Hong Kong Skyline - Cheung Kong Center

Cheung Kong Center – the Sixth Tallest in Hong Kong

283 meters / 62 storeys / completed in 1999

Address: 2 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Direction: MTR Central station, opposite to the Bank of China Tower and HSBC

Cheung Kong Center is extremely innovative. Its appearance is as normal as any other commercial buildings. However after dark, it is just like a huge crystal shining on the Hong Kong skyline.

There aren't that many buildings in the world with the whole structure lit up like that. It has a similar lighting idea like The Center. However Cheung Kong Center has added elements like displaying patterns and letterings. For example, on New Year eve, it displays ‘Happy New Year’ and ‘2009’ alternatively and even with sparkling effects.

This building is very stunning especially at night. It is one of the most attractive skyscrapers on the Hong Kong skyline.

Nearby Hotel: Mandarin Oriental

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong Skyline - Bank of China

Bank of China Tower – the Third Tallest Building in Hong Kong

367 meters / 70 storeys / completed in 1992 / Designer: I. M. Pei

Address: 1 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong

Direction: MTR Central station

One of the most outstanding skyscrapers along the Victoria Harbour of Hong Kong.

There is an observation deck on the 43/F, though not 360-degree and is not as 5-star as Central Plaza. However there is a model of the neighbourhood landscape including the Victoria Harbour. It is fun to check the model and spot the actual buildings.

The observation deck is open on weekdays from 9am to 5pm and on Saturday from 9am to 1pm.

It is an excellent place to take a photo with the IFC II as the backdrop.

The Island Shangrila, Conrad, Marriott, the Hong Kong Park and the Peak Tram station are just nearby.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong Skyline - HSBC Headquarters

HSBC Headquarters – No Ranking
179 meters / 47 storeys / completed in 1985 / designer: Norman Foster
Address: 1 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong
Direction: MTR Central station

Other than a landmark on the Hong Kong skyline, the HSBC headquarters is also a landmark of Hong Kong.

This solar-lit building is the fourth HSBC building being built on this same site. About 150 years ago, the former Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation built its first headquarters here.

On Sunday, the ground floor lobby is a major meeting point of overseas maids, and is extremely crowded.

Nearby Hotel
Mandarin Oriental

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong Skyline - Central Plaza

Central Plaza – the second tallest building in Hong Kong
374 meters / 78 storeys / completed in 1992
Address: 18 Harbour Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong
Direction: MTR Wanchai station

There is a sky lobby on the 46/F which is open to public on weekdays from 8am to 8pm and on Saturday from 8am to 2pm.

This is the quickest and easiest way to have a 360-degree view of Hong Kong, through the curtain walls.

Sky lobby is where people change left to upper floors. I used to work in Central Plaza and it was my daily life to use this 5-star lobby. Even so, I found this 360-degree tour of Hong Kong extremely impressive.
There is a Pacific Coffee at the main lift lobby where you can take a break while enjoying harbour view.

The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Grand Hyatt and Renaissance Harbour View are linked to Central Plaza by covered foot bridge.

Nearby Hotels
Fleming Hotel (Boutique)
Luk Kwok Hotel (3-star)
Renaissance Harbour View (4-star)
Grand Hyatt (5-star)

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong Skyline

Hong Kong skyline is the most beautiful in the world. Any visitor who has been here would agree.

In Hong Kong, you’ll see the most beautifully designed skyscrapers by world-famous architects. These state-of-the-art buildings do worth a visit.
There is a lazar show called A Symphony of Lights held at 8pm daily with 33 buildings participating. Make sure you won’t miss it.

If there is a competition for the most number of ‘best lit skyscapers’, Hong Kong must fetch the crown. The names of IFC II, Central Plaza, The Center, Cheung Kong Center, HSBC and so on, keep appearing on people’s favourite list in many online forums. All these fantastic buildings contribute to the beauty of the Hong Kong skyline.

Before we get to know each of these beautiful buildings in detail, let’s have a quick preview of them. See photo below:

1. The Bank of China
2. Cheung Kong Centre
3. HSBC
4. IFC II
5. The Center
6. Central Plaza
7. The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre

Ideal Place to Admire the Hong Kong Skyline
First, go to Star Ferry on Kowloon side. Turn left while facing the harbour. Take a one-minute walk towards the harbour front. You’ll see the Hong Kong skyline as shown above.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Hong Kong Skyline

Victoria Peak of Hong Kong

Victoria Peak is certainly the number one tourist destination here. The Victoria Peak provides a stunning bird’s-eye view of the world-famous Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong skyline as well as Kowloon. It is a great place for wandering around day and night, for visitors and locals alike.

Getting There
• Peak Tram - town station at Garden Road in Central, few blocks behind the Bank of China Tower.
• Open-Top Bus No. 15C from Central Pier 7 (next to Star Ferry) to Garden Road peak tram station.
• Bus No. 15 at Exchange Square bus terminus in Central.
• Green minibus No. 1 at Central (Hong Kong Station Public Transport Interchange).
• Taxi from Central would cost around HK$100.


Open-Top Bus - Peak Tram station
Peak Tram station is connected to Pier 7 in Central by open-top bus number 15C. If you want to go to the Victoria Peak, this is a great way to experience Hong Kong.

Once you get off the Star Ferry, turn right to Pier 7 and the 15C bus terminus is there.

You might start your tour to the Victoria Peak by open-top bus, follow by peak tram. You can take a bus ride to return to Central. This is the most interesting route to explore the Peak of Hong Kong.

Daily: 10:15 to 23:55 (from Garden Road Tram Terminus)
Daily: 10:00 to 23:40 (from Central Pier 7)
Every 10-20 minutes

HK$4.20 (Air-Conditioned or Open Top)


Walking Tour – the Peak Trail

Along Lugard Road at the Peak of Hong Kong, there is an extremely easy-to-walk scenic trail. This circular path offers an easy stroll with incredible views. On Sunday, even locals walk with their puppies. This is definitely a walk that should not be missed. It is sure to heighten your experience at the Peak of Hong Kong.

This extremely easy and pleasant walk at the Peak of Hong Kong is about an hour. It might take a little longer if you want to spend more time on the stunning views.

Lion Pavilion – multi-level observation deck
Lion Pavilion is a vantage point where you can overlook the beautiful city of Hong Kong across the Victoria Harbour to Kowloon Peninsula. Just next to the Peak Tram station, the Lion Pavilion at the Peak of Hong Kong is full of tourists day and night. I am sure your experience here is going to be unforgettable.

Taking photos here might need a bit of patience. But you can buy service from street photographers who occupy the best photogenic spots for you. An 8R instant print would cost around HK$100.

Peak Tower
For ages, Peak Tower (Locals call it “Fools Pavilion”) has been a landmark of Hong Kong. This current Peak Tower is an award winning design. The building is highly visible even from sea level and is intended to symbolise Hong Kong. It offers one of the best views in the world and creates a backdrop to the spectacular cityscape of Hong Kong's Central district.

The Peak Tower incorporates the Peak tram station, with viewing platforms, restaurants and retail outlets. Madame Tussauds features more than 100 wax works covering three floors and five themed areas. This is an interactive and absorbing entertainment experience at the Peak of Hong Kong!

Peak Galleria and Other Goodies

Above the bus terminal, the Peak Galleria is another assortment of shops and restaurants, including Café Deco, The Hard Rock Café and MacDonald’s. There is also an excellent collection of souvenirs and handicrafts at reasonable prices. Of course there are observation decks where you can admire Hong Kong at various angles.

Right opposite to the Peak Galleria is the Peak Café. This historical restaurant is another hallmark of the Peak of Hong Kong. Its outdoor terrace offers incredible views of the city.

The Peak of Hong Kong is a very prestigious area where the richest people live. You might want to spend some time take a look at the beautiful houses around. The quarter of the Chief Secretary of HKSAR is located on 15 Barker Road. You’ll see it when you ascend or descend the Peak on a bus ride.

Travel Tips: the Peak of Hong Kong

Open-Top bus plus Peak Tram is certainly the best transportation to visit the Peak of Hong Kong. Peak Tram station at both Garden Road and the Peak has long queue on Sunday and holidays. Make sure to go early and avoid the crowd.

Hong Kong Travel Blog - The Peak of Hong Kong

Disneyland Hong Kong

Location: Lantau Island

Disneyland Hong Kong was opened in 2005, the newest among all Disney theme parks in the world. An adult ticket costs HK$350 and varies on special days. It is a highly targeted destination for visitors from mainland China.

Disney Journey Starts with MTR

It takes around 45 minutes from Central to the Disneyland Hong Kong by MTR. There are two resort hotels and shuttle buses run on a circular route connecting the two hotels with the Park and the MTR station.

Resort Hotels
Resort hotels are rare in Hong Kong. The Disney's Hollywood Hotel and the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel are 5-star resorts, with excellent facilities. If you want to stay here, be prepared to put up with the noise as there are many kids running around you, mostly from mainland China.

The Disneyland Hong Kong opens daily 10.30am to 8pm. It is a good strategy to go early and play as many games as possible. Make sure to pick up maps and guides at the entrance.

Within The Disneyland
One of the cultures of Disneyland is queuing. Disneyland Hong Kong can’t be an exception. Fortunately the lines won’t be terribly long except on holidays. On regular days, 10 minutes is quite an average.

My Favourite Points of Interest
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic – A terrific 3-D Show
- Jungle River Cruise - There are four lines depending on the guide’s language
- Tarzan’s Treehouse – Rafting and rope climbing
- Festival of the Lion King - A 30-minute musical on the story of Simba
- Autopia – cart driving, good for those who look for a safe game. More exciting games at Tomorrowland

Re-Entry Policy
You must be familiar with this if you’ve been to other Disneyland in the world. Stamped your hands and you can return to the Park whenever you want within the same day. So you might want to take a break and had dinner at the hotel and come back watching the daily firework at 8pm.

Anna’s Notes:
Disneyland Hong Kong features many other famous Disney games such as Space Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Astro Blasters and a daily parade. There are plenty of gift shops and restaurants. Unfortunately our hand stamps only allow us to return to the Park on the same day. My recommendation is go early in the morning. Unless you really want to try out the resort hotels here, you don’t really need to stay overnight at the Park.

Travel Information
Disneyland Hong Kong Tickets are available at the Park’s main entrance, online and some dedicated points in town.
Admission: HK$350/Adult on regular days, variable on special days
Opening Hours: 10:30 – 20:00 on regular days, variable on special days
Transportation: MTR Tung Chung Line, change at Sunny Bay to Disneyland

Hong Kong Travel Blog - Disneyland Hong Kong