Hong Kong: Most Popular Attractions

Are you thinking of taking an unforgettable trip to see some of the top attractions Hong Kong? If so, have you decided upon which places you hope to see? This fascinating city whose name is translated as Fragrant Harbor, is one of the best places to visit in Asia. Moreover, it possesses a unique cultural fusion of Chinese and Western influences. While there’s something for everyone, here are some recommendations.

Hong Kong Disneyland

Located on Lantau island, Hong Kong Disneyland Resort is by far the largest theme park in Hong Kong. First opened in 2005, Hong Kong Disneyland is slightly smaller in size in comparison to Disneyland in Anaheim, California. However, there are seven themed areas that are nearly identical or quite similar to the original. For instance, there is Main Street U.S.A., as well as Adventureland, Fantasyland and Tomorrowland. There are also familiar attractions like Jungle Cruise, Sleeping Beauty Castle, It’s a Small World. If that’s not enough, there is also Star Wars: Command Post.

Additional Hong Kong Disneyland Attractions

You will also like Grizzly Gulch, similar to Disney’s Frontierland and Mystic Point with its haunted mansion Mystic Manor. That’s not to mention Toy Story Land, with Woody and Jessie from the Toy Story movie. Disneyland also features live entertainment daily and spectacular parades. For example, there are “Disney Paint the Night” and “Flights of Fantasy Parade”.

Hong Kong Disneyland Dining and Lodging

Hong Kong Disneyland also features an array of dining options and world-class accommodations, particularly the 5-star Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel that looks remarkably like the historic Omni Mount Washington Hotel in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

How To Get To Hong Kong Disneyland

Hong Kong Disneyland can easily be reached from Hong Kong via the MTR subway/light rail system. Both the MTR Green Line and Orange Line serve Hong Kong to the Sunny Bay Station. From Sunny Bay Station, visitors then take the special Disneyland Resort Line to Hong Kong Disneyland.

Ladies’ Market

One of the two most popular street markets in Hong Kong, the Ladies’ Market is a must see for anyone visiting the city for the very first time. The Ladies’ Market is not only great place for shopping, it has the famous neon lights.

What To See At Ladies’ Market

Although this lively street market runs along a 1km stretch along Tung Cho are dazzling neon lights. Of course, this makes it one of the most Instagram-friendly spots in Hong Kong. After all, Ladies Market has more than 100 stalls selling all sorts of items. Indeed, the majority appear to be souvenirs. For instance, you will find t-shirts, handbags and traditional clothing. There are also backpacks, low cost watches and electronics like chargers and adapters.

Negotiate Your Price With Vendors

Ladies’ Market is a spot where you can bargain with vendors to get the best price. Vendors generally start with a high asking price. You can then negotiate the price two or more times before settling with a prospective buyer.

How To Get To Ladies’ Market

You can reach the street market via the MTR Red Line. The closest stop at Mong Kok Station, just a few minutes walk away.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

First opened nearly 20 years ago, Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is a important part of the world-famous collection of wax museums that was founded in 19th century London. Madame Tussauds Hong Kong is the first of its kind to open in Asia and can be found inside Peak Tower, an entertainment and shopping complex located near the summit of Victoria Peak, the highest point in Hong Kong.

What To See At Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong features over 100 wax figures representing famous personalities from all over the world. The wax figures are presented across multiple sections of the museum. For example, there are Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Madonna, Lady Gaga and The Beatles. Of course, there are also Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II. Other well-known Asian figures are Pia Wurtzbach, Kim Woo-Bin, Angelababy and Suzy Bae. Even further are leading actors like Michelle Yeoh, and Donnie Yen.

How To Get To Madame Tussauds Hong Kong

The popular Peak Tram to Peak Tower and Victoria Peak remains under construction, with completion expected sometime in July. If the Peak Tram isn’t running, you must take a taxi, ride share service or the special bus route X15. You can find X15 at the bus terminal near Admiralty MTR Station. The Admiralty MTR Station is served by three subway lines: Red, Blue and Light Green lines.

Temple Street Night Market

Often considered Hong Kong’s best street market, Temple Street Night Market is also the largest market in the city. Like the Ladies’ Market, this night market is located in the Kowloon section on the mainland part of Hong Kong. But this market offers a much larger selection of vendors and street food. Temple Street Market dates back to the 1920s and generally opens around 5 p.m. daily.

What To Expect At Temple Street Night Market

Just as with the Ladies’ Market and other popular markets in Asia, Temple Street vendors sell all sorts of souvenirs, electronics, shoes and clothing, jewelry and what’s certain to be fake designer items like watches, purses and other leather goods. Because of its popularity amongst tourists, Temple Street Night Market vendors are known to offer slightly higher costs for their merchandise.

How To Get To Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street Night Market is easily accessible via MTR’s Red Line, with the closest stop at the Jordan Station. From the Jordan Station, it’s just a few minutes walk to the market.

Tian Tan Buddha

Also known as the Big Buddha, Tian Tan Buddha is second largest statue that depicts Buddha in a seated position. Located in the small village of Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, the Giant Buddha was completed in 1993 and rises to a height of 112 feet (34 meters) and weighs more than 250 metric tons. Open daily beginning at 10 am, visitors must climb 268 steps to reach of the base of the pedestal.

Po Lin Monastery

Also close by is the Po Lin Monastery, whose Buddhist monks helped create the Giant Buddha. Although the monastery is an attraction in itself, visitors must be mindful of photography restrictions throughout the property.

How To Get To Tian Tan Buddha

In order to reach Ngong Ping and the Giant Buddha via public transportation, visitors must take the MTR Orange line towards Hong Kong Disneyland. The final stop just beyond Sunny Bay is Tung Chung Station. From Tung Chung Station, visitors must then take an extended gondola ride on the Ngong Ping 360 but not recommended for people with a fear of heights. The gondola ride is 3.5 miles long (5.7km) and takes 25 minutes in either direction.

Related: How To Take The Nanjing Subway

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Situated along Hong Kong’s famed Victoria Harbor, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is arguably the most popular visitor attraction in the city. Extending 1.6 km along the waterfront, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade offers the most spectacular views of the Hong Kong’s towering skyscrapers. Several attractions can be seen along the promenade like Hong Kong Museum of Art, Star Ferry Pier and Avenue of Stars, featuring the statue of Bruce Lee.

Victoria Harbor Nightly Light Show

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is also the best spot to enjoy the spectacular light display “A Symphony of Lights” over Victoria Harbor. Held nightly at 8 pm, “A Symphony of Lights” is described by the Guinness Book of Records as world’s largest permanent light and sound show. The extravaganza showcases several of the city’s most famous buildings, like Central Plaza, Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre and Bank of China Tower.

How To Get To Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is easily accessible via MTR’s Red Line at Tsim Sha Tsui Station. or even closer, via the Purple Line at East Tsim Sha Tsui Station.

Victoria Peak

One attraction that always appears on a list of recommendations to see in Hong Kong is Victoria Peak. Located on Hong Kong Island, Victoria Peak rises to a height of 1818 feet or 552 meters, making it the tallest “hill” in the city. Sweeping views of Hong Kong’s many skyscrapers can be observed at Sky Terrace 428 the city’s highest observation platform, located inside the Peak Tower entertainment and dining complex. Tickets to the platform may be purchased for less than $7 for adults and less than $4 for older adults or children aged 3-11.

How To Get To Victoria Peak

Like Madame Tussauds Hong Kong, Victoria Peak can currently be reached the special bus route X15 from the Admiralty bus terminal near the Admiralty MTR Station. As noted previously, service on the popular Peak Tram has been temporarily suspended and is expected to resume in late July.

About The Author

Randy Yagi is an award-winning freelance writer who served as the National Travel Writer for CBS from 2012-2019. More than 900 stories still appear in syndication across over 20 CBS websites, including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco. During his peak years with CBS, Randy had a digital audience reach of 489 million and 5.5 million monthly visitors. Additionally, his stories have appeared in the Daily Meal, CBS News, CBS Radio, Engadget, NBC.com, NJ.com and Radio.com. He earned a Media Fellowship from Stanford University in 2012. Randy has nearly 25 years of experience in the transportation industry.