10 Must-See Sights in Hong Kong

In a busy city full of incredible sights, which ones stand out? We’ve picked out our top 10 things to see in Hong Kong

View from Victoria Peak

The steep Peak slopes into the city © claudio zaccherini

You might notice Victoria Peak, AKA ‘The Peak’ sloping around in the backdrop of all those dazzling pictures of Hong Kong’s skyline, rather like a bashful father in the family album. But whilst The Peak might not be drawing attention to itself it remains the best way to get a good look at the city.

Most tourists take the historic tram up to The Peak Tower, and whilst the view from here is sublime (well, providing you’ve chosen a clear day to visit) if you continue towards the peak of The Peak you’ll be rewarded fewer crowds and lovely views of the city from Victoria Peak Garden.

Temple Street Night Market

Stalls along Temple Street © Jess Yu / Shutterstock.com

Need to buy menswear? Electronics? Watches? Antiques? Designer knockoffs? Other trinkets? Whatever you want, you’re likely to find it in the bustling stalls of Temple Street Market. Though the stalls set up from 2pm onwards, it’s not until after dark that things get going. Even if you’re not shopping it’s worth a trip for the atmosphere and a dinner-time bowl of noodles.

Tian Tan Buddha, Lantau

The Tian Tan Buddha © Nejron Photo

This rather impressive fellow is the largest, seated, outdoor bronze Buddha statue in the world. He weighs a whopping 250 tonnes! Though you can catch a bus up to the Buddha, the most scenic route is the 5.7 km cable car journey.

Beaches!

Sharp Peak, Sai Kung © Rc Photography

Hong Kong may be small (the territory spans 426 square miles), it covers an extraordinary variety of landscape, from mountains to beaches. And speaking of beaches, Sai Wan has to be one of the prettiest, surrounded by steep green peaks. To get there head to Sai Kung in the New Territories.

Happy Valley Racecourse

Horse racing is a popular sport in Hong Kong, and the season runs from September to July, with lots of big events. Pictured above is the Happy Valley Racecourse which has been holding races since 1846, still fitting in around the urban sprawl of Hong Kong Island. There’s a second world class track at Sha Tin in the New Territories

Tsing Ma Bridge

As you’d expect of a territory spread over several islands Hong Kong has more than it’s fair share of bridges. Including this one, the Tsing Ma Bridge. Ready for this? It is the world’s longest span suspension bridge which carries both rail and road traffic. Phew.

It is a rather impressive 1377 metres long and has become a tourist attraction not just for being an impressive landmark, but you get some great views from it’s scenery viewing platform.

Nan Lian Garden

Explore some serene oriental scenery in the Nan Lian Garden in Kowloon. It was opened in 2006 to showcase traditional Chinese culture, and features a number of waterfeatures. The centrepiece though is the beautiful Pavilion of Absolute Perfection. Says it all really doesn’t it.

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Don’t be fooled by the name. This temple actually contains closer to 13,000 statues of Buddha – you can attempt to count them if you like on a visit to the elaborate site in Sha Tin.

Junks

© leungchopan
The traditional sailing junks in the harbour is one of the iconic sights of Hong Kong. Though they’ve been sailing since the 2nd century AD, the vessels you’ll see in the harbour now are mostly for tourists. Jump on one to get a great harbour view.

Mid-level Escalators

HK Mid-Levels Escalators photo by zh FongCYu

Who would have thought an escalator could be a tourist attraction? Well that’s because you haven’t been on the world’s longest covered escalator system yet. The 800-metre-long journey takes you between the Central and Western Districts on Hong Kong island and takes 20 minutes to complete the trip, if you don’t walk to speed it up.

Think that there are any sights we’ve missed? You could always jet over to Hong Kong to double check!