovery and revelation.
Discover art in a historical environment.
We’ve started by making a very clear statement about how we support local artists in Hong Kong through our shows, one of which is a solo show with So Wing-PO as the featured artist. We also want to play a big part in the amazing convergence of the past and contemporary that defines Tai Kwun, and we want our art and cultural programs to reflect that intersection.
Every Friday, late-night gallery openings take place.
“We aim to make the exhibits interesting enough that visitors will want to return often. Art After Hours gallery openings at late hours is one of the ways we’re achieving this. With live music and drinks in the art gallery, the goal is to draw visitors in for a much more laid-back and casual experience.
9. Madame Tussauds
When Madame Tussauds is mentioned, a room filled with wax replicas of well-known celebrities comes to mind. This museum, which had its debut show in London, is distinctive in its own right and draws a lot of tourists each year. This renowned museum, one of the first in Asia to open, is now accessible to residents of Hong Kong as well.
Meet all of your favorite celebrities at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong as they walk the red carpet.
In 1990, Madame Tussauds decided to expand internationally, visiting the major cities of London, Amsterdam, and Las Vegas. The Asia-Pacific region, however, lacked any. However, the ‘Madame Tussauds visiting attraction’ was previously popular in Singapore and Sydney. Madame Tussauds decided to open a store in an Asian nation, and Hong Kong was the sought-after location due to its proximity to the Asian markets. And much to their surprise, it received a well-known surprise.
Madame Tussauds Hong Kong’s exhibition spaces
Visit Madame Tussauds and take a look around the exhibition sections, which are designed to astound you. The list of display areas is provided below. Look at this!
Hong Kong Glamour
As its name implies, this section of the museum puts a bow on some of the glitzy and well-known faces of A-list Hollywood celebrities. Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Johnny Depp, and many other famous people can be recognized.
Music legends
Visitors get the opportunity to sing along with their favorite musical stars in this setting. There are wax statues of every music icon who lived in this neighborhood from the 1960s to the present in this location. Elvis Presley, Teresa Teng Ley, and Anita Mui are a few of the well-known figures. One might also become associated with the well-known boy band One Direction, therefore the list is far from complete.
National and historical heroes
As you enter the arena, you will witness familiar faces from politics as well as national icons. Visitors can take pictures with members of the British royal family or even former President Barack Obama at this exhibition area. Give a speech like a leader instead of wasting your time, or join President Hu Jintao.
Global premiere
The world premiere provides the ideal setting for rising stars to experience the celebrity of their favorite celebrity exclusively at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. This section of the museum offers the opportunity to act in a scene with renowned Hollywood actors.
The Champions
It is possible to experience what Liu Xiang experienced when accepting the gold medal by standing on the prize-awarding stage and feeling like a champion.
10. Observation Wheel & AIA Vitality Park
The wheel contains 42 opulent gondolas, one of which is a VIP Gondola with enough for eight guests. There is a plaza for events and a place to have refreshments next to the wheel.
The Entertainment Corporation Ltd. (TECL), with its registered office at 35-37 Hau Wo Street in Hong Kong, runs the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and AIA Vitality Park. TECL is a team of media and entertainment experts with over 25 years of successful experience in Asia and Europe. The group has worked on theme parks, fairs featuring rides, concerts, musical theatre plays, conferences, and media outlets like newspapers and television. Partnership management, design, event production, and large-scale event management are among TECL’s skill sets.
Observation Wheel Photo Experience in Hong Kong
Keep in mind those unforgettable moments always! Seize the opportunity and strike a pose while we take an HD picture of you, your loved ones, and your friends. Our photo design experts will add 7+ themes to your shots as you take in the gorgeous vistas from 197 feet above. Then pick your favorite accessory to go with any of our images.
Vitality Hub by AIA
The AIA Vitality Hub serves as the hub for free workshops, events, and activities that encourage everyone to lead active lifestyles and embrace healthy lifestyle choices. (Our lessons will be held at the AIA Vitality Park as the AIA Vitality Hub facility is now closed for improvements.)
The elderly Dodgem
They are enjoyable for both children and adults, and they make for a stylish Instagram photo. Classic dodgems with a retro look.
Carousel
Our most recent addition is a traditional carnival attraction. Get on one of the colorful horses and ride out into the sunset. Tickets for rides cost HK$30 (Fixed Priced). Tickets are available for purchase at the venue’s box office.
Plus Milk Top
MILK TOP, which originated in Hokkaido, Japan, offers a wide range of fresh and healthful handcrafted desserts such as ice cream and puddings. All goods are devoid of colorings, flavors, and excessive additives thanks to the use of premium components.
A dock
Serving a huge selection of western food, including burgers, sandwiches, bacon muffins, hot dogs, and pancakes. There are also vegetarian options available. Try their milkshakes, which are excellent for the summer.
Chacha color
At Color Chacha, get your taste of regional delights. Grab a guava juice that seems good in pictures. You surely don’t want to miss some of the local delicacies, such as egg waffles, fish balls, and siu mai.
Event Space at AIA Vitality Park
The AIA Vitality Park Event Space can accommodate a variety of events, including business gatherings, films, sporting exhibitions, product debuts, and photo or film shoots. The list goes on and on!
