Districts of Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s geography is bizarre and intricate. It is said that 90% of its territory consists of mountains, and another 10% is occupied by skyscrapers. Hong Kong is located on Hong Kong Island, but this, of course, is not the whole of its territory, but only a small part. This special administrative region occupies, in addition to Hong Kong Island, another 206 small islands and islets, as well as the fairly large island of Lantau. The Kowloon Peninsula also belongs to the territory of Hong Kong. There are also so-called New Territories – the area that adjoins the peninsula.
The total area of the district is 1,194 square kilometers, of which about a quarter is inhabited and developed. The rest is untouched nature, with more than half of the area registered as national parks and nature reserves.
Administratively, Hong Kong is divided into 18 districts. These are the Central and Western (one district), Eastern, Southern, Northern, Kowloon City, Wan Chai, Samseipou, Wontaixin, Yauchimmon, Kunton, Sathin, Thumun, Saikun, Taipei, Khuaichin, Chyuwan, Yunlong, Islands. Each of them has its own characteristics, attractions and a tourist reason to visit it, it all depends on what kind of tourism you prefer.
As you know, many different areas of tourism are currently developing: educational, sightseeing, historical, ethnographic, gastronomic, thematic, erotic, ecological, active sports, shopping, beach, religious, wedding, fashion tourism, business tourism. For any of these species, Hong Kong is simply a paradise. And in each of its districts there is something special, interesting from the point of view of the visitor.
Central and Western regions
Central and Western, also known as Central and Western, is one of the oldest and most developed areas of Hong Kong, which was once the city of Victoria. It occupies the east and center of the island, respectively. It is a business and shopping district. Many world-renowned corporations have their headquarters here. Among the most famous are Barclays Capital, Royal Bank of Canada, Honkong Land, First Pacific and many others.
Luxury hotels and a huge number of the most famous shopping malls are located here. If you pay a lot of attention to shopping tourism, then you should definitely remember the names of the Princess Building, Pacific Place, Lendmark, World WidePlaza, Chater House, AFC Moll. These are the largest shopping malls in Hong Kong, where you can buy almost everything.
In addition, it makes sense to stroll along shopping streets such as Hollywood Roud, Lindherst Terras, Wing Lock Streeet. The latter is especially interesting for fans of traditional Chinese medicine, it is here that the shops and shops of this industry are located. You will find any photographic products, including the latest novelties, and professional equipment on Stanley Street. There are many famous Hong Kong restaurants like Dai pai dong and the famous Graham Street Market nearby. This is not the only market that can be recommended to tourists in the area.
Interestingly, here, in this skyscraper-filled business center, there is also one of the natural attractions of the district – Victoria Peak, a mountain with several peaks. You can climb it using a funicular, or go there on foot or by car. It’s nice to sit in a cafe there, you can take wonderful photos of the views of Hong Kong.
The Eastern district
Eastern, or Eastern, is a particularly popular area for tourists, also located on Hong Kong Island, in its northeastern part. Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are considered the most attractive places here.
The attitude towards Wan Chai as just a couple of blocks filled with bars with cheap girls and drunk American sailors has long since passed. There is a vibrant commercial and business life, the breath of the big city is clearly felt here, and walking is always interesting and safe, despite its former glory. There are plenty of family-run shops and traditional stalls between Johnston Road and Queen’s Road East, selling everything from tropical fish to cheap clothes.
Causeway Bay is the location of the largest shopping malls, the star among which is Sogo. A huge crowd is an integral phenomenon of this area, but you can shop and visit all kinds of restaurants and food outlets here almost around the clock.
There is always something interesting going on in Times Square, the main square of the area. This place is also important for those who are interested in fashion, here you can see all the latest trends of the seasons.
Another nice neighborhood here is Happy Valley. The local relaxed atmosphere perfectly matches the name. Although this valley was not always happy, rather on the contrary, the name sounded sarcastic after the British army suffered numerous losses from malaria here. There are two famous Buddhist temples in the eastern district, Tin Hau and Shing Wong.
In the East District, you certainly won’t be able to miss one of Hong Kong’s tallest and most notable skyscrapers, built in 2008, One Island East. It has 70 floors and the building height is 298 meters.
Southern district
Southern district, occupies the southern part of Hong Kong Island. This is a less densely populated area, but there are also quite large shopping malls, as almost everywhere in Hong Kong, for example, in the Aberdeen neighborhoods near the fishing port. It was here, in this port, that the cult film Exit of the Dragon starring Bruce Lee was filmed.
Here, in the port, is the world-famous Jumbo Kingdom, consisting of two floating restaurants designed in the national manner. To date, they have been visited by more than 30 million tourists, including Queen Elizabeth II.
The southern district is loved by tourists for its abundance of attractions and entertainment. Among them, Ocean Park Hong Kong is especially worth mentioning, which receives more than 5 million visitors per year. On the southern coast of southern China is Repulse Bay Beach, one of the most visited beaches in Hong Kong.
Wan Chai
Wan Chai is one of the four districts located on Hong Kong Island. It occupies a central location in the northern part of the island. It is one of the richest and most prestigious areas of Hong Kong.
Once it was famous for being a red light district, today it is an entertainment and recreation area known for its abundance of various restaurants. The red lights, by the way, have not gone away, this area has been preserved in Van Chai, it is easy to find it – Lockhart Road, a street that crosses the area from west to east. Bars, pubs and nightclubs are located closer to the western part.
Western tourists love this area because the famous Hollywood film The World of Suzie Wong was shot here. Among the attractions of the area are the 374-meter-high Central Plaza, Hong Kong’s third largest skyscraper, the old Wan Chai Post Office, declared a monument, and Golden Bauhinia Square with a giant statue of the golden Bauhinia flower in the middle.
Many people tend to approach the Lover’s Stone, which helps keep marriages happy. It is a nine-meter granite monolith. By the way, this place offers a magnificent view of Victoria Harbour.
Kowloon city
Kowloon City District is located on the Kowloon Peninsula, just opposite the East District. This is a rapidly developing district, where skyscrapers are growing right in front of our eyes with great speed. Until 1998, there was an airport here and the construction of high-rise buildings was prohibited.
Kowloon City is a multiethnic district, but it is considered sparsely populated compared to many areas of Hong Kong. The area is home to four universities, Radio Television Hong Kong, several large shopping malls, and business centers.
Previously, the area had a reputation for being dysfunctional, gambling and prostitution flourished here. These issues have now been resolved. The large Kowloon Walled City Park was opened in the area in 1995. Its territory includes the territory of the old fortress. Another major park here is Sung Wong Toi Garden, which has a large number of historical relics.
Sham Shui Po and WongTaiSin
Sham Shui Po, an area located in the western part of the Kowloon Peninsula, may be of interest to those who are engaged in electronics. Here you can buy everything related to electronics, mobile phones and accessories. Flea market lovers should visit this area. This area is quite densely populated, it is considered one of the poor and disadvantaged. So, if you don’t really need it, you don’t have to add it to your itinerary, at least in the evening.
The same should be said about the Wong Tai Sin area. It is located north of Sham Shui Po. Although, as in all of Hong Kong, there are interesting places and attractions here, such as the Wong Tai Sin Temple, but to avoid trouble, you can skip visiting the area. By the way, this is the only area in Hong Kong that has no access to the sea.
Yau Tsim Mong
Yau Tsim Mong, occupies the southwest of the Kowloon Peninsula. This is an international area that is also considered traditionally Chinese. The main direction of its development is trade and tourism.
The area has a large number of shopping malls, a polytechnic university, and a night market on Temple Street. In 2010, the International Commerce Center was built here, the tallest skyscraper in the city, consisting of 108 floors, with a height of 484 meters.
There is an Alley of Stars on Tsim Sha Tsui Street, where many world celebrities who have visited Hong Kong have celebrated.
Kwun Tong
The area located in the southeast of the Kowloon Peninsula is called Kwun Tong. Many people come here on business trips, there are a large number of technical parks, a large and well-developed industrial area. The Ttu is also a large residential area, it is the most densely populated area. Those who visit the area should take a walk along Kwun Tong promenade, a beautiful promenade that is originally illuminated in the evening.
North district
The agricultural North District is located in the north of Hong Kong. It occupies New territories, a large number of villages have been preserved here, and an urban residential area has also grown. An archipelago of islands adjoins the area.
A special attraction of this area is the walled village of Fanling Wai, which is a fortress village that has preserved its characteristic architecture.
Another village that tourists love to visit is Sheung Shui Heung. Here you can see one of the most amazing ancestral halls preserved in Hong Kong.
New territories
Sha Tin, Tai Po, Islands, Kwai Tsing, Tsuen Wan, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long are all developing areas of New Territories, with their skyscrapers, attractions, parks and shopping malls. There is no such thing as having nowhere to go or nothing to do in Hong Kong. All this applies to the named areas as well.
Still, it’s worth including a visit to Hong Kong Disneyland on Lantau Island in your itinerary.
Beach lovers are advised to visit at least one of the six beautiful beaches in the Tuenmun area. These are Butterfly Beach, Castle Peak Beach, Kadoorie Beach, Cafeteria Old Beach, Cafeteria New Beach, Golden Beach. All of them are protected from sharks. There are also a large number of monasteries and temples in the area.
In Yuen Long, don’t miss the famous Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, a historical and architectural monument.
While staying in Tai Po, keep in mind that one of the areas of development of the area is resorts and spas, you can take advantage of this. In addition, it is worth visiting the Tai Po Water Park there with the famous Tai Po observation tower built using new technologies.
Sai Kung
Sai Kung is another area of the so-called New Territories, the second largest in Hong Kong, which includes the mainland and the island part. Sai Kung Town itself was once a fishing village. Now this place is a paradise for lovers of fishing, fish and seafood. Fishermen have always gathered at the Sai Kung Hoi fishing port, and they are still doing so. This area will also be interesting for fans of gastronomic tourism – there are a huge number of restaurants here. In addition, this area is famous for its beautiful beaches and a large number of temples.
The four main parts of Hong Kong
If you do not take into account the administrative division of Hong Kong, then it can be divided into four parts.: These are the actual island of Hong Kong, the Kowloon Peninsula, the New Territories, the island part, which includes both large and small islands. Of course, first of all, tourists tend to Hong Kong Island, the historical, administrative, and financial heart of Hong Kong. There are plenty of cultural and entertainment facilities and luxurious beaches. You can also go to the islands for entertainment and beach holidays.
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