The Center – the Fourth Tallest Building in Hong Kong

346 meters / 73 storeys / completed in 1998

Address: 99 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

Direction: MTR Central station, walk along Queen’s Road Central


The Center is gorgeous, day and night. Actually, you don’t have to visit this building as you only have to admire it from distance. It is one of the most remarkable skyscrapers on the Hong Kong skyline.
The building is lit up by colored neon lighting arrangements at night. It is the pioneer in doing so.


There are several other buildings copying the idea and competing on eye-catching lighting schemes.


This is the most beautiful building that changes colour continuously between 8pm and 11pm daily.

Nearby Hotel:
Four Seasons

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