Hong Kong stopover guide

7) A day-trip of Chinese temples, Historic sites and Markets

2009-04-13T04:51:00.000-07:00

While my previous blog-entry was about how to cover Hong Kong's must-see sites in one single day (and hence I called it Covering Hong Kong's "must-sees" in a day), this entry, as well as the ones that will follow it, will provide detailed suggestions for themed day-trips in Asia's World City…

Since most visitors justly consider Hong Kong as the gateway to China, spending your day-long stopover around Chinese temples, historical sites and "local markets" might be quite a good idea, especially if you are enroute to Australia or New Zealand and do not plan to visit any other East Asian destination.

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From the airport
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My first blog-entry, Getting from/to Hong Kong Airport, covers all the aspects of Hong Kong Airport's luggage storage facilities, as well as transport to the city, so there is no point to repeat all that...
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Chi Lin Nunnery is probably the right place to start your day from. Located in Diamond Hill, northwest of Kowloon and Tsim sha Tsui, The nunnery and the adjacent Nan Lian Garden boast some of the most beautiful temple-architecture and landscaping you are likely to see in Hong Kong.

Using special Tang Dynasty architectural style, the nunnery's beautiful timber buildings were constructed without using a single nail. The gardens around the compound are just as beautiful... with Chinese pavilions, goldfish ponds with water lilies, rock - gardens and meticulously manicured Bonsai trees.

At the nunnery, you can also see some exceptionally beautiful statues of the Sakyamuni Buddha, Kwun Yam (Guanyin): The Chinese Bodhisattva of Compassion, and other bodhisattvas. These statues are made from gold, clay, wood and stone.

The nunnery can be accessed via MTR-Diamond Hill (its just a few steps away): Take exit C to Plaza Hollywood, walk out of the mall, turn left and walk along the street for two minutes (pass the curve), till you get to the corner of Fung Tak Road. The entrance to the Nan Lian Garden is on your right hand side, across the street.

From the garden, there is a stone footbridge to the nunnery itself, across Fung Tak Road.

The compound is open daily, from early morning till late afternoon (The garden is open from as early as 7am, while the nunnery opens at 9am)

Wong Tai Sin Temple is, possibly, one of Hong Kong's most popular temples. Occupying a massive compound of almost five acres on the southern side of the Lion Rock in the north of Kowloon (Adjacent to MTR-Wong Tai Sin), the temple gained its enormous popularity thanks to its reputation for answering most of the devotees' sincere pleas... "What you request is what you get".

The large temple started its way back in 1915 as a humble shrine, located in a small Wan-Chai apartment. Leung Renyan, a Taoist priest brought the message of Wong Tai Sin (The Great Immortal Wong), a Chinese Taoist deity with a power of healing, from China's Guangxi province to Hong Kong.

Initially, Leung set up an altar in his rented Wan-Chai apartment. Later he opened a herbal medicine shop nearby and moved the altar to the back of the shop. Customers coming to his shop could pray at Wong Tai Sin's altar and seek advice for their ailments.

In 1921, three years after his shop was destroyed by fire, Leung claimed he received a message from Wong Tai Sin instructing him to build a new temple. The deity's chosen site, according to "the message", was 3,600 paces from a pier. Leung soon found the spot at the foot of Lion Rock Mountain, near Chuk Yuen village, which was the right distance from the Kowloon City Pier.

As a part of its miraculous history, the temple managed to survive the brutal Japanese occupation with hardly any damages... (During World War II).

Most visitors come to the temple for Kau Cim, a Chinese fortune-telling practice in which the devotee shakes a small bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until a stick falls out. This stick is exchanged for a piece of paper bearing the same number, and then the soothsayer will interpret the fortune on the paper for the worshiper. Often the same piece of fortune is taken to multiple booths for verification purposes. Some booths also offer palm reading service.

The architecture of Wong Tai Sin Temple is the traditional Chinese temple style, with grand red pillars, a magnificent golden roof adorned with blue friezes, yellow latticework, and multi-colored carvings.

Enter the compound, turn left and walk to The Main Altar, the compound's most important building, where a sacred portrait of Master Wong Tai Sin is held.

The beautiful Nine Dragon Wall, in the garden to the left of the main altar, is a replica of the famous Nine Dragon Wall in Beijing, with reliefs of legendary dragons.

Next in line is the Three Saints Hall, next to the main altar, where three important deities are worshipped. Those are: Kwun Yam (Guanyin), the Chinese Bodhisattva of Compassion, General Kwan (Guan Yu), a historic hero, and the Taoist immortal Lǚ Dòngbīn.

Yue Heung Shrine, in the middle of the courtyard, is a small hexagonal building dedicated to the Buddha of Lighting Lamp, representing "Fire" in the five geomantic elements.

The Memorial Hall, on the right side of the Three Saints Hall, is where the spirit tablets of the deceased "Pu Yi Tan" Taoist members with significant contribution to the Yuen are kept.

The Bronze pavilion, in between the Three saints Hall and the Memorial Hall, is the private study of Master Wong Tai Sin. Its bronze plating symbolizes the "Metal" in the "Five" elements.

The Good Wish Garden, just behind the Three Saints Hall and the Memorial Hall, is a beautiful garden with typical Chinese architectural features, such as artistic fish ponds, pavilions and small bridges...

A few steps away from the Memorial Hall, the hexagonal Confucian Hall is dedicated to Confucius, Master K'ung, and his 72 followers.

Po Chai Hall, a two-storied red bricks building near the entrance/exit, is also known by its former name, "Medical block", thanks to the herbal clinic on its ground floor, where you can get free medical consultations.

As you can expect, the temple is jam-packed on Chinese holidays, and especially on Chinese New Year, when droves of worshippers are waiting outside the temple before midnight and rush in to the main altar to offer Wong Tai Sin their glowing incense sticks, as soon as the year starts. As the tradition goes, the earlier you offer the incense, the better luck you will have that year...

Wong Tai Sin's birthday, on the 23rd day of the 8th lunar month, is also a very busy time at the temple.

The temple is open from 7:00 am to 5:30 pm daily, and runs overnight in the Lunar New Year Eve.

Getting to Wong Tai Sin Temple is very easy. Just drop off at MTR-Wong Tai Sin ... and you are basically there...

Important note : The Main Altar is currently under renovation, so the activity has temporarily moved to the Fung Ming Hall (the large bricks building, on the right hand side of the Confucian Hall)

After completing the visit to Chi Lin Nunnery and Wong Tai Sin Temple, you basically have two options: Either to proceed to the areas of Yau ma Tei and Mong Kok (in Kowloon), where local markets and bazaars can be found, or to travel to Sheung Wan, on Hong Kong Island, where traditional Chinese shops and a few old temples can be visited.

Important note: You can also start the day at either Sheung Wan or Yau ma Tei / Mong Kok, and proceed to Chi Lin Nunnery and Wong Tai Sin Temple later on, after lunch…

Option A

The visit to Yau ma Tei and Mong Kok should probably start from MTR-Jordan (From Chi Lin Nunnery or Wong Tai Sin Temple, you should take the green marked Kwun Tong Line to either Prince Edward, Mong Kok or Yau ma Tei, switch to the red-marked Tsuen Wan Line and proceed with it to Jordan's MTR station. If you don't mind walking a bit, alight at Yau ma Tei Station, come out through exit C and walk down Nathan Road till you reach the corner of Jordan Road West, where you turn right and proceed…)

Take exit A to Jordan Road West and walk along it for less than five minutes. The third corner on your right is Temple Street, where the famous Night Market is held nightly.

Temple Street 's Night Market is a good place to fetch a few bargains and feel a bit of a true Hong Kong market ambience... Lines of brightly lit market stalls are selling everything you can think of: Asian antiques and costumes, Footwear and clothes, Electronic gadgets and watches, cassettes and CDs... You name it... There are also more than a few food-stalls and eateries around, where you can indulge on simple, delicious Chinese food.
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Cantonese opera singers and fortune tellers can be found in Yung Shue Tau Square, on the other side of Temple Street, just outside the old Tin Hau Temple.
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The market is open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm (although it gets busy only from 7 pm and onwards… so you should probably come back here after you visited Mong Kok).

Next in line are Canton Road (the section of which that is popularly known as Jade Street) and the Jade market. A visit to both these places is recommended, especially if you admire gemstones. Canton Road is the sixth street on your right, from exit A of MTR-Jordan (three corners after the entrance to Temple Street and the Night Market).

Jade and its products are the specialty of most of the shops along this section of the road, and there is certainly a lot to see (and to buy...). From Jade St. you can turn right to Ning Po Street where many traditional Chinese shops and businesses can be found (the street connects "Jade St." and the "Night Market").

Onward along Canton Road, turn right to Kansu Street and after a few steps you will see the Jade Market (on the corner of Kansu and Battery, just a stonethrow from Canton Road). The market boasts plenty of specialty shops and you can easily spend a few hours here, admiring the perfectionism that some of these artists demonstrate, but be careful not to invest a substantial amount of money unless you are familiar with gemstones or if you are accompanied by an expert.

The market is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Try to come early if you want to put your hands on the best stuff, before it disappears (this advise is relevant to both the market and Jade Street).

Keep on walking along Kansu Street for a couple of minutes and turn left to Temple Street (on the right side of the massive carpark building) which will bring you to Yung Shue Tau Square and the old Tin Hau Temple .
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Built in the 1880s, this is one of Kowloon's oldest temples, and it's dedicated to Tin Hau (Matsu), Goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers and one of Hong Kong's most beloved deities.
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The temple is open daily, from early morning till around 5:30 pm and although it is not one of Hong Kong's most impressive temples, it's certainly worth a visit.

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Yung Shue Tau Square , just outside the Temple, is a good place to rest and enjoy the cool shade of the Banyan trees. The square comes alive in the late afternoon, when hawkers, Chinese chess players, Cantonese opera singers and Fortune tellers are setting up their small stalls...
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Mido Café, on the other side of the temple (corner of Public Square Street and Temple Street) is where you can feel a bit of the atmosphere of "old Hong Kong". This culinary institution has changed very little (if at all) since it first opened its doors, almost sixty years ago... and the food they serve is good and reasonably priced.

Another "culinary institution" around this area is Tak Yu Restaurant, on the corner of 378 Shanghai and Pitt Street (a couple of minutes walk from exit A-1 of Yau ma Tei MTR). Tak Yu is one of Hong Kong's oldest existing restaurants and is known for its delicious Dim sum and dumplings.

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From the square, turn right to Public Square Street, walk along it till you reach Nathan Road (a minute or two), turn left and walk a couple of minutes to exit-C of Yau ma Tei MTR Station, from which you can take the train to Mong Kok (one station away).
Alternatively, you can keep on walking along Nathan Road to Mong Kok: Cross Waterloo Road and continue until the corner of Dundas Street (third street after Waterloo), where you turn right, cross Nathan Road and enter the second street on your left (Tung Choi Street - also known as "The Ladies Market") - All in all, it's something like a 15 minutes walk from the Old Tin Hau Temple.
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If you took the MTR: From Mong Kok MTR Station - take exit D-3 and you are exactly a step away from the market.
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Ladies' Market stretches along Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok and is one of Hong Kong's most popular open-air markets. As its name denotes, this market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men's and children's products... Soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches... just to name a few.
The market is open daily from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.
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Sai Yeung Choi Street South (parallel to Ladies' Market - between the market and Nathan Road) is a hot spot for Hongkongers. The section south of Argyle Street concentrates shops of consumer electronic products at street level and upstairs bookstores above. Some good cosmetics shops can also be found here.
To get here: take exit D-3 of MTR-Mong Kok and you are there...

Fa Yuen Street (also known as Sportswear Street) is a small street that runs parallel to Ladies' Market, with many small retailers which sell sports equipment and clothing. It has a wide diversity of sports shoes. Many shoes of rare or special editions from different places are available here.

Goldfish Market - is located along the north part of Tung Choi Street (the street of Ladies' Market). There are dozens of shops here that sell various tropical freshwater or marine fish, as well as different types of aquarium equipment.
Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.

Fa Yuen Street Market is situated along the north part of Fa Yuen Street . It is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children and they usually open between 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily (the market also stretches along Nullah Road , all the way to Prince Edward Road West).

Flower Market is a street market in the northern part of Mong Kok, where many flower shops can be found. It opens daily from 7 am to 7:30 pm, and there are two ways to get there: A) If coming from Ladies' Market: continue northward with Tung Choi Street (Goldfish Market) till you get to the corner of Prince Edward Rd., cross it to the other side and turn right, then enter the second street on your left (Sai Yee Street) and the first street on your right is the market.

B) Take exit A of MTR-Prince Edward to Playing Field Rd. and walk along it to its end. Turn right to Sai Yee St. and left to Flower Market Road and you are there...

At the far end of Flower Market Rd., turn left and enter Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or, simply, the Bird Garden ), where dozens of bird shops are located and hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen... The market also makes a popular meeting point for elderly bird owners... Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.

From here, you can walk back to the other end of Yuen Po Street, from where you can turn right to Prince Edward Road and walk along it, back to Nathan Road and Prince Edward MTR station (exit B-1 is right next to the corner of Nathan and Prince Edward).
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Mong Kok is also a good place to indulge on an authentic meal… Whether it's street food shops you are after, or a fancy restaurant, you can enjoy some delicious local food at relatively reasonable prices…

Here are some of Mong Kok's most recommended eating places:

For those who want to splurge, Michelin starred Ming court, in Langham Place Hotel, is serving culinary creations that combine traditional Cantonese cuisine with contemporary western influences... Curry A La King on 88 Soy Street, a couple of minutes walk from Ladies' Market, is a paradise for curry lovers, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines. MongKok Fung Shing Restaurant, on 749 Nathan Road, Just before the corner of Prince Edward Road West, is another Hong Kong culinary institution, very much known for its superb dim-sum and delicious crispy chicken. Fu Kei Restaurant on the 5th floor of King Wah Centre (on the corner of Nathan Road and Shantung Street) is serving fabulous food from different Chinese cuisines. Chung Nan Hoi Harbor Restaurant, in Dynasty Plaza on 4 Mong Kok Road (five minutes walk from Nathan Road) serves excellent Cantonese food, with emphasize on seafood, Tanyoto Hotpot Restaurant on Grand Tower's 5th floor (639 Nathan Road - near the corner of Shantung Street) is serving a good selection of authentic, spicy Szechwan dishes, as well as some excellent hotpot dishes. Still within Grand Tower: M garden, on the 6th floor, is one of Hong Kong's most popular vegetarian restaurants, serving a wide variety of vegetarian Chinese dishes, Little Sheep (4th floor, 16 Argyle Street) is one of Hong Kong's most favorite hotpot restaurants, serving Mongolian style hotpot, and last but not least… Lok Yuen Beef Ball King serves some of the best Beef ball and Pork ball noodle soup around here...

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Option B

The visit to the area of Sheung Wan should probably start from MTR-Sheung Wan (From Chi Lin Nunnery or Wong Tai Sin Temple: take the green marked Kwun Tong Line to either Prince Edward, Mong Kok or Yau ma Tei, switch to the red-marked Tsuen Wan Line and proceed with it to either Admiralty or Central, switch again to the blue-marked Island Line and proceed with it to Sheung Wan MTR station… I know it sounds like a lot of headache, but it's not complicated at all, because you don't have to leave the station building when changing trains, and proper signs are everywhere…).

Walk out of the station through exit B and walk two minutes (along Des Voeux Road Central) to Western Market, where our Sheung Wan journey starts from.

Another option (which is probably better) is to alight at MTR-Admiralty and walk out through exit C-1 to Queensway, from where you can take the Tramway to Western Market (make sure you board the westbound tram). You can also alight at MTR-Central (one station after Admiralty) and walk out through exit G to the corner of Des Voeux Road Central and Pedder Street, from where you can board the westbound tramway to Western Market.

Housed in a beautiful Edwardian style structure, highlighted with "bandaged" brickwork on its four corner towers, the Western Market is the oldest surviving market building in Hong Kong. It originally consisted of 2 separate blocks: The South Block on Queen's Road Central was built in 1858 and demolished in 1980 while the North Block, smaller and more compact in design, was built in 1906 and was preserved and renovated by the Land Development Corporation, after being declared a historical monument.

The market comprises quite a few traditional Chinese shops that sell everything, from souvenirs and cheap fakes to jade stones, handcrafts, fabrics and more... Open daily, from 10 am to 7 pm

From the market, you can take either Morrison Street or Ontai Street : Walk a few steps and turn right to Wing Lok St., also known as the Ginseng and bird's nest street. Here you can start your "windows shopping safari", exploring traditional shops that sell all sorts of exotic products like shark's fins, birds nests, dried seafood, Chinese herbal medicines and what have you... Pop into Man Wa Lane, also known as Chop Alley, where there are many stalls of chop-makers. The chops are traditional Chinese stamps and seals, engraved on various materials like wood, bamboo, stone, bone and the likes... Continue walking along Wing Lok to its end and turn left to Des Voeux Road West, known also as Dried Seafood Street.

From Des Voeux Road West, you can turn left to Ko Shing Street, which is known as the Herbal Medicine Street. From there, turn right to Queen Street and right again to Queen's Road West, and left, to Hollywood Road.

Historic Hollywood Road was the first road to be constructed in the crown colony and, contrarily to what many people think, it is not named after the Californian film industry mecca, but after the Holly-Wood shrub that used to grow around this area (In fact, the road was put up early in 1844, at least forty years before the more famous Hollywood in California was settled).

In the old days, before reclamation projects started to flourish, the road was much closer to the coastline and foreign merchants, as well as sailors, used to sell here antiques and artifacts they "collected" from China, on their way back to Europe. This is probably how Hollywood Road began its role as an antiques market...

In the early 1960s, the road became internationally known when part of a famous Hollywood movie, called The World of Suzie Wong, was shot here.

Today, the road is filled with trinket and antique shops of all sorts: from Chinese furniture to porcelain ware and from Ming dynasty ceramic horsemen to kitsch Maoist memorabilia... Visiting some of these shops is truly an authentic experience, so even if you don't really plan to buy anything, you should make a point to visit both Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street) underneath it.

Other than its exotic shops, the road also houses some points of interest: On the western end of the road, between Hollywood Centre and Hollywood Road Park, you can enter Possession Street. The street itself doesn't look much different than other streets around it, but it is well-known for its history: in January 1841, A British navy official, called Edward Belcher, led a fleet to land on Hong Kong Island. The fleet's surveyors found an elevated plain, suitable for camping, near the shore in the west side of the island. A road was built from the shore to the camp and it was later named Possession Street. In 26th January 1841, the commander of the Far East Fleet, James John Gordon Bremer, came to Hong Kong by HMS Calliope. A flag rise and gun ceremony marked the official possession of Hong Kong and the landing venue was officially named Possession Point. The actual point is located in Hollywood Road Park (Few steps from the corner of Queen's Road West) and visiting the place can give you an idea about the size of Hong Kong's reclamation projects (just try to imagine that this is where the island's coastline once passed...).

Moving eastwards along the road, Man Mo Temple, on 126 Hollywood Rd. (near the corner of Ladder Street) is full of spiritual ambience... This old temple was built in 1847 to worship two gods, namely Man, the god of literature and Mo, the god of war. The coils and incense sticks, hanged inside the temple, fill the place with their strong, aromatic smells, and paper-made offerings are burnt to please the spirits of the dead...

Next to the temple is Ladder Street, composed entirely of stone steps. In the old days there were some funeral homes around this area and when people died, their bodies were rested here for funeral services before they were carried to their home villages, back in China. You can walk down Ladder St. to get to Upper Lascar Row (Cat St.) and the neighboring streets.

Climbing up Ladder Street brings you to Bridges Street (turn right from Ladder, when going up) and Tai Ping Shan Street: a historic street, where an interesting 1850s ancestral hall can be visited. Tai Ping Shan is the continuation of Bridges, which means it is parallel to Hollywood (above it). You can also access it from Po Yan Street, which branches off Hollywood next to Hollywood Road Park.

The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences is located in a renovated 3-storey Edwardian building that used to house the old pathological institute, just above Hollywood Road.

Opened in 1996, the museum displays materials of historical interest relating to the development of the medical industry in Hong Kong and is one of the first museums in the world to compare traditional Chinese and Western approaches to medicine.

The museum's address is: 2 Caine Lane. (From Man Mo Temple: walk up Ladder St. to the top and turn right to Caine Lane).

Opening Hours : 10 am - 5 pm, Tuesday-Saturday and 1 - 5 pm on Sunday and public holidays (closed on Mondays)

Admission fees are HK$ 10 for an adult and HK$ 5 for kids, students, disabled and elderly people.

Website: www.hkmms.org.hk , Tel: 2549 5123

The Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum commemorates the activities and the philosophy of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, the renowned Chinese revolutionary and political leader who played a major role in the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty in 1911 and assisted in transforming China from a monarchy to a republic.

Sun, who is often referred to as the "father of modern China", received his education in Hong Kong and his epoch-making career was inseparable from Hong Kong, where he nurtured his revolutionary ideas.

From the establishment of the Xing Zhong Hui (Revive China Society) in 1894 to the founding of the Chinese Republic in 1912, Dr. Sun kept using Hong Kong as a base of his revolutionary campaign.

The museum, which was opened in 2006, is housed in the Kom Tong Hall, a magnificent colonial-era mansion, built in an Edwardian classical style with Greek-style granite columns that surround the curved balconies at the façade.

Inside the museum, there is quite an interesting showcase of Dr Sun's activities, including exhibition galleries covering his life history and his close relationship with Hong Kong. The 150 exhibits include clothes and personal manuscripts which bring alive the revolutionary spirit of Dr Sun. Visitors can gain other insights by visiting the reading room, video room and an interactive room.

The museum's address is: 7 Castle Road (from Hollywood Rd.: you can either go up with the escalator and turn right to Caine Rd. or walk up along Aberdeen Street, which brings you right to the museum)

Opening Hours: Daily (except Thursdays), 10 am - 6 pm (on Sunday and public holidays the museum stays open until 7 pm)

Closed on Thursdays (unless it falls during a public holiday) and on the first two days of the Chinese New Year.

Admission fees are HK$ 10 for an adult and HK$ 5 for kids, students, disabled and elderly people

Website: http://hk.drsunyatsen.museum/index.php , Tel: 2367 6373

After visiting the museum, you can also walk along the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Historical Trail, passing through historic buildings that played a certain role in Sun's life.

The Former Central Police Station is located at the eastern end of Hollywood Road, not far from the escalator (10 Hollywood Rd.). The oldest structure within the police station was built in 1864 and more building were added on at the beginning of the 20^th century, due to the large number of people who moved to Hong Kong from mainland China and the corresponding increase in difficulty with maintaining law and order.

The main building (or Headquarters Block), built in a classical style, has four storeys and a grey and blue colour scheme, with Doric-style columns.

The compound comprises of other interesting buildings from Hong Kong's early colonial past, such as the Victoria Prison (on Old Bailey Street) and the Former Central Magistracy (which is facing Arbuthnot Road). Some of those buildings are not open to the public, but that doesn't really matter, cause seeing their impressive exterior is the main thing.

From the Police Station you can walk down Pottinger Street, with its historic granite steps and its little shops, turn left to Lyndhurst Terrace and climb up to the corner of Cochrane Street... At this point, you can take a ride on the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, connecting Central with the upper parts of Mid-levels. There are some great shopping and entertainment areas along the escalator's route, such as: SoHo (see details in Hong Kong Restaurant and Nightlife Guide), Gage Street Market (below Hollywood), Stanley Street and "The Lanes".

Your sightseeing circuit will probably end at MTR-Central

6) Hong Kong after midnight... A night-owls guide

2009-04-06T00:28:00.000-07:00

While some of my previous entries focused on pre-midnight activities, like late shopping, night markets, restaurants and cafés... This entry is mainly about open-late nightspots, alongside a special section which explains how to get back to the airport in the wee hours of the night...
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Hong Kong after midnight: Places for night owls
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Hong Kong is alive and kicking 24 hours a day, so even if you want to party till it's dawn, you are not likely to find yourself alone on the streets...
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Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) and Wanchai's Lockhart Road are where Hong Kong Island's late nighters like to hang, While Knutsford Terrace and Ashley Road (together with some other streets in Tsim sha Tsui) are where Kowloon's hottest nightspots can be found.
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Here are a few recommendations for those of you who want to be dead tired before their next flight takes off...
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In Lan Kwai Fong (LKF)
Dragon I (one of Hong Kong's hottest night spots, combining a Chinese and Japanese restaurant, a stylish bar and a dancing club), Al's Diner (a 1950s American style restaurant, bar and club), Hong Kong Brew House (a resto-pub and a micro brewery), Insomnia (a very popular night spot, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), Agave (Tequila lovers heaven), The Dublin Jack (an Irish pub), Philia (a classy lounge, serving a decent choice of spirits, beers and cocktails, alongside some European and international delicacies), Bulldog's Bar and Grill (a great British-Aussie style Sport bar), La Baguette (Serving a variety of sandwiches, toasts, salads, pastas and other café fare until late at night), Café O (a popular open-late café) and Ebeneezer's Kebabs & Pizzeria (a takeaway style eatery, serving kebabs and pizzas until the morning)
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In the SoHo
Staunton's Bar & Café (a great place to see and to be seen...), Blue door (one of Hong Kong's most popular jazz bars), Bohemian Lounge (a nice, cozy Jazz bar), Joyce is not here (a combination of a bar, café and gallery, with easygoing ambience and nice food), DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant (This trendy Italian resto-bar is one of SoHo's most popular venues), Flying Pan SoHo (Hong Kong's best "all day breakfast". The restaurant is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week), McSorley's Ale House (This excellent Irish pub serves great food, alongside a huge selection of beers, ales and spirits), Bacar Wine Brasserie (This restaurant and wine bar specializes in contemporary-light Mediterranean cuisine), Tastings wine bar (One of Hong Kong's best and hippest wine bars) and Boca tapas & wine (this contemporary tapas & wine bar is a good place to unwind, while watching life on the street go by…)

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In Wan Chai (Wanchai)
Flying Pan (Hong Kong's best "all day breakfast". The restaurant is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week), The Bridge (one of Wanchai's nicest resto-pubs... stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...), Coyote Bar & Grill (a Tex-Mex resto-bar), 1/5 (One Fifth) (This stylish lounge-bar is a good place to see and to be seen...), Klong Bar & Grill ("KBG" is one of Hong Kong's hippest and trendiest hangouts), Skitz (one of Wanchai's most favorite nightspots), Carnegie's (plenty of "special offers" and "Happy hour deals"... and good 1980s dancing music), Joe Bananas - JBs (one of Wanchai's most popular nightspots. It has been there for more than twenty years and still "ticks" vigorously... ), Delaney's (Irish pub), Mes Amis Wanchai, Les Visages (This popular place operates as a restaurant till evening hours and as a bar / night club, later on at night...), Café Zambra (Serving nice café fare till the wee hours of the night) and The Pawn (One of Hong Kong's trendiest spots, featuring a Bar, Lounge and Restaurant under one roof...)

In Tsim sha Tsui (Knutsford Terrace, Ashley Road and other places...)
Balalaika (one of Hong Kong's only Russian resto-bars, well known for its "Siberian Vodka room"), Bahama Mama's (an easygoing bar, with nice dancing music and great pub grab), Ned Kelly's Last Stand (a great Jazz bar and restaurant, with "wild west" ambience...), Mes Amis (a very popular nightspot), Delaney's TST (Irish pub), Aqua Spirit (a romantic and stylish bar, with absolutely gorgeous views), Felix (an ultra stylish resto-bar on the top floor of the Peninsula. Designed by Philippe Starck), Biergarten (A lovely German resto-pub that serves good food, together with a variety of cold German beers),

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Traveling back to Hong Kong International Airport

As already mentioned in my first entry (Getting from and to Hong Kong International Airport), the first Airport Express train leaves Hong Kong Station (in Central) at 05:50 am (05:53 from Kowloon). The complimentary shuttle-bus service stops at around 11 - 11:30 pm (depends which line) and starts again only at around 6:20 am - That means that if you want to catch one of the last trains to the airport (those who depart just before 1am), you will have to get to the station by cab, or walk (there are walking directions in most of the sections across this article).

Night buses are the best alternative for those of you who wish to get back to the airport before it's dawn. They stop at all major dining and entertainment areas and the travel time at night is not too bad, as the roads are empty...

Citybus' route N 11 operates nightly, from 00:50 to 04:50 am and travels through Hong Kong Island's Central, Wan Chai and Causeway Bay, before proceeding to the airport

From SoHo: From Queen's Road Central (at the bottom of the escalator), turn right to Jubilee Street and proceed with it (across Des Voeux Road Central) till you get to the corner of Connaught Road Central. Turn left and walk a few steps to the bus-stop (outside Ananda Tower).

From Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): Walk down D'aguilar Street to the corner of Queen's Road Central. Proceed with Pottinger (crossing Des Voeux Road Central) and turn right to Connaught Road Central. The bus-stop is near the corner, outside Wing Lung Bank Building

From Wan Chai (Wanchai) : The most convenient bus stop is, probably the one on 69 Hennessy Road (one street parallel to Lockhart Road), near the corner of Luard Road, just outside Floral House. Another centrally located bus-stop is on 163 Hennessy, near the corner of O'Brien Rd. (and very close to exit A-2 of MTR - Wan Chai)

Citybus' route N 21 operates nightly, between 00:20 and 5:00am and travels through Kowloon's areas of Tsim sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau ma Tei and Mong Kok, before moving on to the airport.

Bus stops:

Outside the Star Ferry Pier

On 27 Nathan Road, near the Kowloon Hotel (Works well for Asley Road and its environs, as well as for Mody Road, Carnarvon and the small streets east of Nathan Road)

On 83 Nathan Road (same as above - even better)On 131 Nathan Road, outside Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard and opposite the corner of Kimberley Road (for Knutsford Terrace)

On 639 Nathan Road, near the corner of Nelson Street and MTR - Mong Kok exit E-1 (for Mong Kok)

5) Hong Kong restaurant and entertainment areas - Part B

2009-04-05T23:22:00.000-07:00

While my previous entry (Hong Kong restaurant & entertainment areas – Part A) was all about the dining & entertainment precincts of Hong Kong Island, this one will take you through Kowloon's popular areas… From Tsim sha Tsui's swanky restaurants to Mong Kok's eateries…

Often abbreviated as TST, Tsim Sha Tsui is Kowloon's most vibrant and active entertainment and shopping area, and one of Hong Kong's busiest districts. It's a relatively small area which extends from the waterfront esplanade along Victoria Harbor in the south, all the way to Austin Road in the north.
Although fairly small in size, Tsim Sha Tsui is chock-a-block with shopping, dining and entertainment venues, as well as with tourist attractions... Moreover, Tsim sha Tsui itself is divided into some different wine & dine areas... each with its own personality and atmosphere...
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Knutsford Terrace: a small terrace street, lined with bars, pubs and restaurants, is Tsim sha Tsui's smaller version of Lan Kwai Fong (although the ambience here is far more relaxed...).
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Recommended venues in Knutsford Terrace include: Balalaika (one of Hong Kong's only Russian resto-bars, well known for its "Siberian Vodka room"), Bahama Mama's (an easygoing bar, with nice dancing music and great pub grab), Island Seafood & Oyster Bar (one of Tsim sha Tsui's best places for seafood), Mai Nouveau Thai Cuisine (chic restaurant, serving excellent Thai cuisine with a contemporary touch), Tutto Bene (serving fabulous south Italian food that combines traditional Italian cooking with some of the chef's own innovations...), Papa Razzi (serves some of the best pizzas in Hong Kong in a lovely surroundings...), Apgujeong Korean tent bar (serving hearty portions of authentic Korean food in a lovely environment) and Black Stump (an Australian steakhouse and grill) .

Getting to Knutsford Terrace is quite easy: If coming from the waterfront ("Symphony of Lights"), from Star Ferry Pier or from Tsim sha Tsui MTR station (exits A-2 or B-1), walk up Nathan Road, turn right to Kimberley Road and then left, to the stairway that leads from the street to the terrace (next to the junction of Kimberley and Carnarvon).

From Kowloon's Airport Express station - Take shuttle bus K-5 to Kimberley Road. You can drop off at either the Luxe Manor or the Empire Hotel Kowloon. Both are just a stonethrow from Knutsford Terrace.

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21 and alight at the bus-stop outside Miramar Shopping Centre, on the corner of Nathan Road and Kimberley Road. Turn to Kimberley and follow as above.

Hillwood Road, north of Kimberley Road and Knutsford Terrace (the section between Nathan Road and Pine Tree Hill Road), has been nicknamed "Hillwood SoHo" although it doesn't resemble Hong Kong's SoHo that much... There are a few good Chinese and Asian restaurants here, alongside some nice cafés... Tin Heung Lau (this long established restaurant specializes in classical Hangzhou Cuisine, from the Yangtze River Delta), Lo Chiu Vietnamese Restaurant and Tai Woo Restaurant (one of Hong Kong's best Cantonese restaurants) are particularly recommended.

If Knutsford Terrace is Tsim sha Tsui's answer to LKF, than Ashley Road somewhat resembles Wanchai's Lockhart Road, with a good mix between restaurants, resto-bars and nightspots (forget about the girls though...).

Our recommended restaurants and entertainment venues in Ashley Road are: Ned Kelly's Last Stand (a great Jazz bar and restaurant, with "wild west" ambience...), Mes Amis (a very popular nightspot), Weinstube (serving delicious home style German and Austrian food, together with some good beers and wines), Gaylord Indian Restaurant (This excellent Indian restaurant has become a landmark in Hong Kong's culinary scene) Jimmy's Kitchen (an 80 years old culinary institution, serving familiar international specialties...), Sushi One (A very popular Japanese restaurant) and La Taverna (has been serving splendid Italian cuisine in a romantic ambience for more than thirty years).

Getting there: From Star Ferry Pier take Canton Road (along Harbor City), turn right to Peking Road and you'll be there after a minute (It's a five minutes walk from the pier). From Nathan Road and Tsim sha Tsui MTR station (exits A-1 or E): Turn to Peking Road or Haiphong Road and you'll be there at no time (the entrance from Haiphong is through a building) .

From Kowloon's Airport Express station - Take shuttle bus K-3 to the Kowloon Hotel. From Middle Road (off Nathan Road), turn right to Ashley Road .

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21 and alight at the last stop, outside the Star Ferry Pier. Then follow as above .

Classy restaurants, as well as some nice cafés, can be found in Tsim sha Tsui's five star hotels, as well as in the large, glittering shopping malls... Here are some the best:

Yan Toh Heen (Yan Toh Heen serves some of the best Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong, in an elegant and refined setting that matches in with the fabulous food), Ruth's Chris Steak House in Mody Road's Empire Centre (a Louisiana steakhouse and restaurant, serving some of the best steaks in Hong Kong), Super Star Seafood Restaurant (serving some of the best Cantonese food in Hong Kong), Dong Lai Shun (an opulent restaurant, specializes in the Huaiyang cuisine), Chesa (serving superb Swiss and central European cuisine in a pleasant environment), Gaddi's (located within the classic Peninsula Hotel, this superb restaurant is considered as one of Hong Kong's best), Felix (an ultra stylish resto-bar on the top floor of the Peninsula. Designed by Philippe Starck), Spoon (Chef Alain Ducasse's creation - one of Hong Kong's landmark restaurants), The Bostonian (serveing outstanding seafood and grill dishes in a charming environment), T'ang Court (Named as one of the world's best hotel-restaurants by several international magazines, T'ang Court serves world-class Cantonese cuisine in a swanky environment), Sabatini (this luxurious restaurant is the Hong Kong outlet of one of Rome's best known restaurants...), Habitu, the pier (Excellent Italian restaurant, with lovely harbor views, specializes in thin and crispy pizzas, as well as home-made pasta and risotto dishes) and "HER" Thai Restaurant (lovely Thai restaurant, with great views towards Western Harbor and the China-Ferry Pier).

Other highly recommended venues in Tsim sha Tsui include : 798 Unit & Co. (a fantastic New York style bistro), Aqua Spirit (a romantic and stylish bar, with absolutely gorgeous views), La Tasca (Spanish bistro style, resto-pub), Tack Hsin Restaurant (serving great Chinese hotpot at reasonable prices), Hu Tong (serves fabulous northern Chinese cuisine in an elegant and aesthetic setting), Surya Restaurant (excellent Indian restaurant), Kenjo (possibly, one of Hong Kong's best Japanese restaurants), Sushi Toku (serves outstandingly fresh Sushi and Sashimi in a very pleasant environment), Akita Robatayaki & Teppanyaki (stylish Japanese-style grill), Spring Deer (one of Hong Kong's best and most popular Chinese restaurants) and Fook Lam Moon (a Hong Kong 'culinary institution', serving legendary Shark's fin and Abalone specialties)

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Mong Kong and Yau ma Tei (The areas around Temple Street's Night Market) have both been already mentioned in another entry in this blog... (Covering Hong Kong "must sees" in a day)

If authentic eateries are your thing, those precincts are, probably, your best bet.

Our list of recommended restaurants in Mong Kok and Yau ma Tei includes: Ming Court (This Michelin starred restaurant serves culinary creations that combine traditional Cantonese cuisine with contemporary western influences... ), Mak Man Kee Noodle Shop (some of the best noodle dishes around Yau ma Tei), Little Fusion (good selection of Italian, French and Japanese specialties...), Nathan Congee and Noodle (this humble eatery has been serving some fabulous congees, noodles and dumplings for the last 40 years or so...),

Curry A La King (a curry lovers paradise, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines), Mongkok Fung Shing Restaurant (specializes in traditional Shunde cuisine, from the Shunde area, in the Pearl River Delta, and serves some superb dim-sum), Fu Kei Restaurant (very popular restaurant, specializing in several Chinese cuisines... The chefs keep on coming with new "inventions" all the time), Tanyoto Hotpot Restaurant (serving delicious Hotpot/Steamboat and Szechwan dishes...), Little Sheep (possibly, one of Hong Kong's most favorite Hotpot restaurants) and Lok Yuen Beef Ball King (some of the best Beef Ball and Pork Ball noodle soup in Hong Kong)

4) Hong Kong restaurant and entertainment areas - part A

2009-04-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

Being one of Asia's most international cities, Hong Kong boasts quite a few trendy dining-and-entertainment precincts, which are as vibrant and up-to-date as Hong Kong itself... Each with its unique ambience and style... So no matter how, or where, you choose to spend your evening, Hong Kong has it, big time.

This article will take you through the most popular dining & entertainment precincts on Hong Kong Island (while my next article will deal with Kowloon)

For a fully detailed article about Hong Kong's dining and entertainment precincts, including many recommended venues, go to Hong Kong Restaurant and Nightlife Guide

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Central , Hong Kong's modern business district, is conquered by sparkling skyscrapers that accommodate the Asia-Pacific head office of international corporations, alongside bank managements, government agencies and foreign consulates.

Famous for its stylish shopping malls and elite boutiques, it is not a designated dining and entertainment area, as such, although its international ambience attracts the city's well heeled residents and, therefore, some of the best restaurants in Hong Kong can be found here...

Among the most recommended venues in Central you can find names like Caprice at the Four Seasons Hotel (one of Hong Kong's most sought-after French restaurants), Le Parisien (classic French cuisine), Grissini (one of Hong Kong's finest Italian restaurants), Shanghai Garden (excellent Shanghainese cuisine), Koi Sushi (creative Japanese cuisine), Tandoor (one of Hong Kong's most favorite Indian restaurants), Lotus (contemporary Australian-Thai resto-bar), Isola Bar & Grill (lovely Mediterranean cuisine and large alfresco terrace, facing the harbor views), Lung King Heen (haute Cantonese cuisine with a modern touch) and Cuisine Cuisine (contemporary Cantonese cuisine with an emphasize on fresh seafood)…

But you can also opt for one of the more "authentic" eateries, where local delicacies can be enjoyed at a reasonable price… Lin Heung Tea House (a true Hong Kong style "yum cha" and some excellent dim sums), Mak's Noodle (some of the best Wonton noodle in town), Wong Chi Kee (delicious Cantonese Noodle and Congee), Sheung Hing Chiu Chow (one of Hong Kong's best Chiu Chow eating houses) and Tsui Wah (a 24 hours Cha Chaan Teng Hong Kong style café, with an extensive menu to choose from)

Getting to Central is as easy as pie: Hong Kong's Airport Express Station is right in the heart of Central and so is Central MTR Station (if coming from Kowloon: Tsim sha Tsui / Jordan / Mong Kok) and Star Ferry Pier (walk 5 minutes along the elevated walkway).

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Connaught Road Central, at the bus-stop outside Jardine House (opposite Chater House). Walk a few steps back and climb on the elevated walkway which can take you to almost every building in Central

Lan Kwai Fong ( often abbreviated as LKF) - is possibly Hong Kong's most popular and most famous nightlife arena.

The small quadrangle of streets, formed by the L-shaped Lan Kwai Fong Street and adjacent D'Aguilar Street, is packed with bars, pubs, clubs and some excellent restaurants that make it a popular choice for locals, expatriates and tourists alike.

Visiting on a Friday or Saturday night, you will be amazed by the droves of people who crowd the streets, with all bars having only standing room... And when the bars get too congested, the scene moves to the street, as customers take their drinks and stand outside...

Some of Hong Kong's "night birds" like to start the evening at LKF, move somewhere else, and then come back to LKF, just before the night is over...

Our list of the most recommended venues in and around Lan Kwai Fong includes California (Californian-American resto bar), Dragon I (one of Hong Kong's hottest night spots, combining a Chinese and Japanese restaurant, a stylish bar and a dance-club), Agave (Tequila lovers heaven), Insomnia (a very popular night spot, open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week), TRU (stylish Thai & Vietnamese restaurant), Zest (contemporary western cuisine with emphasize on Mediterranean flavors), Yung Kee (a renowned Cantonese restaurant, serving some of the best roast goose in Hong Kong), M at the Fringe (one of Hong Kong's most sought after restaurants, combining the "classics" of European cuisine with Mediterranean touches), Koh-I-noor (one of Hong Kong's best established Indian restaurants), Baci (an excellent Italian restaurant, specializing in thin crust pizzas), Indochine 1929 (a splendid Vietnamese restaurant), Café des Artistes (a Parisian style bistro, serving contemporary French cuisine), Post 97 (delicious café-style food, easygoing ambience and nice music), Al's Diner (a 1950s American style restaurant, bar and club) and Tastings wine bar (probably Hong Kong's best wine bar).

Getting to LKF : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station - Walk to Central MTR station (through the pedestrian passage) and take exit C to Theatre Lane or exit D1 to Pedder Street. Cross Queen's Road Central and climb along D'aguilar Street (entrance to which is on the left side of Entertainment Building) until you get to Lan Kwai Fong.

If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui - symphony of Lights / Jordan - Night Market / Mong Kok - Ladies Market), take the MTR to Central and follow as above.

If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, till you get to Alexandra House, cross Des Voeux Road Central and proceed through Pedder Street, as above.

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Connaught Road Central, at the bus-stop outside Jardine House (opposite Chater House), walk a few steps back, climb on the elevated walkway, turn left and proceed with it across Connaught Road and Des Voeux Road. Get off the footbridge and proceed via Ice House Street or Pedder Street to Queen's Road Central. After crossing it, turn right and then left to D'aguilar Street, with which you can climb to Lan Kwai Fong.

If walking from SoHo: Enter Lyndhurst Terrace from the corner of Graham Street and Hollywood Road and walk down along it for a couple of minutes. Turn right to Wellington, and from there right to D'aguilar.

The SoHo is another extremely popular dining and entertainment district. Unlike the London area of the same name (but much like the Soho in New York), the area got its name from its geographical location : South of Hollywood Road.
Unlike LKF, Wan Chai and some of Hong Kong's other nightlife areas, SoHo is more about quiet bistro-style restaurants and cafés, where you can enjoy a romantic evening, or have your coffee alfresco, while watching life on the street go by... The art galleries and antique shops on Staunton Street and Hollywood Road add their bit to the "cultural ambience" of this area.

Here are some of SoHo's most recommended venues: Staunton's Bar & Café (a great place to see and to be seen...), Blue door (one of Hong Kong's most popular jazz bars), Bohemian Lounge (a nice, cozy Jazz bar), Joyce is not here (a combination of a bar, café and gallery, with easygoing ambience and nice food), Scirocco (a Mediterranean style resto-café), BIZOU (Mediterranean-style bistro and rotisserie), Chocolux (a chocoholics paradise), Brasserie Le Fauchon (this cute, little brasserie serves beautiful French cuisine at reasonable prices), Le Tire Bouchon (luxurious, romantic French restaurant), La Pampa (Argentinean grill and steakhouse), Café Siam (a fantastic Thai restaurant), Chilli Fagara (serving excellent Szechwan cuisine), Nepal (Nepalese cuisine) and DiVino Wine Bar & Restaurant (This trendy Italian resto-bar is one of SoHo's most popular venues), The Press Room (fantastic contemporary-European brasserie), Duke Burger (gourmet burgers) and Café Graham (a homey French bistro that serves lovely food at reasonable prices).

There are also some fabulous eateries around the SoHo, like Tsim Chai/Jim Chai (outstandingly good wonton dumplings), Lan Fong Yuen (a true Hong Kong style Cha Chaan Teng) and Kau Kee Noodles (where some of the best Beef Brisket in Hong Kong can be enjoyed).

Getting to SoHo: From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station - Take exit D and turn right to Harbour View Street. Cross Connaught Road Central and proceed with Queen Victoria Street (across Des Voeux Road Central) to the corner of Queen's Road Central, from where you can hop on the world's longest escalator and climb with it to Staunton Street (one street above Hollywood Road). If the escalator doesn't work (after midnight), you can climb along Cochrane Street, turn right to Lyndhurst Terrace and left to Graham Street, which takes you to Staunton Street and the SoHo

If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui - symphony of Lights / Jordan - Night Market / Mong Kok - Ladies Market), take the MTR to Central - Use exit C to Theatre Lane, turn right to Queen's Road Central and follow as above.

If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, till you get to Alexandra House, cross Des Voeux Road Central, proceed through Pedder Street, turn right to Queen's Road Central and follow as above.

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Connaught Road Central, at the bus-stop outside Jardine House (opposite Chater House), walk a few steps back, climb on the elevated walkway, turn left and proceed with it across Connaught Road and Des Voeux Road. Get off the footbridge and proceed via Ice House Street or Pedder Street to Queen's Road Central. Turn right and walk along Queen's Road Central for something like ten minutes, until you reach the corner of Cochrane Street where you can hop on the escalator (see above).

If walking from Lan Kwai Fong (LKF): From D'aguilar, turn left to Wellington, and from there left to Lyndhurst Terrace and again left, to Graham Street.

Admiralty and Wan Chai lie east of Central and are characterized by modern office buildings, hotels and shopping malls. Wan Chai is one of the busiest commercial areas in Hong Kong with many small and medium sized companies, various shopping centres and numerous bars, discos, cafés and dining venues... especially along Lockhart Road.

Here are some of our most recommended bars, restaurants and nightspots in Wanchai: Flying Pan (Hong Kong's best "all day breakfast". The restaurant is open 24 hours a day / 7 days a week), The Pawn (one of Hong Kong's hippest spots – featuring a bar, lounge and a restaurant under one roof), The Bridge (one of Wanchai's nicest resto-pubs... stays open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year...), Coyote Bar & Grill (a Tex-Mex resto-bar), Klong Bar & Grill ("KBG" is one of Hong Kong's trendiest hangouts), Skitz (one of Wanchai's most favorite nightspots), Carnegie's (plenty of "special offers" and "Happy hour deals"... and good 1980s dancing music), Chili Club (This casual, down-to-earth eatery, serves some of the best Thai food in Hong Kong), Ingredients (a stylish restaurant, lounge and bar), Sukothai (a fantastic Thai restaurant), Hong Kong Quanjude Roast Duck Restaurant (the Hong Kong branch of one of China's most prestigious and famous restaurants), American Peking Restaurant (a Hong Kong culinary institution, serving Chinese-Pekinese cuisine for the last forty years), Milano Italian Restaurant (serving some of the best thin-crust pizzas in Hong Kong... lovely ambience and surroundings), Fook Lam Moon (a Hong Kong culinary legend, serving superb Cantonese food for more than 50 years…), and Golden Bauhinia Cantonese restaurant (an award-winning restaurant, serving some of the best Cantonese cuisine in Wanchai area).

For those of you who want to try authentic local food at one of the more down-to-earth places, here are some recommendations: Lung Moon Restaurant (has been serving delicious dim sum for the last 60 years), Chiu Yuen (Chiu Chow style noodle dishes), Joy Hing Food Shop (Cantonese and Chinese BBQs) and Prawn Noodle Shop (Southeast Asian prawn noodle dishes)

Getting to Wan Chai (Wanchai) : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station - Take shuttle Bus H-1 to the Empire Hotel Hong Kong (Right next to Lockhart Road's nightlife zone in Wan Chai). H-2 also goes this direction, so if you want to get to Lockhart Road, you can still use it...
Alternatively, you can walk to Central MTR station (there is a pedestrian link) and take the MTR to Wan Chai - then use exit C and turn left to Lockhart Road

If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui - symphony of Lights / Jordan - Night Market / Mong Kok - Ladies Market), take the MTR to Wan Chai - Use exit C

If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, turn right to Central MTR station and take the MTR to Wan Chai (then use exit C and turn left to Lockhart Road)

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off at the bus-stop on 69 Hennessy Road (just before the corner of Luard), walk a few steps forward to the corner, turn left to Luard and walk to Lockhart Road (a minute away...)

In Admiralty : Ye Shanghai (a superb Shanghainese dining experience), Thai Basil (one of the best Thai restaurants in Hong Kong), Restaurant Petrus (one of Hong Kong's most luxurious and romantic restaurants, serving superb French cuisine), Dan Ryan's Chicago Grill (great American food, served in American size portions), Lobster Bar and Grill (a splendid resto-bar, with a lovely jazz bar next door) and Madison's Restaurant & Bar (Madison's offers a unique combination of superb dinning and a beautiful, New York style piano-lounge...) and Victoria Harbour Seafood Restaurant (specializes in Cantonese cuisine and is well-known for its splendid Dim-sums)

Getting to Admiralty : From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station - Take shuttle Bus H-1 to Pacific Place or to the Island Shangri La

If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui - symphony of Lights / Jordan - Night Market / Mong Kok - Ladies Market), take the MTR to Admiralty - Use exit F (through the subway) to get to Pacific Place and the hotels

If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights"): Walk straight through the elevated walkway, till you get to Alexandra House, turn left to Des Voeux Road Central and walk along it for a few minutes (it joins with Queensway), pass the HSBC building and the Bank of China skyscraper (BOC) until you will see Pacific Place on your right (on the other side of Queensway - there is a footbridge).

If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Queensway (Near Queensway Plaza and exit C-1 of Admiralty MTR Station). Cross Queensway to the other side (with the footbridge) and you are there.

I already mentioned Causeway Bay in this blog (see Five ways to spend an evening in Hong Kong) so there is no need to introduce this area again... Neither is there a need to repeat directions...

Here are some of our best liked venues in Causeway Bay: Wasabisabi (trendy, ultra-modern and superb restaurant, specializes in contemporary Japanese cuisine), Eden (modern-French cuisine, served in a lovely and romantic environment), Avenue Joffre (serving superb Shanghainese cuisine in an elegant and unique environment...), Green Willow Village Restaurant (wide selection of Shanghainese and Pekingese specialties... reasonable prices), Pokka Café (one of Causeway Bay's best cafés), REFLEXION Natural Dining (fantastic European-Asian food, based mostly on organic and natural ingredients, at reasonable prices...), Opia (This Australian chef-restaurant is a landmark in Hong Kong's culinary scene), Rice Paper - CWB (superb Vietnamese-French fusion cuisine), Entrecote (As its name suggests, this highly rated French restaurant is famous for its charcoal grilled steaks), Oceanna (specializes in fine Italian cuisine with a modern-international touch, as well as in oysters), Sushi Hiro (This excellent restaurant serves some of the best Sushi and Sashimi in Causeway Bay...), Sorabol (one of the best Korean restaurants in Hong Kong), Harakan (This excellent restaurant is particularly known for its fresh, top quality Sashimi and Sushi), Ajitomi (Kushi-yaki and Yakitori meat skewers are the specialty here, and the menu features an extensive selection of them...), Habitu Kitchen and Bar (this splendid restaurant specializes in superb southern Italian cuisine) and Fu Sing (some of the best Dim sum and Cantonese food you can imagine…)

Here are some recommendations for those of you who prefer something more local… Pak Loh Chiu Chow (one of the best Chiu Chow restaurants in Hong Kong), Chee Kee (outstandingly good Beef Brisket and Wonton) and New Chui Wah Restaurant (a rather simple, but extremely popular Chinese eatery) and Ho Hung Kee (Often praised for having "the most authentic wonton noodles" in Hong Kong)

3) Five ways to spend an evening in Hong Kong

2009-03-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

This article applies mostly to people who land before 6pm and does not include restaurants and bars (those will be covered in a separate blog post)

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From the airport

My first blog post, Getting from and to Hong Kong Airport, covers all the aspects of Hong Kong Airport's luggage storage facilities, as well as transport to the city, so there is no point to repeat all that...
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A) The "Symphony of Lights"

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Modeled after Hollywood's Walk of Fame, The Avenue of Stars honors celebrities of Hong Kong's film industry, with floor plaques of all the industry's who's who. It is also the best place to watch the "Symphony of Lights" light & sound show from.
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The "Symphony of Lights" is a nightly orchestrated light, sound and laser show featured on 37 key buildings on both sides of the Victoria Harbour.
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Awarded the world's "Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records, this spectacle is staged every night at 8:00 pm and, as already mentioned, one of the best places to see it from is the Avenue of stars and the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Another recommended vantage point is the promenade at Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai, on Hong Kong Island.
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New World Center, on the waterfront next to the "Avenue of Stars", has six floors and hundreds of shops, many of which specialize in fashion brands. There are also quite a few restaurants and cafés here. Open daily from 10 am to 10 pm.
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To get there: Take the Airport Express to Kowloon Station. From the station, take shuttle bus K-3 to the Peninsula Hotel or (better) K-2 to Sheraton Hong Kong. Use the pedestrian subway near the Sheraton to cross under Salisbury Road to the other side, where the Tsim sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and the "Avenue of Stars" can be found.
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If coming by bus: Take Citybus' route A21, alight outside Tsim sha Tsui MTR Station, enter the station and use the pedestrian-subway-network to get to Tsim sha Tsui Waterfront Promenade and the "Avenue of Stars" (You can also follow the signs to New World Centre)
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B) The Night Market

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Temple Street 's Night Market is a good place to fetch a few bargains and feel a bit of a true Hong Kong market ambience... Lines of brightly lit market stalls are selling everything you can think of: Asian antiques and costumes, Footwear and clothes, Electronic gadgets and watches, cassettes and CDs... You name it... There are also more than a few food-stalls and eateries around, where you can indulge on simple, delicious Chinese food.
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Cantonese opera singers and fortune tellers can be found in Yung Shue Tau Square , on the other side of Temple Street, just outside the old Tin Hau Temple.
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The market is open daily from 4 pm to 11 pm (although it gets busy only from 7 pm and onwards).
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Getting there: From Kowloon's Airport Express Station - Take shuttle Bus K-1 to MTR Jordan (From MTR-Jordan exit A, walk along Jordan Road - away from Nathan Road. The third street on your right hand side is Temple Street)
If coming from Tsim sha Tsui's Waterfront Promenade: Use the pedestrian subway to cross under Salisbury Road to the other side, and continue (underground) to Tsim sha Tsui MTR Station, from where you take the MTR to Jordan (one station away) and continue on foot (see above).
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If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21, drop off outside the Nathan Hotel, on 348 Nathan Road, cross Nathan Road to the other side and proceed with Pak Hoi Street for a minute or two (it crosses Temple Street).
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C) Mong Kok and its markets

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Mong Kok, north of Tsim sha Tsui, is characterized by a mixture of old and new multi-story buildings, with shops, authentic eateries and restaurants at street level, and commercial or residential units above.
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The atmosphere around here is slightly less touristy than in Tsim sha Tsui or Hong Kong Island and prices, accordingly, are usually lower... Some of Hong Kong's best open-air markets can be found here, alongside some of the city's less glitzy and less expensive shopping centres...
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Ladies' Market - stretches along Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok and is one of Hong Kong's most popular open-air markets. As its name denotes, this market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men's and children's products... Soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches... just to name a few.
The market is open daily from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.
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Getting there: From Kowloon's Airport Express Station - Take shuttle Bus K-6 to Royal Plaza Hotel (departs once every 24 minutes - last one leaves at 11:10 pm): Ladies Market is just a few minutes walk from the hotel.
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From Tsim sha Tsui (Symphony of Lights or Nathan Road) and from Jordan (Temple Street's Night Market), take the MTR to Mong Kok Station: Take exit E-2 of MTR-Mong Kok to the east side of Nelson Street and proceed to the market (2 minutes walk), Exit D-3, on Argyle Street is also close to the market.
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If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A21 and drop off at the bus stop outside Argyle Centre, on 688 Nathan Road
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D) Victoria Peak

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"The Peak" , as it is commonly known, is probably Hong Kong's most popular tourist attraction. The world-class views of the city and the harbour are simply spectacular... especially at night, when the countless skyscrapers are flashing in millions of dazzling lights...
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Up at the top, there are two adjoining shopping malls, namely the Peak Tower and the Peak Galleria , which boasts a variety of restaurants, cafés, shops, "unique attractions" and tourist traps... (Including Hong Kong's excellent Madame Tussauds , as well as some really good restaurants with fabulous views)
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Recommended venues around "The Peak" include Café Deco Bubba Gump The Peak Lookout (a fabulous restaurant, located in a charming colonial house) and Tien Yi (an upclass restaurant, serving superb contemporary Chinese cuisine).
(a good choice of both Asian and western delicacies, and a great view...), (seafood, and shrimps in particular...), .
For a fully detailed article about "The Peak" and its attractions (including opening hours, prices and so on), you should visit this Victoria-Peak online guide

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Most visitors use the Peak Tram to get to The Peak... Not only that riding the internationally-famous tram is one of Hong Kong's "must dos"... it also provides the most direct route and offers good views over the city's harbour and skyscrapers.
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The tram operates daily, from 7 am to 12 midnight. It departs every 10 - 15 minutes and covers the full distance in approximately 7 minutes.
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Tickets can be purchased at either of the terminuses. They cost HK$ 22 / HK$ 33 (one way/ return) for an adult, and HK$ 8 / 15 (one way / return) for a child of 3 - 11 years or for a senior citizen (above 65). You can also buy a "combo" ticket combining the tram and the Sky Terrace at a somewhat discounted rate.
You can pay the fare with an "Octopus card" (provided you bought one) and skip the queue.
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Getting to the Peak Tram Lower Terminus: From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station -
Take exit C and turn left to Des Voeux Road Central. Walk along it, pass the HSBC BuildingGarden Road, with which you climb to the terminus.
(You can also access Des Voeux Road Central through Alexandra House - take exits A2 or B2 to the elevated walkway, turn right and walk to Alexandra House).
(you will also have to cross it to the other side) and turn right to .
If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui - symphony of Lights / Jordan - Night Market / Mong Kok - Ladies Market), take the MTR to Central, than take exit J-2 to Chatter Garden, walk through the garden, cross Queen's Road Central and continue up along Garden Road (you will see the terminus on your left side, opposite the American Consulate General).
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If coming with the Star Ferry (from Tsim sha Tsui pier, few minutes walk from the "Symphony of Lights") : Walk straight through the elevated walkway until you get to Alexandra House, turn left to Des Voeux Road Central, cross it to the other side (where HSBC building stands) and after a couple of minutes turn right to Garden Road, with which you climb to the terminus.
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If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Queensway (Near Queensway Plaza and exit C-1 of Admiralty MTR Station). Cross Queensway to the other side (with the footbridge) turn right, and after a couple of minutes turn left to Cotton Tree drive, with which you climb to the terminus.
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Getting to the peak is also possible via other means of transport (although it is not as fun as with the tram and also takes much more time...) :
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Green minibus No. 1 connects Central and The Peak. It departs from the bus interchange, next to Hong Kong's Airport Express Station (on Finance Street - through exit F) every 10 minutes or so, daily, 6:30 am - 12 midnight, and charges around HK$ 8 each way.
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Bus No. 15 can be boarded at Central's Ferry pier bus terminus, as well as next to Exchange Square, on Connaught Road Central (use exit D of Hong Kong Station, if coming by Airport Express). A bus leaves every 10 - 15 minutes (daily, 10 am - 12 midnight) and it costs around HK$ 9.2 each way (HK$ 4.6 for children and senior citizens).
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E) Late Evening shopping at Causeway Bay
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Causeway Bay is Hong Kong's trendiest shopping district. The small cluster of streets around Causeway Bay's MTR Station houses some of the city's best department stores, shopping malls and prestigious shops. Hong Kong yuppies just love Causeway Bay and consider it the city's "fashion barometer"... The place to go to when you want to know what's new and "in"...
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Other than trendy fashion shops, Causeway Bay is home to one of Hong Kong's most popular bazaars, Jardine's Crescent, where plenty of inexpensive fashion accessories can be found.
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The area's shopping venues stay open until relatively late, which means you can start your evening here and move somewhere else later on (although there are also plenty of great restaurants and cafés around this area - see recommendations below...)
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For a fully detailed article about Causeway Bay shopping options, go to the Hong Kong Shopping Districts Guide or to the Hong Kong Shopping Guide
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The entrance to both Jardine's Crescent and Jardine's Bazzar is next to exit F of the MTR station. From Jardine's Crescent, you can enter Lee Gardens Two (Caroline Centre), and move onwards to The Lee Gardens, using the footbridge ( open until 10 pm daily) Times Square, one of Hong Kong's most popular shopping and entertainment malls can be accessed directly from Causeway Bay's MTR station (exit A - shops are open daily till 10pm and dinning/ entertainment venues stay open later). Great George Street and Paterson Street can be accessed through MTR-Causeway Bay, exit E
To get to Causeway Bay: From Hong Kong's Airport Express Station, walk to Central MTR Station (direct pedestrian link) and take the MTR to Causeway Bay Station.
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If coming from Kowloon side (Tsim sha Tsui - symphony of Lights / Jordan - Night Market / Mong Kok - Ladies Market), take the MTR to Causeway Bay Station.
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If coming by bus from the airport: Take Citybus' route A11 and drop off on Hennessy Road, Near Wan Chai Fire Station. Then walk a few steps ahead and turn right to Percival Street (cross Hennessy Road - there is a footbridge at Causeway Bay Plaza), which takes you to Times Square and the other shopping centres.
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2) Covering Hong Kong's "must-sees" in a day

2009-03-12T12:10:00.000-07:00

This article will explain how to cover some of Hong Kong's must-see attractions in a day, while my next articles will focus on different "niche day tours".
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One important thing before we proceed: For convenience sake, I wrote the article for passengers who are landing at an early hour of the morning... Obviously, if your flight lands later in the day, you might have to skip some of the sites...
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From the airport

My first blog post, Getting from and to Hong Kong Airport, covers all the aspects of Hong Kong Airport's luggage storage facilities, as well as transport to the city, so there is no point to repeat all that...
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Victoria Peak (or simply "The Peak") is one of Hong Kong's most popular tourist attractions and probably the best place to start with. Having your breakfast or morning coffee while enjoying some spectacular views is definitely a nice way to start your Hong Kong day-tour.
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The Peak Tram is the most popular way to get to The Peak... Riding the internationally-famous tram is not only one of Hong Kong's "must dos", but also provides the most direct route and offers good views over the city's harbour and skyscrapers.
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The tram operates daily, from 7 am to 12 midnight. It departs every 10 - 15 minutes and covers the full distance in approximately 7 minutes.
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Tickets can be purchased at either of the terminuses. They cost HK$ 22 / HK$ 33 (one way/ return) for an adult, and HK$ 8 / 15 (one way / return) for a child of 3 - 11 years or for a senior citizen (above 65). You can also buy a "combo" ticket combining the tram and the Sky Terrace at a somewhat discounted rate.
You can pay the fare with an "Octopus card" (provided you bought one) and skip the queue (which shouldn't be too long at an early morning hour).
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Located at the Peak Tower's ground floor (Level G - which is where you enter the building from, when coming with the tram), Pacific Coffee is open daily, from as early as 7:30 am, and boasts both an "alfresco" veranda, as well as large windows (for those of you who prefer to seat inside), through which you can enjoy the marvelous scenery...
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Unfortunately, clear days with good visibility become more and more scarce nowadays... Especially due to air pollution from the industrialized towns on the Chinese side of the border. Nevertheless, you should still make a point to go up to "The Peak" and hope that visibility will be good enough...
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For a fully detailed guide about "The Peak" and its attractions (including recommended nature-walks and details of the various attractions) click on this Victoria Peak Guide

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Down from "The Peak" walk out of the lower terminus and descent along Garden Road to Queen's Road Central, where you turn left, cross the street to the other side and pass through HSBC Tower to Des Voeux Road Central. Turn left and cross to the other side of the street, and walk to "the elevated walkway" through either Prince's Building or Alexandra House. The elevated walkway takes you directly to the pier from which the Star Ferry departs to Tsim sha Tsui.
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The historic ferry route between Central (on Hong Kong Island) and Tsim sha Tsui (in Kowloon) is very popular with tourists and has become one of Hong Kong's most prominent icons. From the ferry, one can take in the famous view of the harbour and the Hong Kong skyline.
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Ferries on the Central-Tsim sha Tsui route operate daily, from 6:30am to 11:30pm. Single trip fares range from HK$ 1.70 for the lower deck to HK$ 2.20 for the upper deck, and Octopus cards are accepted.
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The short cruise across the Victoria Harbour will bring you the Sky Ferry Pier in Tsim sha Tsui. From the ferry building, turn right and walk along the waterfront (behind the Cultural Centre and the museums) to the Avenue of Stars: Modeled after Hollywood's Walk of Fame, The Avenue of Stars honors celebrities of Hong Kong's film industry, with floor plaques of all the industry's who's who. It is also the best place to take photos of Hong Kong's spectacular skyline.
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At the far end of the "avenue" (passing New World Centre and Renaissance Kowloon Hotel), you will see a footbridge with which you can cross Salisbury Road to the other side. It brings you to a rooftop garden (more like a "piazza") at the end of which you walk down and turn left to Mody Road, and immediately right to Chatham Road South. After walking along Chatham for a few minutes, you will reach the Hong Kong Museum of History, where eight tastefully set galleries tell "the story of Hong Kong"... From the geological changes that took place hundreds of millions of years ago, through prehistoric eras, notable historical events and until present day.
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The museum is fairly rich, with plenty of archaeological exhibits, old paraphernalia and costumes, as well as interactive exhibits, touch screens, interesting documentaries and so on... Try to allow at least 2 hours for the visit.
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The Museum of History is open daily (except Sundays and public holidays): from Monday to Friday, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2:30 - 5 pm (on Saturdays, 9:30 am - 12 noon only).
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Tickets cost HK$ 10 for an adult and HK$ 5 for a senior (on Wednesdays entrance is free)
For more information, you can call them on 2724 9042 or visit their website
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If you wish to skip the museum and go directly to the markets, turn left to Salisbury Road (at the end of the "avenue of stars") and use the pedestrian-subway to cross under the road and go to MTR - Tsim sha Tsui, from where you can travel to Yau ma Tei (Yung Shue Tau Square, Old Tin Hau Temple and Jade Market) or to Mong Kok (Ladies' Market and other markets) - see details below.
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From the museum, use the footbridge to cross Chatham Road South to the other side, enter Granville Road (on the right side of the footbridge - off Chatham) and walk along it all the way to Nathan Road. Those of you who wish to see the Jade Market and the Old Tin Hau Temple in "Jordan" should turn right to Nathan Road, while those who want to go directly to Mong Kok and its markets should turn left, enter Tsim sha Tsui MTR station via entry B-1 (just a few steps from the corner) and take a train to Mong Kok Station (see details about Mong Kok below the following paragraph).
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If you turned right, towards Jordan and the Jade Market: Walk along Nathan Road pass the historic buildings of St. Andrew's Church and The Former Kowloon British School (on 136 and 138 Nathan Road). Built in the early 1900s, those impressive structures are built of red bricks and feature fine Victorian and Gothic architectural styles.
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Onwards along Nathan Road, cross Hillwood Road and Austin Road and reach the corner of Jordan Road. Turn left to Jordan Road, cross it to the other side and turn right to Canton Road (the section of which that is popularly known as Jade Street) which is the sixth street on your right side (from the corner of Nathan).
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Jade and its products are the specialty of most of the shops along this section of the road, and there is certainly a lot to see (and to buy...). From Jade St. you can turn right to Ning Po Street where many traditional Chinese shops and businesses can be found. Onward along Canton Road, turn right to Kansu Street and after a few steps you will see the Jade Market on your right hand side (on the corner of Kansu and Battery , just a stonethrow from Canton Road ). The market boasts hundreds of specialty shops and you can easily spend a few hours here, admiring the perfectionism that some of these artists demonstrate. But be careful not to invest a substantial amount of money unless you are familiar with gemstones or if you are accompanied by an expert.
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The market is open daily from 10 am to 4 pm. Try to come early if you want to put your hands on the best stuff before it disappears (this advice is relevant to both the market Jade Street ).
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Keep on walking along Kansu Street for a couple of minutes and turn left to Temple Street (on the right side of the massive carpark building) which will bring you to Yung Shue Tau Square and the old Tin Hau Temple .
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Built in the 1880s, this is one of Kowloon's oldest temples, and it's dedicated to Tin Hau (Matsu), Goddess of the sea, protector of seafarers and one of Hong Kong's most beloved deities.
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The temple is open daily, from early morning till around 5:30 pm and although it is not one of Hong Kong's most impressive temples, it's certainly worth a visit.
Yung Shue Tau Square , just outside the Temple, is a good place to rest and enjoy the cool shade of the Banyan trees. The square comes alive in the late afternoon, when hawkers, Chinese chess players, Cantonese opera singers and Fortune tellers are setting up their small stalls...
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Mido Café, on the other side of the temple (corner of Public Square Street and Temple Street) is where you can feel a bit of the atmosphere of "old Hong Kong". This culinary institution has changed very little (if at all) since it first opened its doors, almost sixty years ago...
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From the square, turn right to Public Square Street, walk along it till you reach Nathan Road (a minute or two), turn left and walk a couple of minutes to exit-C of Yau ma Tei MTR Station, from which you can take the train to Mong Kok (one station away).
Alternatively, you can keep on walking along Nathan Road to Mong Kok: Cross Waterloo Road and continue until the corner of Dundas Street (third street after Waterloo), where you turn right, cross Nathan Road and enter the second street on your left (Tung Choi Street - also known as "The Ladies Market") - All in all, it's something like a 15 minutes walk from the Old Tin Hau Temple.
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If you took the MTR - From Mong Kok MTR Station - take exit D-3 and you are exactly a step away from the market.
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Ladies' Market stretches along Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok and is one of Hong Kong's most popular open-air markets. As its name denotes, this market specializes in women's clothing, accessories, cosmetics, and the like, although you can find here more than a few stalls that sell men's and children's products... Soft toys, clothes, bags, jeans and watches... just to name a few.
The market is open daily from 10:30 am to 10:30 pm.
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Sai Yeung Choi Street South (parallel to Ladies' Market - between the market and Nathan Road) is a hot spot for Hongkongers. The section south of Argyle Street concentrates shops of consumer electronic products at street level and upstairs bookstores above. Some good cosmetics shops can also be found here.
To get here: take exit D-3 of MTR-Mong Kok and you are there...
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Fa Yuen Street (also known as Sportswear Street) is a small street that runs parallel to Ladies' Market, with many small retailers which sell sports equipment and clothing. It has a wide diversity of sports shoes. Many shoes of rare or special editions from different places are available here.
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Goldfish Market - is located along the north part of Tung Choi Street (the street of Ladies' Market). There are dozens of shops here that sell various tropical freshwater or marine fish, as well as different types of aquarium equipment.
Open daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
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Fa Yuen Street Market is situated along the north part of Fa Yuen Street . It is full of shops selling bargain-priced trendy fashion and casual wear for men, women and children and they usually open between 10:30 a.m. and 10:30 p.m. daily (the market also stretches along Nullah Road , all the way to Prince Edward Road West).
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Flower Market is a street market in the northern part of Mong Kok, where many flower shops can be found. It opens daily from 7 am to 7:30 pm, and there are two ways to get there: A) If coming from Ladies' Market: continue northward with Tung Choi Street (Goldfish Market) till you get to the corner of Prince Edward Rd., cross it to the other side and turn right, then enter the second street on your left (Sai Yee Street) and the first street on your right is the market. B) Take exit A of MTR-Prince Edward to Playing Field Rd. and walk along it to its end. Turn right to Sai Yee St. and left to Flower Market Road and you are there...
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At the far end of Flower Market Rd., turn left and enter Yuen Po Street Bird Garden (or, simply, the Bird Garden ), where dozens of bird shops are located and hundreds of colorful songbirds in exquisitely crafted cages can be seen... The market also makes a popular meeting point for elderly bird owners... Open daily from 7 am to 8 pm.
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From here, you can walk back to the other end of Yuen Po Street, from where you can turn right to Prince Edward Road and walk along it, back to Nathan Road and Prince Edward MTR station (exit B-1 is right next to the corner of Nathan and Prince Edward).
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It will probably be early afternoon by the time you reach Mong Kok... Luckily enough, you are at the right place at the right time... surrounded by many authentic eateries and restaurants where you can enjoy some delicious local food at reasonable prices.
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Curry A La King on 88 Soy Street, a couple of minutes walk from Ladies' Market, is a paradise for curry lovers, serving a wide selection of scrumptious curries from different Asian cuisines. Satay King can be found on Ladies' Market itself (24 Tung Choi St.) and as its name suggests, Southeast Asian 'satays' are the main fare here... MongKok Fung Shing Restaurant, on 749 Nathan Road, Just before the corner of Prince Edward Road West, is another Hong Kong culinary institution, very much known for its superb dim-sum and delicious crispy chicken. Fu Kei Restaurant on the 5th floor of King Wah Centre (on the corner of Nathan Road and Shantung Street) is serving fabulous food from different Chinese cuisines. Chung Nan Hoi Harbor Restaurant, in Dynasty Plaza on 4 Mong Kok Road (five minutes walk from Nathan Road) serves excellent Cantonese food, with emphasize on seafood. Lucky Corner Restaurant - 好旺角粥麵專家 on 146 Sai Yeung Choi Street South (near exit B-2 of MTR-Mong Kok) is a rather humble eatery which has been serving some of the best Wonton Noodles in Hong Kong for God knows how many years. Tanyoto Hotpot Restaurant on Grand Tower's 5th floor (639 Nathan Road - near the corner of Shantung Street) is serving a good selection of authentic, spicy Szechwan dishes, as well as some excellent hotpot dishes. Still within Grand Tower: M garden, on the 6th floor, is one of Hong Kong's most popular vegetarian restaurants, serving a wide variety of vegetarian Chinese dishes. Last but not least, Little Sheep (4th floor, 16 Argyle Street) is one of Hong Kong's most favorite hotpot restaurants, serving Mongolian style hotpot.
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If you actually visited all those places I wrote about, it will probably be early evening by the time you finish...
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If you need to get back to the airport already, look at the closing paragraph of my article "One Night in Hong Kong" for public-transport directions.
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Otherwise, if you still have time on your hands and you want to stay in town for dinner, take a look at the same article for some wine & dine recommendations.
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If some of the places I wrote above are not exactly your cup of tea, here is an alternative you might be happy to look at :
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Located one next to the other, in one of Lantau Island's most beautiful areas, Ngong Ping Village, The Big Buddha and Po Lin Monastery are forming one of Hong Kong's most spectacular tourist attractions.
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To get there, you first need to travel with the MTR's orange marked Tung Chung Line till the last station. The train departs from Hong Kong Station (the same station where the Airport Express leaves from - do not confuse with neighboring MTR Central, although the two stations are linked to each other). It will bring you to Tung Chung, a fairly modern town on Lantau Island's northern shore, right in front of the airport.
If you start you're journey from Kowloon (Tsim sha Tsui / Jordan / Yau ma Tei / Mong Kok or Prince Edward), you'll better take the red marked Tsuen Wan Line to Lai King Station and continue from there with the orange marked Tung Chung Line , all the way to Tung Chung.
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The lower cable-car terminal is right outside Tung Chung's MTR Station, and the Tung Chung Bus Terminus is just next to it : You can either ride the 5.7 km long cableway (25 minutes journey), across the bay and up the mountain, hovering above Lantau North Country Park (which is really something you should try... at least one direction...), or you can take bus No. 23
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Ngong Ping Village , next to the cableway's top terminus, is a 1.5 hectare culturally themed village that has been architecturally designed and landscaped to reflect the cultural and spiritual integrity of the Ngong Ping area. It is full of restaurants, cafés and souvenir shops but, nevertheless, it fits in quite nicely with the scenery and doesn't really spoil it... (Try to pay a short visit to the Ngong Ping Teahouse while you are there: It is quite interesting, although somewhat expensive...)
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Po Lin Monastery , just next to the "village" was originally built in the early 1900s by three Zen masters who arrived here from the Jin Shan Monastery of Zhe Jiang looking for a peaceful and secluded place where they can put up a Buddhist monastery. Originally called "the big hut", the small monastery developed a lot in the 1920s and the 1930s and thereafter, and plenty of structures were added...
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The monastery's most prominent attraction is the world famous Tian Tan Buddha, a colossal bronze statue of the seated Buddha, built between 1990 and 1993. Also known as the Big Buddha, it is the world's tallest outdoor seated bronze Buddha, soaring to a height of 34 meters above its base and weighing 250 tons... Thanks to its location, on top of one of Lantau's high hills, it can be seen from quite far on a clear day (some say from as far as Macau...).
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The statue sits on a lotus throne, on top of a three-platform altar that resembles the Altar of Heaven of Tian Tan (that is the Temple of Heaven in Beijing, after which the statue was named). 268 steps lead from the monastery to the statue's base, but there is also a small road that goes there, for vehicles to accommodate the handicapped.
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The cable car, the "themed village" and the monastery are open daily until 6 pm, which means you have to get to the lower cable-car terminal before 3:30 pm if you want to have enough time to enjoy the visit.
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You should also bear in mind that traveling time from Hong Kong Station to Tung Chung is 30 minutes (From Tsim sha Tsui or Mong Kok it can even take 40 - 50 minutes cause you need to change trains enroute).
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From the "Ngong Ping Village" / Po Lin Monastery :
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Option 1: You can travel back to Tung Chung Town (using the cable car or bus No. 23), from where you can proceed to the airport, as follows: From The bus terminus inside the colossal Citygate shopping mall (adjacent to MTR Tung Chung Station) you can take route Nos. S-64, S-56 or S-1.
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Option 2: If you still have plenty of time on your hands, you can take bus No. 21 (The bus stop is near the Big Buddha stairway) and travel to Tai O - Popularly known as "the Venice of Hong Kong", this is a quiet fishermen village where little has changed through the years...
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Hidden in a small bay on Lantau's west side, Tai O was originally built by the Tanka boat people, who were one of the earliest clans to migrate and settle in Hong Kong. The village is one of the last places in this region where you can still see plenty of traditional Pang uk houses, built on stilts over the water. It is divided to three parts: Two parts are located on Lantau Island itself (on the banks of the river), while the third part is located on Tai O Island (the river splits to the north and west, and at this fork lies the island) and this unique geographical feature is what gave the village its special "Venice" look...
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Take a stroll through the village's pedestrian only alleys and browse through the small stalls where dried foods and other souvenirs are sold... The smells of dried-salted foods blend with those of fresh seafood, creating an aroma that is unique to Tai O... Wing on Street, not far from the bus terminus, is packed with exotic shops, stalls and some good seafood restaurants where you can have your dinner, before traveling back to Tung Chung Town, from where you can proceed to the airport (see instructions above).
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For your information: The last bus departs from "the Big Buddha" to Tai O at 5:15pm (weekdays) or 6:30pm (weekends).
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Bus No. 11 runs from Tai O to Tung Chung until slightly after midnight.
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For a fully detailed guide about Lantau Island and its attractions (including recommended nature trails, seaside villages, beaches and more...) click on this Lantau Travel Guide

1) Getting from and to Hong Kong International Airport

2009-03-03T10:25:00.000-08:00

Getting from and to Hong Kong International Airport

As most transit passengers travel to and from Hong Kong by air, I guess starting with Hong Kong International Airport is the right thing to do…

Before leaving the airport

After clearing with customs and immigration, you can proceed to the luggage storage counter at the 'Meeters and Greeters Hall' , where you can store your trolley or bag till you come back… The counter is open from 5:30 in the morning till 1:30 at night and the charges are HK$ 40 (up to 3 hours) or HK$ 55 (more than 3 hours but less than 24 hours). If you wish to store your stuff for more than 24 hours, it will be HK$ 130 (up to 48 hours), and HK$ 80 for each subsequent 24 hours or part thereof.

That's it… Are you ready for the big city ? Before leaving the airport, you might want to get yourself an Octopus Card: This electronic stored-value card is accepted on most means of public transport and will make your life easier when traveling around Hong Kong as you won't have to bother about small change when paying cash... When you pay a fare with Octopus, you simply place the card on the reader and the fare gets deducted automatically (you won't even need to take the card out of your wallet).

A new Octopus card includes a refundable HK$50 deposit. Any leftover money is also refunded when you return the card.

Octopus card can be purchased at the Airport Express Customer Service Counter (Arrivals Hall), as well as at the Customer Service Centers within the MTR/KCR stations. All outlets of 7-Eleven & Circle K Convenience Stores also sell the card.

The card can be reloaded at any MTR/KCR station, either by using the Add Value Machines or at the Customer Service Centers, located in the stations.

From the airport to the city

Train

The Airport Express Station is just across the Arrivals Hall: This train provides the quickest and most comfortable link between the airport and the city. It leaves once every 12 minutes and covers the distance to Central in 24 minutes, with stops in Kowloon and Tsing Yi. A free Airport Express Shuttle Bus service takes Airport Express passengers from Hong Kong and Kowloon stations to major hotels and transportation interchanges, and back (see more details in the relevant sections across this site)

Airport Express passengers using Octopus card can also enjoy free MTR Connections to or from Airport Express stations, if their cards have usable value and their travel on the MTR and Airport Express is within one hour of each other (For In-town Check-in customers, the MTR trip immediately before check-in is free).

The last train leaves the airport at 00:48 and the first train departs from Hong Kong Station in Central at 05:50 am (05:53 from Kowloon)

At the time of writing, single trips from the airport to Hong Kong (Central), Kowloon and Tsing Yi Stations (or vice-versa) cost HK$100, HK$90 and HK$60 respectively (Round Trip Ticket costs HK$ 180 / HK$ 160 / HK$ 110 and is valid for 30 days from date of issue). Airport Express passengers traveling within the same day can enjoy a FREE return journey. The offer is applicable to both Octopus Card and Same Day Return ticket holders.

Bus

Buses are significantly cheaper than the Airport Express, but take much longer to get to town… If you are on a tight budget or if you missed the last Airport Express (or need to get back to the airport before the first train departs), they can make an alternative.

Buses can be boarded at the Ground Transportation Centre, outside the terminal building and the fare can be paid either by cash or Octopus Card.

· Citybus A11 travels to Causeway bay, Wanchai and Central. Single trip costs HK$ 40.

· N11 is the "overnight version" of the above A11 and covers the same route. Single trip costs HK$ 31

· A 21 travels to Mong Kok and Tsim sha Tsui. Single trip costs HK$ 33

· N 21 is the "overnight version" of the above and covers the same route. Single trip costs HK$ 23

(More specific details about bus routes can be found in the relevant sections across this blog)