Hong Kong Attractions

View from Victoria Peak © Kjell Sundquist

Victoria Peak

Much of the pleasure derived from a trip to Victoria Peak lies in the journey to its summit. The funicular railway or peak tram has steadily made its way up the mountain since 1888. Energetic travellers can scale the real peak that extends 140m (459ft) above the tram terminus. From the top marvellous vistas open out onto central Hong Kong and across to Kowloon. Victoria Peak used to serve as a hill station in colonial times and later became the location of exclusive summer homes. Today it is a popular tourist spot offering a cooler perspective from which to contemplate the pleasures of travel to the region. The Peak Tower on the summit houses numerous attractions, like a Ripley's Believe it or not 'Odditorium', shops and restaurants.

Telephone: 2522 0922 (Peak Tram); Website: www.thepeak.com.hk; Transport: Take the Peak Tram from Garden Road or bus 15C. There is also a shuttle bus (daily 9am to 7pm) that departs from Star Ferry Terminal; Opening time: The Peak Tram runs every day, including Sundays and public holidays, between 7am and midnight. The tram departs every 10-15 minutes; Admission: Tram fares are HK$20 for a single and HK$30 return (adults)

Western Market © Hong Kong Tourist Board

Western Market

This indoor market is held in a four-storey red brick colonial building that was constructed in 1906. After extensive renovation it re-opened in 1991 and now occupies an entire block at the western end of Central. The building houses a variety of shops and stalls that sell a range of products from curios to assorted silks and fabrics. From here one can hop onto Hong Kong's ancient double-decker tram headed for Wanchai, Causeway Bay and Happy Valley.

Address: 323 De Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wang; Telephone: 2543 6878; Transport: Take the MTR to Sheung Wan, exit B or C; bus or tram along Des Voeux Road to Sheung Wan; Opening time: Open daily from 10am to 5pm; Admission: Free

Police Museum

The Police Museum showcases a display tracing the development and history of the Royal Hong Kong Police Force from 1844 to today. The main exhibit encompasses a significant number of artefacts relating to the Hong Kong Police Force from uniforms and firearms, to historical archives and photographs. Other exhibits look at the major factions which have influenced the status quo namely the triad societies and narcotics (Hong Kong was founded on the narcotics trade). The Police Museum is an interesting visit, which provides insight into the dedication of the officers who served within this elite force.

Address: 27 Coombe Road, The Peak, Hong Kong; Telephone: 2849 7019; Transport: Take NWFB Bus No.15 (from Exchange Square to the Peak). Get off at the stop between Stubbs Road and Peak Road; Opening time: Wednesday to Sunday 9am to 5pm; Tuesday 2pm to 5pm. Closed Mondays and public holidays; Admission: Free

Statue Square © www.chinatownconnection.com

Statue Square

This square is an amalgamation of Hong Kong's contemporary architecture that reaches its most spectacular manifestation in the designs of the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation and the Bank of China Tower. The most significant feature of the HSBC building is that it has been designed without a central core, a feat of structural engineering blended with the ultimate in aesthetic principles. The Bank of China Tower became a much-debated conversation piece following its construction, largely because of the asymmetrically-designed pinnacle that acquires differing perspectives depending on one's vantage point.

Transport: MTR Central station, exit K

Hong Kong Museum of History © Alan Mak

Hong Kong Museum of History

The Hong Kong Museum of History showcases Hong Kong's archaeological, cultural and natural history through a display of cultural objects, artefacts, photographs, traditional costumes and models that span 6,000 years. Glorious period sets tell the story of Chinese life in replicas of village houses, streets and stores. These memorials to the past are contained within an incredible building opened in the year 2000.

Address: 100 Chatham Road South, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kawloon (next to the Hong Kong Science Museum); Telephone: +852 2724 9042; Website: www.lcsd.gov.hk/hkmh; Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsiu, then walk via Granville Road; maxicab no 1 from Kowloon Star Ferry in Tsim Sha Tsiu to Science Museum Road; Opening time: Monday and Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 6pm; Sunday and public holidays 10am to 7pm. Closes at 5pm on Christmas Eve and Chinese New Year's Eve. Closed on Tuesdays and first two days of Chinese New Year; Admission: HK$10; concessions available. Free admission on Wednesday

Wong Tai Sin Temple © Hong Kong Tourist Board

Wong Tai Sin Temple

This grand Taoist temple is one of the most frequently visited temples in Hong Kong. It is dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a legendary hermit who reputedly had healing powers and could foretell the future. A number of fortunetellers ply their trade in the temple complex and there is also a large pharmacy. The ornate temple with its red pillars, gold ceilings and decorative latticework is usually full of people burning incense and making floral offerings. The temple also has a lovely adjacent park called the 'Good Wish Gardens', a peaceful green spot with waterfalls tumbling over rocks.

Address: 2 Chuck Yuen Village, Kowloon; Telephone: 2327 8141; Transport: MTR to Wong Tai Sin, exit B; Opening time: Daily 7am to 5.30pm, gardens closed on Mondays; Admission: Free (although donations are welcome)

Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom

The Ocean Park and Middle Kingdom is a theme park spread over two parts, connected to each other by a cable car. A spectacular aquarium, reputed to be the largest in world, is complemented by a funfair containing a roller coaster, space wheel, octopus and swinging ship amongst its rides. Entrance fee also includes a visit to the ancient Chinese Middle Kingdom.

Address: Ocean Park Road, Aberdeen; Telephone: 2552 0291; Website: www.oceanpark.com.hk; Transport: Take City Bus route 629 from either Amiralty MTR Station or Central Pier No.7. Bus fares are HK$10.6 for adults and HK$5.3 for children. Check out the website for other frequent public bus services; Opening time: Daily 10am to 6pm; Admission: HK$185 (adults); HK$93 (children 3-11); under 3 and over 65 free

Aberdeen District © Hong Kong Tourist Board

Aberdeen

Some 200 years ago, Hong Kong's Aberdeen district was a haven for pirates. Located on the southern shore of Hong Kong Island, it is home to the Tanka boat people and has become a popular tourist destination where visitors can experience on hand the traditional lifestyle of boat dwellers and sample fresh seafood. Aberdeen is a lively marina crammed with junks, sampans, water taxis (kai do), cruisers and yachts. The fishing harbour is a wonderful way to experience the activity of life on water. Tours along Aberdeen's watery stretches can be enjoyed onboard one of the many sampans offering half-hour trips around the harbour and the sensory delights of Hong Kong cuisine can be experienced within the unique environment of the famous Jumbo Floating Restaurant.

Address: South District, Hong Kong Island; Transport: Bus No.7 or No.70 from Exchange Square in Central

Hong Kong Science Museum

Four floors of exhibits cover a range of hands-on science and technology related subjects, including light, sound, motion, magnetism, electricity, robotics, virtual reality and much more. This museum is extremely popular because of its hands-on approach, allowing children and adults alike to learn through involvement. The most prominent exhibit is a 72-foot (22m) tall twin tower Energy Machine which, when activated, triggers a series of displays to produce spectacular audiovisual effects demonstrating various forms of energy.

Address: 2 Science Museum Road, Tsimshatsui East, Kowloon; Telephone: 2732 3232; Website: hk.science.museum; Opening time: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 1pm to 9pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am to 9pm; Admission: HK$25 (adults), HK$12.50 (concessions). Free on Wednesdays