The 10 Best Things to do in Central, China

September 19, 2021 Toi Mattera

Delectable dim sum, floating islands, and a one-of-a-kind skyline are just some of Hong Kong’s unique features. Get an eyeful of traditional Chinese architecture in Ngong Ping village, then take the tram to the tippity-top of Victoria Peak for unparalleled views. The rocks and gentle hills of Nan Lian Garden will bring you inner peace, as will a calming cup of tea in a Stanley café. Become one with everything at the Chi Lin Nunnery, a serene Buddhist complex.
Restaurants in Hong Kong

1. Hong Kong Park

19 Cotton Tree Dr, Central, Hong Kong China +852 2521 5041 [email protected] http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/hkp/index.html
Excellent
53%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,132 reviews

Hong Kong Park

Reviewed By katrinsD2843ZT - Asker, Norway

Its a stunning park with different areas: tai chi garden, artificial lake, bird park, playground, olympic square and a corner where to take wedding pictures ????

2. Cheung Chau Island

Southwest of Hongkong Island, Hong Kong China +852 2981 0606 http://www.cheung-chau.com/
Excellent
43%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,500 reviews

Cheung Chau Island

Reviewed By susana124 - Coquitlam, Canada

I took my husband and our two teenagers to island on a Monday. To avoid crowds in the weekend. We took the ferry at Admiralty Pier 5. The ride took us roughly 45 mins each way. We were planning to do “islands” hopping from one island to another. Upon to our arrival to Cheung Chau, we decide to spend the whole day there. No car. No transit there. You can rent bicycles at the piers upon arrival. Or like us, we walk around by foot. And rent the tricycles for an hour for fun. Along the coast are seafoods eateries one after another. And make sure you venture to allies. Tons of tons of street food! Don’t miss slice frozen water melon on the stick! Moo-chi are freshly made daily with multiple favors like mango and my favorite Durian ???? Curry fish balls, golden bubbles and more and more! Great great original local native fish balls fish cakes and rice noodles!

3. Hong Kong Maritime Museum

8 Man Kwong Street Central Pier No. 8, Hong Kong China +852 3713 2500 [email protected] http://www.hkmaritimemuseum.org/
Excellent
48%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 588 reviews

Hong Kong Maritime Museum

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum (HKMM), opened at Murray House in Stanley in 2005, is a vibrant, cultural institution dedicated to preserving, collecting and displaying objects that tell the story about trade and maritime in Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta. Since 2013, the Museum has been relocated to the picturesque Victoria Harbour at Central Pier No. 8. An independent, non-profit registered charity, HKMM is supported by the shipping industry, the business community, private individuals and the Hong Kong SAR Government. HKMM houses 15 galleries including a venue space for special exhibitions and events, a resource centre, a roof-top social enterprise café, and a gift shop. HKMM promotes Hong Kong, China and Asia's maritime history and heritage as well as the vital role that ships and the sea play in our past, present and future. It also offers visitors a variety of public programmes including guided tours, workshops, public talks, and school, community and family activities.

Reviewed By BradJill - Hong Kong, China

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum is located at the Central Ferry Pier (Pier 8) next to the Central Promenade Waterfront. This is a good specialty museum for those interested in HK's rich maritime history. Entry fee is HK$30 per adult, HK$15 per child and opening hours are 9.30am - 5.30pm (weekdays) and 10am - 7pm (weekends). Here you will find three floors providing a chronological walk through Hong Kong and China's maritime history. There are numerous displays with artefacts, artworks, model ships and interactive devises and plenty of text for the enthusiasts. Particularly good representations are given for Chinese and greater Asian sea vessels as well as Western ships, journeys to China and the difficult establishment of trade with China in the Canton, Macau, Whampoa and the eventual colonial establishment of Hong Kong. There are displays related to 20th-century maritime matters that influenced the growth Victoria Harbour and broader Hong Kong as an international shipping, shipbuilding and commercial trade powerhouse in Asia. Interesting sections on piracy, wreck treasure hunting as well as a freight ship simulator which you can sign up for when it is available are worth seeing as well. Note: As the museum is located on a pier, there is an area with excellent nearly 180-degree, indoor views of Victoria Harbour. When sky conditions are good, this is a great place to see and enjoy seeing Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and several kilometres of the harbour in both directions. Overall, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum is well laid out and a good learning opportunity for those with interest in maritime and history. You can spend 2-3 hours here leisurely visiting and enjoying most of the exhibits. Otherwise, 30-45 minutes will likely suffice if you have more casual interest or are limited on time. There is gift shop just outside the museum entrance and you may want to consider taking ride on one of our iconic Star Ferry vessels which berth at pier 7 after your visit to the museum.

4. High West Peak

West of Hongkong Island, Hong Kong China
Excellent
73%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 26 reviews

High West Peak

Reviewed By vladb - Boston, United States

For the complete Peak experience without the tourist traps, ride up on Bus # 15, and start the hike at Lugard road, with its numerous overlooks - then hike up to High West at the intersection with Hatton and Harlech. There are many steep steps, but they are small, and the hike should not be a problem for a fit person (carry plenty of water on hot days, as there aren't vending machines nearby).The 360 % view is spectacular. Even in less-than-perfect visibility, the sight of Lantau island's peaks poking out of the fog will be stunning. Morning Trail is relatively easy to hike up or down. Note that the top of Victoria Peak itself is closed to visitors because of its cellphone and TV towers - High West is the next best alternative.

5. Hong Kong Monetary Authority

55th Floor, Two International Finance Center, Hong Kong China +852 2878 1111 http://www.hkma.gov.hk/eng/about-the-hkma/hkma-information-centre/hkma-information-centre.shtml
Excellent
67%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
0%
Terrible
4%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 48 reviews

Hong Kong Monetary Authority

Reviewed By Rehman5000 - Colombo, Sri Lanka

The free public observation floor is on the 50th floor. It consists of a mini-museum, and almost 180° views of the city and bay. Definitely worth a visit, if you are tight on time. No photos allowed in the office/entrance areas, and you must wear a tag at all times (which should be returned when leaving).

6. Edward Youde Aviary

Hong Kong Park, Central District, Hong Kong China +852 2521 5041 http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/parks/hkp/specialties/edward_youde_intro.html
Excellent
64%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 204 reviews

Edward Youde Aviary

The Edward Youde Aviary is one of the best wildlife attractions in the city, it should be listed here on Tripadvisor.

Reviewed By jenkle89 - Hendaye, France

I could have spent hours here admiring all of the beautiful birds. Such a nice place to go to get away from the busy city and listen to the sounds of many different tropical birds. Keep your eyes open, some are really hard to spot! Free!

7. Hong Kong Trail

Hong Kong Island, Hong Kong China http://hiking.gov.hk/eng/longtrail/hktrail/hktrail.htm
Excellent
71%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 34 reviews

Hong Kong Trail

Reviewed By Mairwen1

The Hong Kong Hiking Trail is one of “The Big 4” hiking trails that together cover the whole of the island. This trail stretches over 50km, running from Victoria Peak to Big Wave Bay and crossing over 5 different country parks. It is broken into 8 clear sections, making it very easy to choose the sections you want to do and pick up the start of that trail. Be aware that the different sections vary quite a lot in difficulty. Overall, the trails are really well marked and sign-posted. Each 500 metres, there is a standardised metal plaque so you can easily gauge how far you’ve come. Every once in a while, you will also come across a large map board which is handy to stop at and check your position, especially as some of the big trails intersect and overlap. None of the trails are loops so you will have to return via public transport or taxi to your starting point. The paths are generally easy to follow but they also vary enormously, from paved paths or roads to bushland dirt tracks which can be rocky or gravelly and stairs. Stage 8 is one of the most popular walking trails and is more commonly known as Dragon’s Back. I love this hike. It’s a moderately easy walk and is a good one for families. Although there is one long, steep stretch of stairs at the start, the rest of the walk is along the ridgeline. From here, you get the most wonderful views of the coastline and outlying islands and you end up at Big Wave Bay. It’s stunning and on a clear day, the views are just incredible. For tourists who have a few days here and want to see another side of Hong Kong, this walk is unbeatable. Stages 5 & 6 take you through Tai Tam Country Park but they are quite different hikes. Stage 5 is difficult whereas Stage 6 is an easy amble, over a long stonework dam and past the Tai Tam reservoirs and water catchments. All the country parks are free to enter. NOTE: Make sure to take plenty of water, sunscreen and hats with you as depending on which stretch you are doing, there may not be much opportunity to buy things or fill water bottles.

8. Hong Kong Dragon and Lion Dance Festival

Starts from Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong China http://www.dragonlion.hk/web/index.php
Excellent
49%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 81 reviews

Hong Kong Dragon and Lion Dance Festival

9. Tai Kwun

No.10 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong China +852 3559 2600 [email protected] http://www.taikwun.hk/?utm_source=tripadvisor&utm_medium=link&utm_campaign=TA
Excellent
50%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 260 reviews

Tai Kwun

Tai Kwun is Hong Kong’s Centre for Heritage and Arts — a cultural destination for inspiration, stimulation and enjoyment. We aspire to offer the best heritage and arts experiences, and to cultivate knowledge and appreciation of contemporary art, performing arts and history in the community. Tai Kwun invites all visitors on a journey of discovery that unites multiple genres of arts, heritage, culture and lifestyle in Hong Kong. Here, visitors will discover the rich heritage of the site through the thematic exhibitions and immersive public programmes that explore Hong Kong’s history and culture, alongside a multitude of vibrant and inclusive contemporary art presentations and performing arts offerings all year round.

Reviewed By FOL-1003 - Berlin, Germany

...... cultural center with many different places and houses and two new buildings by damous architects. We liked the Museum if Modern Art

10. HSBC Main Building

1 Queen's Road Central HSBC Central Plaza, Hong Kong China +852 2544 0081
Excellent
28%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
24%
Poor
2%
Terrible
5%
Overall Ratings

4.0 based on 261 reviews

HSBC Main Building

HSBC Main Building is a headquarters building of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation. The building can be reached from Exit K of Central MTR Station and facing Statue Square.

Reviewed By Mairwen1

The two large bronze lions that normally guard the front of the HSBC building disappeared during 2020 for repairs but they are now back and re-installed. Their names, Stitt and Stephen were an in-joke in the 1920s. The roaring lion on the left, was named after A.G. Stephen, Chief Manager of HSBC in 1920. On the right is Stitt, named after G. H. Stitt, Manager Shanghai HSBC. They have been a familiar fixture since the 1930s.Traditionally, people stroke the lions’ paws and noses for luck and prosperity. In fact the lions themselves have been pretty lucky. First, they survived the Japanese invasion during WWII, with only a few shrapnel wounds (you can still see the scars or dents in Stephen’s back). Next they were ripped out and sent off to Japan, earmarked to be melted down for scrap metal. Good timing intervened and the war ended so they narrowly escaped this fate. Even so, they may have still been lost if it hadn’t been for an observant and discerning American sailor who recognised the lions in an Osaka dock in 1945. They were safely returned home to Hong Kong.

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