133 Best Sights in Hong Kong, China

A rare example of Lingnan-style architecture, this historic 1920s tenement painted an eye-catching cobalt blue once housed a clinic and martial arts school. Now a community hub and museum, it offers a glimpse into old Hong Kong. Nearby are other similar houses in bright orange and yellow.

A former slaughterhouse has been transformed into an artistic hub, housing a number of artists' studios, galleries, and theater groups, including 1a Space, an experimental art venue, and On & On Theatre Workshop, a professional theater company. Individual artists and galleries keep erratic hours, and what you see will depend on who's open to the public at any given time.

Hong Kong's maritime past and present are much in evidence on Causeway Bay's waterfront. Beginning in 1883, those who lived on sampans and old-fashioned junks gathered during bad weather in the Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, the first of its kind in the territory. Most boat-dwellers have moved to dry land, so these days yachts and speedboats moor here. A few traditional sampans, crewed primarily by elderly women, still ferry owners to their sailboats.

Once a bustling commercial market selling meat and produce, Central Market is today one of Hong Kong’s rare heritage success stories. Rather than tearing down the 1939 building---one of the city’s few surviving structures designed in the art deco--adjacent Streamline Moderne style---it has been redeveloped into a tourist-focused hub of market-style shops selling old-timey souvenirs, a food court, and areas for art exhibitions. The architecture is certainly worth admiring, and a small museum exhibit downstairs tells the story of the market of yesteryear.

Clad in reflective gold, silver, and copper-colored glass, this glitzy triangular building was built in 1992, at the height of Hong Kong's success. At the time it was briefly the territory's tallest building, but Two IFC soon beat it by 130 feet and, later, ICC by 360 feet. Note the colorful fluorescent lights atop the building; they actually are a clock that indicates time by changing colors every 15 minutes.

By far the best way to navigate the steep slopes that rise up from the Western and Central districts toward Mid-Levels is the world's longest covered outdoor escalator. Free of charge and protected from the elements, this series of moving walkways makes the uphill journey a cinch. It connects to several main residential streets, the bars, and restaurants of SoHo, and also provides direct access to Tai Kwun via a ramp. From 6 to 10 am the escalators only move downward, carrying an endless stream of workers and their cups of coffee. The escalator ceases operation at midnight.

Located just off the southern coast of Lantau Island, the 2½-km-long (1½-mile-long) Cheung Chau Island was once a haven for pirates like the notorious Cheung Po Tsai, whose treasure cave is reportedly on the island's southwest tip. These days, it is most famous for the centuries-old tradition called the Bun Festival, which celebrates Buddha's purported birthday in April/May. Residents live mostly on the sandbar connecting the two hilly tips of this dumbbell-shape island. The town harbor is lined with seafood restaurants and shops. A 35-minute fast ferry departs from Central's Pier 5 outside Two IFC shopping plaza.

On sunny weekends, Cheung Chau's Tung Wan beach is so crowded that its sweep of golden sand is barely visible. At one end of the beach is the Warwick Hotel, and plenty of nearby restaurants offer food, refreshments, and shade. Apart from emergency vehicles, no private cars are allowed on this island. Among the tourist attractions, find the striking Pak Tai Temple, one of the oldest in Hong Kong, as well as a cave that allegedly housed the hidden treasures of pirate Cheung Po Tsai.

Thousands make the yearly trip to Cheung Chau Island for the exuberant Cheung Chau Bun Festival, a four-day-long Taoist thanksgiving feast. A procession of children dressed as gods winds its way toward Pak Tai Temple, where 60-foot towers covered in sweet buns quiver outside—the idea is that people climb the towers to collect the buns; the higher the bun the better the fortune bestowed on the person. It's held on the eighth day of fourth moon, usually in May.

Three kilometers (2 miles) of golden sand make Cheung Sha Beach one of Hong Kong's longest stretches of sand. It gets breezy at this spot 8 km (5 miles) southwest of Mui Wo, so it's popular with windsurfers. From April through October, there are also lifeguards around, so you can swim with a bit more peace of mind. Upper Cheung Sha Beach is equipped for barbecues, and there is also a refreshment stand. Witnessing a sunset here is a swell end to a sun-drenched day.

The loudest and proudest traditional festival, Chinese New Year brings Hong Kong to a standstill each year. Shops shut down, and everywhere you look there are red and gold signs, kumquat trees, and pots of yellow chrysanthemums, all considered auspicious. On the lunar new year's eve the crowds climax at the flower markets and fairs; on the first night there's a colorfully noisy parade; on the second night the crowds ooh and ahh at the no-costs-spared fireworks display over the harbor. It's usually in late January or early February.

Located in the Institute of Chinese Studies building, the museum is home to more than 15,000 historical objects, including well-respected collections of bronze seals, classical paintings, calligraphy, Yixing earthenware, and Lingnan school paintings. Considering the breadth of history in the region, it is helpful to take a guided tour with a docent.

This temple has room after room of altars filled with the heady scent of incense. On one side of the main entrance is a cast-iron bell with a circumference of about 5 feet—all large monasteries in ancient China rang such bells at daybreak to wake the monks and nuns for a day of work in the rice fields. On the other side of the entrance is a huge drum that was used to call the workers back in the evening. Inside, some rooms are papered with small pictures; the faithful pay to have these photos displayed so they can see their dearly departed while praying. Dwarf shrubs, ornamental fishponds, and pagodas bedeck the grounds. The temple sits adjacent to the Ching Chung MTR Light Rail station near the town of Tuen Mun. The entrance isn't obvious, but it's located on Tsing Lun Rd.

Ancestor worship is important in Hong Kong culture, and on Ching Ming families meet to sweep the graves of departed relatives and burn paper offerings in respect for them. It's usually held in early April.

Hong Kong's answer to Coachella, Clockenflap has brought major musical acts to the city, including Primal Scream, Santigold, and the Cribs. Concertgoers can sit on grassy patches surrounding the stages or can check out the multimedia art exhibitions and film tent. Expect it in November or December.

Devoted to the creative and quirky world of comics and animation, this center celebrates local artists by offering up ample space to create, exhibit, and sell their work. The complex is also a great example of Hong Kong’s historic East-meets-West architecture, as it’s housed in a cluster of revitalized prewar tenement-style buildings with cantilevered balconies, high ceilings, and staircases made of China fir wood.

Just east of Ocean Park is this lovely beach that sees fewer crowds than Repulse Bay, though weekends can get a bit more crowded. It's a good place to have a barbecue or swim under the watchful eye of a lifeguard. Leafy trees provide ample shade, and there's a great view of the Ocean Park cable car. To get here, take Bus 6, 6A, or 260 from Exchange Square Bus Terminus in Central. Amenities: food and drink; lifeguards; showers; toilets; water sports. Best for: sunset; swimming; walking.

The life of Sun Yat-Sen, the revolutionary who helped overthrow the Qing dynasty in 1911 and usher in China’s first Republic, is examined in detail at this museum in the Mid-Levels. The building itself is a handsome colonial-era mansion that belonged to the brother of a prominent Eurasian businessman. Dr Sun spent significant time in Hong Kong, and you can follow in his footsteps by walking the Dr Sun Yat Sen Historical Trail, a self-guided tour available for free by downloading a smartphone app called iM Guide. The walk starts at Hong Kong University in Western and finishes in Central, stopping at 16 waypoints connected to Dr Sun.

The Dragon Boat Festival pits long, dragon-head boats against one another in races to the shore; the biggest event is held at Victoria Harbour. The festival commemorates the hero Qu Yuan, a poet and scholar who drowned himself in the 3rd century BC to protest government corruption. These days it's one big beach party. It's usually held in June.

Parallel to Tung Choi Street Ladies' Market, this street is sneaker central, lined with shoe shops selling some brands you know and lots more you don't. If you're not sporty, the stretch between Mongkok Road and Nullah Road offers cheap versions of the latest clothing fashion trends.

Huge bucketfuls of roses and gerbera spill out onto the sidewalk along Flower Market Road, a collection of street stalls selling cut flowers and potted plants. Delicate orchids and vivid birds of paradise are some of the more exotic blooms. During Lunar New Year, there's a roaring trade in narcissi, poinsettias, and bright yellow chrysanthemums—all auspicious flowers. Head there in the morning or in the afternoon, as most of the market closes in the early evening.

Celebrating the vibrant flavors of Hong Kong, the Foodie Tasting Tour takes visitors to six restaurants either in Central and Shueng Wan or Sham Shui Po, with a certified foodie guide who will help you decipher menus and will talk you through the traditional eating customs at each stop. All meals are included in the ticket price. Arrive hungry because you'll be feasting on everything from wonton noodles to freshly steamed dim sum.

A tree-lined lane called Battery Path was built by the British in the 1840s to provide access to the artillery batteries that defended the colony—hence the name. At the top of Battery Path sits the elegant Former French Mission Building, a neoclassical redbrick structure with white columns and green shutters. Completed in 1917, it is a declared monument subject to protection. St John's Cathedral and Cheung Kong Park sit nearby.

Goldfish are thought to bring good luck in Hong Kong (though aquariums have to be properly positioned for maximum benefit), and this small collection of sellers is a favorite local source. Shop fronts are decorated with bags of glistening, pop-eyed creatures, waiting for someone to take them home. Some of the fish for sale inside are serious rarities and fetch unbelievable prices. There are other types of animals as well.

This handsome white Victorian mansion was constructed in 1855 as the official residence of British governors, and is now home to Hong Kong's chief executive. During the Japanese occupation the house was significantly rebuilt, so it exhibits a strong Japanese influence, particularly in the roof eaves. The house occasionally opens to the public for guided tours on certain days of the year. 

Perfect for history buffs, the Gray Line Heritage Tour takes visitors to the sites of Hong Kong's five great clans in the New Territories. The route stops at several well-preserved monuments, including Tai Fu Tai—the home of a Man clan scholar in the late 1800s. There's also a chance to visit a historical walled village as well as a traditional ancestral hall. Before you leave, don't forget to make a wish under the Lam Tsuen Banyan Trees. Tours are scheduled on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday.

The best of Hong Kong's antiques sellers can be found on Hollywood Road, named after the holly trees that once grew nearby. On nearby Upper Lascar Row, a flea market known as Cat Street sells curios, porcelain, and not-so-old trinkets masquerading as artifacts. They might not be authentic, but they do make for great souvenirs and affordable gifts.

The 19-story Hong Kong Arts Centre houses a branch of the Hong Kong Art School, several contemporary art galleries, interactive workshops, multimedia installations, art studios, a cinema, and performing arts venues. There are also a handful of eateries. It has been a longtime champion of up-and-coming artists and diverse genres, and also operates the comic and animation hub Comix Home Base, on nearby Mallory Street. There are free guided tours every Wednesday and Saturday at 3 pm, lasting about 45 minutes.

Land is so scarce in Hong Kong that developers usually only build skyward, but the HKCEC juts into the harbor instead. Curved-glass walls and a swooping roof make it look like a tortoise lumbering into the sea or a gull taking flight, depending on who you ask. Of all the international trade fairs, regional conferences, and other events held here, by far the most famous was the 1997 Handover Ceremony. An obelisk commemorates it on the waterfront promenade, which also affords great views of Kowloon.

Outside the center stands the Golden Bauhinia. This gleaming sculpture of the bauhinia flower, Hong Kong's symbol, was a gift from China. The police hoist the flag daily at 8 am; on the first of every month, there is an enhanced flag-raising ceremony with musical accompaniment by police bands.

Though Hong Kong's home to Mickey Mouse is lower-key compared with other Magic Kingdoms, there are still plenty of diversions to occupy one's time. Younger kids will find plenty of amusement at Sleeping Beauty Castle and Toy Story Land, while older siblings and parents will probably gravitate to the more-thrilling Space Mountain. Inside the dedicated Marvel area, daredevils will also enjoy the multisensory, immersive Iron Man Experience and the Ant-Man theme attraction. Plus, The World of Frozen, based on the animated musical, opened in late 2023 to much acclaim. It's highly recommended to purchase tickets online, as there's usually a crush of humanity by the main gate.

Keen to stay overnight? There are three thematic on-site hotels, including the travel-theme Disney Explorers Lodge.

Housed in Central Ferry Pier No. 8, this family-friendly museum explores over 2,000 years of Hong Kong's maritime history. There are interactive exhibits and historic artefacts aplenty, including hoards of precious Chinese porcelain salvaged from Ming dynasty wrecks in the harbor. In the basement, an exhibition on the opium trade takes an uncompromising look at Britain's colonial takeover of Hong Kong. Don't miss the chance to have a drink and snack on the terrace of Cafe 8 above the museum. The views are world class, and your money supports a local charity that finds vocational opportunities for adults with learning difficulties.