bushwoman2002

I have a 12 hour layover in Hong Kong and wonder if there are any suggestions of what to do with my time. The last time I was in Hong Kong was in 1987! I am interested in jewelry shopping and eating and of course, taking the beloved Star Ferry. I would love some suggestions of where to go. Thanks

mmyk72

If it's a clear night, the light show at the Ave of the Stars located near the Star Ferry terminal on the Kowloon side is pretty. Starts at 8 or 8:30 pm (forget exactly) and lasts about half an hr.

rkkwan

Jewelry shopping? Well, the whole city is becoming just as big jewelry shop, with other merchants displaced in many areas. In fact, Nathan Road is going to be renamed "Chow Road", since every other store has become a Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook, or CSS (the other Chow Sang Sang).

For example, Chow Tai Fook alone has 10 jewelry stores in Tsim Sha Tsui, 5 of them on a 1/4 mile stretch of Nathan Road. They have another SEVEN stores on a 1/5 mile (i.e. 3 short blocks) stretch of Nathan Road in Mong Kok. Plus, another Nathan Road store in Jordan between Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok.

rkkwan

As for the light show, "A Symphony of Lights" starts at 8p every night and is only about 14 minutes long. It's best viewed from the Avenue of the Stars, but you can see it anywhere near the harbor in both Tsim Sha Tsui and Central.

The majority opinion is that it's NOT worth making a special trip to see it, though if you're in the area, then it's okay to spend those 14 minutes (or part of it) or see what it's about. And I agree.

Compared to 1987, you'll find a lot more skyscrapers on both sides of the harbor. Same things have changed - like the Star Ferry terminus in Central - making the ride significantly shorter with fewer passengers and less frequencies. And others remain more or less the same - like the HK Tramway, or the crowds in Mong Kok.

One thing you will absolutely notice is the vast number of international name-brand stores, especially in Central, in the ifc Mall, and in particular, along Canton Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Most of the visiting shoppers are not Caucasian or Japanese anymore, but Mainland Chinese instead.

sf7307

<<<In fact, Nathan Road is going to be renamed "Chow Road", since every other store has become a Chow Sang Sang, Chow Tai Fook, or CSS (the other Chow Sang Sang)>>>

And every one of them had customers viewing diamonds even at midnight!

bushwoman2002

Thanks so much for all of your input

mzubair6594

And do not forget to visit the PEAK, located in Hong Kong island. The lower terminus (from where you can get Peak Tram) is situated underneath St Johns Bldg on Garden Rd (near Hong Kong Park, the Citibank Tower and distinctive Bank Of China Tower). The Lower Peak Tram Terminus is served by BUS NUMBER 15C from outside Star Ferry Central Pier 8 on Hong Kong Island There are other ways also to reach to the Peak including buses but I have told you about the most preferred one.

As mentioned by 'rkkwan' another attraction that you could combine when using Star Ferry and light show is 'The Avenue of Stars', which is a 400-metre long stretch of waterside promenade along the northern side of Victoria Harbour, in front of the New World Centre at Tsim Sha Tsui.It is based on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame and celebrates stars of the Hong Kong film industry. The avenue has panoramic views across the harbour to Hong Kong Island and makes for a pleasant stroll at any time of day, but particularly after dark when the Hong Kong Island’s famous skyline becomes spectacularly illuminated.

And lastly you must try to visit Hong Kong's hidden treasure 'Nan Lian Garden', located in urban Kowloon.this is a truly beautiful, colourful and scenic place with a tranquil and serene atmosphere.

Cicerone

The above are all good suggestions, but it would be more helpful to me if you could tell us the date of your layover, the time you land and time of your next flight. That would help me in particular give more directed suggestions.

For example the Nan Lian Gardens, mentioned above, closes at 7 pm (the equally interesting temple next door to it closes at 4:30 pm) and is often closed on Wednesdays. If you will be here on June 23, then I would say to head to Stanley for the dragon boat races. June 23 is a public holiday (Tuen Ng) and we honour the day with dragon boat races in various part of town, the easiest for you IMO is Stanley. Take the #6 bus (a great ride) and then follow the crowds. The beach area will be quite crowded, but festive, as will the waterfront restaurant area, but overall this just adds to the fun. You can watch the races, do some souvenir shopping and have a meal.

So knowing your arrival date and approximate time in town would be helpful.

bushwoman2002

Thank you all for your responses; I so appreciate them.

bushwoman2002

Cicerone--this is going to be in July midday.