Wan Chai – The district where hip meets heritage

Think Wan Chai is just The World of Suzie Wong, karaoke bars and neon lights? Well, think again. This pulsating district has its share of good-time joints and exotic nightlife, but the real news is its thrilling evolution into one of the city’s coolest, most dynamic areas, with a heady mix of old and new, and East meets West, and where hip bars and happening restaurants mix with old tenement buildings and hidden temples among the district’s towering skyscrapers.

Like much of Hong Kong, Wan Chai was once a small fishing village populated by Chinese settlers. Its strategic harbour-side location and proximity to the colonial powers-that-be in Central during the 19th and 20th centuries, however, saw it develop from a spillover for workers and labourers to a wealthy commercial and cultural hub.

While Lee Tung Street, once lined with wedding stationery shops, has given way to an upscale mall, pockets of heritage still exist. It’s not just in the facade of the Bauhaus-era Wan Chai market, but in the maze of Wan Chai Road and Bowrington Road, where old-fashioned wet markets hum daily. It’s in tenement houses on Stone Nullah Lane and temples and shrines hidden in back lanes.

To get on trend, check out the chic boutiques and eats around Star Street and Ship Street in Wan Chai, cult designer stores on Leighton Road in Causeway Bay, and cool cafes and restaurants in the hip neighbourhood of Tai Hang.

Best explored on foot, Wan Chai District offers a wealth of heritage hideaways and modern hot spots — be they nightlife, dining, shopping or cultural — that make it an essential stop for any visitor.

Causeway Bay – Hong Kong’s centre of cool

If retail runs through Hong Kong’s arteries, then Causeway Bay is the beating heart that keeps it going. From big-name designer brands piled atop one another in gleaming glass towers to rising stars in street style, fashion feels at home in the district. However, it’s much more than just a shopper’s paradise. Venture beyond the multitude of malls and discover an alluring enclave that’s brimming with character, Hong Kong Island’s largest public park and a rich history tied to its past as a former fishing village.

Named after the cove that it’s now built on top of, Causeway Bay’s erstwhile coastline is today marked by Tung Lo Wan Road, while landmarks including a 19th century Tin Hau temple dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, the Noon Day Gun and a bronze statue of British monarch Queen Victoria recall the territory’s Chinese and colonial influences.

Now home to some of the highest retail rents in the world, the area’s eye-watering real estate has forced businesses to be creative. A little bit of vertical exploration goes a long way, independent boutiques and local eateries are often hidden away from the ground floor.

Nighttime shopping is de rigueur, and is often followed by a belated dinner and rooftop drinks. The district’s skyscrapers and hotels are perfectly positioned to provide a moment’s repose, complete with panoramic vistas of Hong Kong’s dazzling cityscape. Alternatively, low-rise, village-like Tai Hang feels worlds away, when in fact it is just a few minutes’ distance, offering welcoming neighbourhood haunts.

With crowds that can make it feel like all of Hong Kong has descended on Causeway Bay, it’s a place of contrast and contradiction, at once busy and quiet, frustrating and rewarding, it’s a microcosm of Hong Kong that makes a lasting impression.

Cruise

Not only is Hong Kong one of the world’s best cruise destinations, it’s also the perfect place to set sail from.

Your adventures at sea begin here
Fly above deck or ride the waves on board! If you’re travelling at sea with a high-energy crew, you might wonder how to keep everyone occupied, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are just some of the exciting activities you’ll want to dive straight into!

Choose a cruise to fully unwind and relax at sea
There are times when you want a packed schedule chock-full of activities, and there are times when you just want to sit back, relax and unwind. If you’re looking for the latter, a cruise provides the perfect opportunity to do just that. Set off from Hong Kong, envelop yourself in the beautiful blues of the ocean and sky, and literally sail away from it all. Since fully switching off is easier said than done, we’ve put together a list of the top ways to chill out and recharge on a cruise ship.

Live it up on a luxury cruise
One of the best things about the soaring popularity of cruise holidays is that the standard of service and facilities have also been taken to the next level. Fancy a holiday with private sea-view balconies, world-class fine dining and butler service all at your fingertips? Have your driver drop you off at one of Hong Kong’s cruise terminals to set sail and discover a whole host of premium services and experiences. Read on to discover some of our favourites for an exquisite sojourn at sea!

Family adventures at sea
No two kids are the same and neither are family holidays! When it comes to family getaways, cruise holidays are a fantastic choice for families looking for a wide range of activities to suit all ages and cater to different interests. From exciting sports and recreation to fun classes, there are numerous activities on board to keep the kids entertained while the adults have some leisure time, chilling on the deck enjoying the sunshine. Here are some the fun ways you can find the right balance and make lots of new memories as a family.

Shopping
From glamorous malls to bustling street markets, Hong Kong lays its claim as Asia’s top shopping destination.

From second-hand vintage shops stacked with undiscovered treasures to shopping outlets where you can snap up high-end brands for a killer deal, here’s how every trend hunter visiting Hong Kong should spend their days in the city.

Malls and mansions
Hong Kong had never seen anything like it. When Ocean Terminal opened in 1966, it was the first fully enclosed, air-conditioned shopping mall in Asia, and just the first development of the retail palace we now know as Harbour City. “Hong Kong is a city of malls,” says Stefan Al, a Dutch architect and the author of Mall City: Hong Kong’s Dreamworlds of Consumption, which documents the evolution of Hong Kong’s retail complexes.

Fashion designer Melissa Bui’s guide to artisan shopping in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s stature as a global fashion hub is growing fast, and leading the charge are a number of homegrown designers. One of them is Melissa Bui, an up-and-coming name who’s making waves at fashion circuits all over the world. Her collections are inspired by the city around her, and here she gives us the low-down on where she shops for fashion, homeware, inspiration and more.

Hong Kong’s best secret shops
Don’t want to be kitted out in the same old high street brands and styles? You’ve come to the right place. Hong Kong’s many high-rise buildings and alleys hide a number of retail gems offering special garments and shopping experiences. Here’s a guide to the best hidden shops that you mustn’t miss.

Hong Kong’s best vintage shops
Hong Kong’s many high-end malls are famous for housing pristine collections from the world’s most stylish fashion houses. The city’s second-hand scene is no slouch, though. With vintage fashion increasingly popular in Hong Kong, shopping at thrift stores has never been more on-trend. Here are the city’s best vintage and second-hand antique shops if you want to get in on the action.

Sailing icon: Hong Kong’s Star Ferry

Throughout Hong Kong’s history, the city’s advance has been etched into the singular skylines that have grown on both sides of Victoria Harbour. As gleaming towers rose like phoenixes from the memories of colonial architecture, there has been one constant – the Star Ferry – which has voyaged between the Kowloon Peninsula’s southern tip to Hong Kong island for more than 120 years.

Cross-harbour ferry services were launched in the 1880s, by an entrepreneurial Parsee, Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, aboard his steamboat, the Morning Star. However, it only in 1898, when British-Armenian businessman Sir Catchick Paul Chater bought the fleet of four vessels, that the Star Ferry Company was born.

Nine double-ended bottle-green and ivory boats now ply the routes between Central and Wan Chai and Tsim Sha Tsui. The current style of ship first set sail in the 1950s – although the design varied little from Naorojee’s Morning Star – quickly becoming an integral part of not only Hong Kong’s infrastructure, but also the scenery. Today they provide more than just a means of transport for Hong Kong’s inhabitants and visitors, they are also a source of inspiration for the city’s creatives.

Hong Kong attractions for families of all ages

Hong Kong is a great destination for family holidays. Whether you and your little ones want to spend time marvelling at animals or snapping selfies with some of the biggest celebrities in the world, you can find countless activities here that your whole family can enjoy. From theme parks to museums and even a glass-bottomed cable car, here are some of the best attractions for you and your kids.

For Disney fans
Hong Kong Disneyland is known as the “happiest place on Earth” for a reason. From kid-friendly favourites, such as Dumbo the Flying Elephant and ‘it’s a small world‘, to immersive experiences, such as the newly opened Ant-Man and The Wasp: Nano Battle! and Iron Man Experience, there’s something here for dreamers of all ages. Be sure to grab a front-row seat to the parades, where you can meet some of your favourite Disney characters. And for even more park time, book a room at one of their three hotels — all kid-friendly of course.

Ocean Park Hong Kong: for animal lovers
Despite being more than four decades old, marine-based Ocean Park has remained a firm fan favourite with locals and visitors alike. Committed to raising awareness of environmental conservation, the sprawling park allows guests, big and small, to get close to some of nature’s greatest wonders, from exotic sharks that swim about in a 360-degree aquarium to furry giant pandas and waddling penguins. Aside from being a haven for animal-lovers, the park is also the perfect spot for thrill-seekers who want to test their courage on the floorless rollercoaster or the hair-raising turbo-drop ride fitted with VR technology.

Hong Kong Wetland Park: for nature enthusiasts
Hong Kong isn’t just a concrete jungle. Get out of the city for a day and visit this gorgeous ecotourism park in the New Territories. The facility boasts a lush 60-hectare nature reserve, which is teeming with plants and wildlife, including butterflies, mudskippers, fiddler crabs and the park’s famous salt-water crocodile, Pui Pui. Once you’ve finished exploring the reserve, head to the Visitor Centre where you’ll find nature-themed artwork and interactive games and exhibits that’ll teach you and your family more about the environment.

Madame Tussauds Hong Kong: for pop-culture junkies
Want to shake hands with the royal family, be crowned by Miss Universe Pia Wurtzbach or perform Papillion with Jackson Wang? You can do just that at Madame Tussauds. Sitting on The Peak, Madame Tussauds is home to more than 100 world-famous celebrity figurines, from international pop sensation Ariana Grande to the Avant Garde Japanese contemporary artist, Yayoi Kusama and Hong Kong’s very own Bruce Lee. After rubbing shoulders with Marvel’s flagship heroes, head to the Selfie Gallery, where you’ll find elaborate backdrops for the perfect Insta-famous family snap!

Western District stock has soared in recent years, with the MTR’s Island Line extended from Sheung Wan to Sai Ying Pun, HKU and Kennedy Town in late-2014. Easier accessibility has brought gentrification and an influx of expat residents, cool restaurants and bars, new property developments, rising rents and a shorter version of the Mid-Levels Escalator up Sai Ying Pun’s steep Centre Street.

The district’s past was less than salubrious, however. While Central became the administrative and business hub during British rule in the 19th century, Western District was the dumping ground that saw an abattoir, morgue, mental asylum and brothels spring up. Excluded from the city boundaries, Chinese settlers made Western District their home, and turned it into a thriving commercial area with easy access to the harbour.

Stroll through its neighbourhoods and reminders of the past are easily found even as the skyscrapers of Central encroach. Traditional dried-goods stores do a steady trade on busy Connaught Road West, which throngs with people, trams and traffic year-round. These stores, along with seafood and produce markets, are a favourite of chefs and food lovers, who find inspiration and flavours of Hong Kong in their many and varied offerings.

The further west you go, the quieter it gets, with a mix of residential buildings and greenery spilling down to the sea at Kennedy Town and Sai Wan, where old-timers still take a dip in the harbour by day, while millennials head there in the evening to snap sunset photos for social media posts.

So near yet a world away from Central, Western District shows that you don’t have to stray far to see the evolution of a city, to enjoy the old and the new, the traditional and the hip, and to experience Hong Kong like a real local.

Western District – insiders’ favourites

Hong Kong’s Western District is a microcosm of the city’s urban evolution. Gaze at relics from Imperial times, buy souvenirs from traditional craftsmen, enjoy a high-end meal at a sushi bar; Western District contains experiences that span both eras and cultures.

Westworld: Kennedy Town

Kennedy Town has always been on the fringe. Named after Arthur Edward Kennedy, the seventh governor of Hong Kong, it is one of the former British colony’s oldest communities. Originally earmarked as a resettlement area for southern Chinese escaping the Tai Ping Rebellion in the mid 1850s, the boundary stone on Sai Ning Street denoted the city’s western limit in 1903. Yet Kennedy Town’s development has been slower and more organic compared to other communities. The hilly terrain of Lung Fu Shan and Mount Davis restricted development southwards, resulting in a comfortable density that continues until this day.

Anna Ng, a group fitness instructor, is a lifelong resident of Kennedy Town and recalls when the tram tracks ran next to Victoria Harbour rather than inland beside the relocated Kennedy Town Swimming Pool. “During typhoons, children were thrilled to see seawater spill above the barrier between Victoria Harbour and the tracks,” Ng recalls. “At the time, the only east-west artery near my home was Belcher’s. I was often late for school during frequent traffic jams.”

For Ng, there is no other district she would consider living in. “I have a lot of happy memories here,” she states. “Every summer weekend, we would swim in the public pool; I still remember the scent of cattle as it was right beside the abattoir. I like to walk along Hee Wong Terrace, a green spot a bit up the hill. And though there are plenty of restaurants like Jaspa’s, I miss the old carts that sold deep-fried stuffed peppers, or the mom and pop shops with rice in huge bags that were delivered right to our home. I’m glad that Sheung Hei, my favourite clay-pot rice restaurant, is still around; it is one of the few remaining places that still uses charcoal.”

Due to its relaxed development, Kennedy Town is primarily a residential district. Its mixture of low and mid rise buildings attracts a mix of residents, and there are plenty of open spaces such as Belcher Bay Park and New Kennedy Town Praya where they can stroll among trees or by the water. With MTR’s Island Line Extension, the neighbourhood is welcoming more day trippers keen to discover hidden gems. Journalist Reggie Ho moved to Kennedy Town five years ago to take care of his ageing mother. He has since embraced the district as home, and feels that the Island Line Extension changed his life. “It used to take up to 45 minutes to get to Central by bus due to the congestion,” Ho remembers. “The MTR has made it very easy now.”

Ho enjoys the mix of old and new in Kennedy Town. “I love taking my dog up to Ching Lin Terrace because it’s so tranquil sitting in front of Lo Pan Temple,” he sighs. “I love the hole in the wall takeaway place around the corner where they sell four tea eggs for HK$10. I love sitting by the street having a drink at a Davis Street bar. I love the shredded chicken noodle at Yunnan place A One; I usually order a side of turnips and greens to dip in the spicy soup.”

With the MTR, contemporary office spaces are taking over some of Kennedy Town’s warehouses. The Loop’s publisher Adele Wong, a transplanted Chinese Canadian, appreciates the district’s residential qualities. “It’s the best balance between convenience and comfortable residential zone,” Wong feels. “I set up my business close to home so that I can walk to work. There are now lots of cool co-working spaces hidden in industrial buildings, like The Hive Kennedy Town where I work out of. You would never know by looking at the buildings that so much activity goes on inside.”

A newcomer to Hong Kong, Anton Kilayko is a communications director with a five-star hotel. He found that Kennedy Town fit the bill of a real neighbourhood where he can escape work, yet be there in minutes if needed. “The commercial activity alludes to a village lifestyle,” Kilayko says. “It is a very pet-friendly neighbourhood; although I miss my dogs in Singapore, I always get the chance to play with some of my neighbours’ friendly dogs.” Kilayko feels that dining options, such as Chino for tacos and The Cofftea Shop for java, make Kennedy Town a foodie’s haven.

At once contemporary and traditional, Kennedy Town offers a true neighbourhood for anyone who wants to call Hong Kong home, and a slice of urban life for visitors with time to savour the precinct’s pleasures.

On a map, Eastern District takes the shape of a sea serpent writhing along the shores of Victoria Harbour. Nobody in the district lives more than 1,500 metres from the waterfront, hemmed in as they are by the mountains of Hong Kong Island’s interior. It may not always be possible to see the ocean — the district is home to nearly 600,000 people in 19 square kilometres, which means there are a lot of high rises — but it’s impossible not to feel its presence. Seafood populates the district’s markets and a fresh breeze clears the air.

This is a district that has always depended on its waterfront. In North Point, beaches were developed into factories and industrial wharves, which have continued to evolve as new hotels and cultural facilities are built near the water. Quarry Bay’s old dockyards are now a bustling commercial district home to good restaurants, the ArtisTree cultural venue and pleasant outdoor spaces. Quarry Bay Park is home to one of Hong Kong’s most pleasant waterfront promenades, where you can enjoy a breezy stroll or discover an historic fireboat that has been converted into a museum.

The tram is never far from the water, and if you hop on in Quarry Bay, you’ll soon arrive at the terminus in Shau Kei Wan, an historic fishing village that remains home to one of Hong Kong’s best seafood markets. Despite land reclamation and redevelopment, Shau Kei Wan is still a community that lives according to the cycle of the tides, with a large and picturesque typhoon shelter, small-scale shipyards and temples dedicated to seafaring gods.

Eastern District: where art and history collide

Although situated on the waterfront, Hong Kong’s Eastern District is much more than that. Here you can find everything from Eastern District’s waterfront legacy, as well as the local arts scene, and food that locals eat.

Oi!
When the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club built its first headquarters on Oil Street in 1908, the Arts and Crafts-style complex was located on the shores of Victoria Harbour — as you might expect. But the waterfront is always shifting in Hong Kong and the historic clubhouse now sits a few hundred metres inland. The yacht club long ago moved elsewhere, but its birthplace now has a new lease on life as Oi!, a community art space with regular workshops and exhibitions.

MOM Livehouse
It has always been tough to find space for live music in Hong Kong: although the city is a regular stop for overseas acts and there is plenty of homegrown talent, high rents and low margins make it difficult to run a music venue. While a number of new publicly funded venues are coming online in the near future, North Point’s MOM Livehouse has already come to the rescue. Since opening in 2016, the 200-person space has hosted a diverse range of shows, from indie pop to hardcore, along with upstart festivals like The Gig Week.

Mount Parker
Standing 532 metres tall, Mount Parker dominates the eastern half of Hong Kong. In fact, it is only slightly shorter than its more famous counterpart, Victoria Peak. Unlike The Peak, however, a hike up this mountain will lead you to historic treasures instead of exclusive residences. Walk along the Wilson Trail and you will come across the Wartime Cooking Stoves, large outdoor kitchens built in preparation to feed Hongkongers during World War II. Not far away is the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre, whose exhibitions on Hong Kong’s flora and fauna are housed inside a 1920s mansion built by the Taikoo Sugar company.

A Tram through Eastern District

Ng Cho-bang has driven Hong Kong’s double-decker trams through Eastern District for more than 30 years. In that time, entire hills have been flattened and developed with skyscraping apartment towers. A tram route that once meandered along the waterfront has been straightened. Even the waterfront itself has shifted, extended outwards by decades of land reclamation. Where there were once factories and shipyards there are now hotels and luxurious office towers.

And yet, despite the changes, some things remain the same, not the least of which is the tram. Ng says homemakers and elderly people still take it to the wet market to fetch their daily groceries. “Sometimes I help them with their grocery cart,” he says. “There are times that some passengers give me a fruit as a thank you gift when they finish the journey.” While the city around it may grow, the tram remains a throwback to a friendlier, less complicated time.

That’s why it’s the perfect vehicle to explore Eastern District. In 1904, the tram was extended from Causeway Bay to Shau Kei Wan, linking up the neighbourhoods that were quickly growing along the eastern shore of Hong Kong Island. Even today, perched on the upper deck of a tram, a warm sea breeze blowing through the carriage, you can get a sense of the district’s rich history and evolving culture.

Few destinations pack as much variety and terrain into as compact a place as Hong Kong Island. You can go from pulsating metropolis to lush and leafy peaks to sparkling surf in just a few kilometres. And one district, Southern, lets you experience all three in a day, should you wish.

With the opening of the MTR South Island line in December 2016, getting from Central to the golden sands of Southern District is easier than ever. The first stop, Ocean Park, is a mere six minutes from Admiralty Station. From there it’s a short taxi or bus ride to some of Hong Kong’s finest beaches, stretching from Deepwater Bay in the southwest to Big Wave Bay in the southeast.

Each has its own character and demographic: Repulse Bay, with its prime real estate inhabited by affluent Hongkongers and expat families; the buffed, tanned and flamboyant at Middle Bay; and boho young things and surfers at Big Wave Bay and Shek O villages.

Don’t fancy sand between your toes? Southern District’s Wong Chuk Hang neighbourhood is a thriving contemporary arts hub, with a slew of top-notch galleries and independent artists’ studios secreted away in the area’s many converted warehouses and office buildings. Keep an eye out for names like De Sarthe, Rossi and Rossi, Pekin Fine Arts, Blindspot and Alisan Fine Arts, the last of which is in Aberdeen, where sampans and fishing boats still moor in the typhoon shelter and the fish market hums with activity.

Southern District – insiders’ favourites

Hong Kong’s Southern District is laid back, but it’s also one of the city’s most diverse districts. Here, you can experience Hong Kong’s most popular hike, visit artisan shops, and feast at local seafood joints.

Feeling Hong Kong’s beach vibes

Hong Kong Island packs a lot of beach into a little bit of land. While the north-side districts of Central and Western, Wan Chai and Eastern are crammed with glass and steel skyscrapers and towering apartment blocks, Southern district boasts bay after bay of golden sand and calm waters that are safe for a splash and swim with family and friends year-round. Whether you want to dive in for some water sports, dine by the seaside, or simply find a patch of sand to chill out, the Island’s southern coastline has a beach for everyone. Running from south-east to south-west there are: surfy Big Wave Bay; village-y Shek O; touristy Stanley; secluded Chung Hom Kok; chilled South Bay; flamboyant Middle Bay; glitzy Repulse Bay; and leafy Deepwater Bay. Below is a rundown of a few of our favourites.

Plan the perfect family day trip to Ocean Park
As Hong Kong’s longest-running family-friendly theme park, Ocean Park Hong Kong is a treasured attraction where many locals have created special childhood memories they hold close to their hearts. With fun activities and thrill rides, dining spots, and even educational options all packed into one convenient setting, Ocean Park makes for a perfect day trip for both families in the city as well as travellers who wish to experience a true, authentic Hong Kong with their younglings.

Where to get tickets and transport
Tickets can be easily purchased in all parts of Hong Kong, such as in 7-Eleven stores and travel agencies. However, if you’re looking for a good deal, check Ocean Park’s website for regular ticket deals or even hotel packages that include tickets to the theme park. The easiest way to head to Ocean Park is by MTR. Interchange to the South Island line in Admiralty station and you’ll reach Ocean Park station in 6 minutes.

Popular attractions
Upon entering the park, you’ll arrive at The Waterfront, home to attractions such as the world-class, marine-themed Aqua City, interactive exhibit Amazing Asian Animals, and the activity-filled Whiskers Harbour. You’ll be able to engage in child-friendly carnival games at Whiskers Harbour, where little ones can hop on rides like Bouncer House, Frog Hopper, Merry-Go-Round, and Toto the Loco train ride.

Crossing over to The Summit via the iconic cable car ride, tourists can admire the beautiful green mountains and glistening sea. If you want to skip the cable car queues and reach The Summit faster, take the 4-minute Ocean Express train, which simulates an underwater adventure inside a submarine! Once you’re at The Summit, be prepared for a splash on The Rapids and Raging River wet rides and remember to put on your biggest smile for the cameras as the boat rushes down the giant water slopes. Not thrilling enough for you? Go on some scream-inducing rollercoasters such as the Hair Raiser and The Flash for an exhilarating experience. Last but certainly not least, don’t leave without going to The Abyss for a VR space voyage, where you’ll be transported through space on an extra-terrestrial mission before plummeting back down to earth through virtual reality headsets.

Educational encounters
For visitors who prefer a deeper educational experience, Ocean Park has plenty more animal exhibitions. Observe otters at Panda Village and furry koalas at Adventure in Australia, discover native pandas at Amazing Asian Animals and sharks at Shark Mystique, and check out the adorable king penguins at Polar Adventure! The theme park also offers special animal experiences, where you and the kids can get up close with animals, learn about wildlife conservation as well as animals’ daily routines, and see for yourself how their trainers take care of them.

A rest with a view
There is a lot of ground to cover at Ocean Park, so for a midday break, catch a show at the Ocean Theatre about an adventurer’s journey to discovering the beauty of the sea and its inhabitants. Afterwards, make your way towards Ocean Park Tower, a rotating, 360-degree observation tower that soars 200m above sea level for guests to look beyond the park and appreciate the gorgeous views of Aberdeen and the outlying islands.

Bring the day to an end by taking photos at Old Hong Kong, a street dedicated to the 1950s to 1970s era in Hong Kong with retro decorations, street food, games, and souvenirs — a perfect set-up for visitors to understand and get a glimpse into Hong Kong’s past. For a touch of night-time fun, your Ocean Park experiences continue into the evening with Gala of Lights, an interactive multimedia show filled with dazzling performances and an immersive dance of light and fountains. Get swept away on an oceanic adventure to round out your trip!

Where to eat and stay
Next door to the theme park, Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel is a vibrant, nature-inspired hotel with three different family-themed rooms — Whiskers Submarine, Redd Forest, and Bao Bao Paradise. The close proximity to Ocean Park and cheerful decor make it an ideal place to stay for family getaways.

As for dining options, there’s no need to fret if you get hungry during the day. Families can settle down at Neptune’s Restaurant for some Chinese fine dining next to the restaurant’s giant viewing panel of the Aquarium, chow down on delicious pizza and other East-meets-West fusion dishes at Tuxedos Restaurant, or enjoy a relaxing night of open-fire charcoal-grill Thai food at Ginger Grill. If you’re staying at the Hong Kong Ocean Park Marriott Hotel, dine at one of the hotel’s five restaurants, or treat yourself with 24-hour room service if you’re looking to escape the crowds for a few hours.

Old Town Central repackages the diverse tourism appeal of Central, including a number of thematic walking routes to introduce heritage buildings and landmarks, arts and culture, lifestyle as well as dining and entertainment offerings in the district. Together with the Tai Kwun (or the former Central Police Station Compound), the Central and Western District has been transformed into a community filled with an “art-across-time” ambience.

Where world collide
Modern-day Hong Kong may be best known for its glossy skyscrapers and world-class attractions, but to understand how the city became the bustling metropolis that it is today, one need only to pay a visit to Old Town Central.

One of the oldest yet also most dynamic districts in the city, Old Town Central — encompassing the sloped streets and small alleys of Central and Sheung Wan — encapsulates Hong Kong’s rich and diverse spirit. A place where century-old temples share the same streets as fashion-forward concept stores, or where authentic tea houses coexist with modern art galleries, this colourful neighbourhood is at once old and new while also being proudly local and unmistakably global.
Immensely walkable and brimming with attractions, this neighbourhood is perfect to experience on foot. There’s plenty to discover here, from heritage buildings and art institutions to local eats and fun souvenirs. Whatever your interests are, this guide will lead you to some of the best things that Old Town Central has to offer. Have fun exploring.

A walk through Old Town Central’s highlights

There’s no shortage of attractions in Old Town Central, from decades-old temples to chic rooftop bars. To help you make the most of your time in this vibrant neighbourhood, we’ve put together this highlight route, which allows you to discover some of the best historic monuments, shops and restaurants in the area. Whether you’re looking to learn about the colourful heritage of this district or sample some delicious local eats, this walking tour will introduce you to the very best that Old Town Central has to offer while also helping you to discover some other hidden gems along the way.

Tasting Hong Kong in Old Town Central

A true food paradise, Old Town Central is a melting pot of flavours with something to sate all tastes. If you’re looking for an authentic taste of Hong Kong, there’s plenty here that fits the bill, from traditional dim sum to baked treats sold at shops that have stood the test of time. Of course, the culinary landscape here is also influenced by Hong Kong’s status as a multicultural, trend-setting metropolis, and you’ll find plenty of Michelin-starred restaurants, as well as cutting-edge fusion cuisine and cocktail bars that rank among the best in the world.

See how Old Town Central shaped the city

Exploring Old Town Central is like taking a trip back in time. The neighbourhood, which encompasses Central and Sheung Wan, was where some of the earliest chapters of modern Hong Kong history unfolded. Today, about 180 years since the British first settled at Possession Point, this district is still home to cobblestone streets, heritage buildings, traditional temples and other fascinating landmarks that illustrate its storied past and its early role in shaping the cosmopolitan city of Hong Kong as we know it today.

A treasure hunt in Old Town Central

A neighbourhood as steeped in history as it is brimming with style, Old Town Central is the perfect place to seek out a unique gift or memento to bring back home. Whether you want to visit a local market, comb through an antique store or look your best at one of the many fashionable concept shops, this happening area boasts no shortage of gems waiting for treasure hunters to discover.

Crazy for art in Old Town Central

One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods in Hong Kong, Old Town Central is bursting with creativity on every street corner. This area has everything from experimental stage performances held inside a repurposed depot, to world-class art exhibitions and edgy graffiti that graces the walls of small alleys.