Top Attractions

Top Attractions

Chi Lin Nunnery. Not a single nail was used to build this nunnery, which dates from 1934. Instead, traditional Tang Dynasty architectural techniques involving wooden dowels and bracket-work hold its 228,000 pieces of timber together. Feng Shui principles governed construction, and polished wood and gleaming Buddha statues are the only adornments.

Hong Kong Disneyland. It's as gleaming and polished as all the other Disneys, and it has one big advantage: short lines. You can go on every ride at least once and see all the attractions in a day. If your kids are theme park-savvy, the incredibly tame rides here won't win their respect. That said, there are loads for little kids. Space Mountain is the only attraction with a height restriction, so there's no ride-exclusion angst for them.

Hong Kong Heritage Museum. There's lots of ground to cover at Hong Kong's largest: prioritize the New Territories Heritage with its history exhibits; the T. T. Tsui Gallery with its antique Chinese glass, ceramics, and bronzes; and the Cantonese Opera Halls with its costumes and demonstrations.

Lan Kwai Fong. The infamous Lan Kwai Fong, a hillside section around Central's D'Aguilar Street in Central, has many good bistros and a large selection of bars. Along with the drink-swinging hordes, busloads of Japanese and Mainland Chinese tourist offload here on their tour—not to enjoy a beverage, but only to have their picture taken underneath the Lan Kwai Fong" street sign.

Ocean Park. This marine-theme park embraces both and high- and low-octane buzzes and spectacular zoological attractions; they even breed endangered species here. And there's an educational twist to many of the attractions. The park stretches out over 170 hilly acres, and you can gaze down at much of it from spookily silent cabins of the mile-long cable car that connects the tamer Lowlands area to the action-packed Headland.

Sam Tung Uk Museum. A walled Hakka village from 1786 was saved from demolition to create this museum. It's in the middle of industrial Tsuen Wan, in the western New Territories, so its quiet whitewashed courtyards and small interlocking chambers contrast greatly with the nearby residential towers.

Stanley Village Market. Although Hong Kong's most famed bargain trove no long has the best prices around, combing through the stalls still leads to deals on sportswear, casual clothing, and linens. Dozens and dozens of shops line a main street so narrow that awnings from each side meet in the middle, and on busy days your elbows will come in handy. Weekdays are a little more relaxed.

Star Ferry. Since 1898 the ferry pier has been the gateway to the island for people from Kowloon. If it's your first time in the city, you're all but required to cross the harbor and back on the beloved green-and-white Star Ferry at least once. It's a beautiful, relaxing trip on antiquated, characterful vessels. An evening ride is even better, when the city's neon and skyscrapers light up the sky.

Temple of Ten Thousand Buddhas. You climb some 400 steps to reach this temple: but look on the bright side, for each step you get about 32 Buddhas. The uphill path through dense vegetation is lined with life-size golden Buddhas in all kinds of positions. Prepare to be dazzled inside the main temple: its walls are stacked with gilded ceramic statuettes.

Tian Tan Buddha. The Tian Tan Buddha is the world's largest Buddha—that's seated, located outdoors, and made of bronze. It doesn't need the epithets: its vast silhouette against the sky is impressive. Steep stairs lead to the lower podium, essentially forcing you to stare up at all 242½ tons of Buddha as you ascend. At the top, cool breezes and fantastic views over Lantau Island await.

Victoria Peak. Its Chinese name, Tai Ping Shan, means Mountain of Great Peace, and the viewing point atop Hong Kong's highest hill certainly inspires hushed awe. Spread below you is a glittering forest of skyscrapers; beyond them the harbor and—on a clear day—Kowloon's eight mountains. The Peak Tram is the world's steepest funicular railway. Before it opened in 1880 the only way to get up was to walk or take a bumpy ride in a sedan chair up steep steps. Grab a seat on the right-hand side for the best views.