10 Historical Places in Hong Kong

10 Historical Places in Hong Kong

Top 10 lists are all the rage these days, from the 10 best films of the year, to 10 ways to change your life right now. We don't deal in fads but are happy to jump on the top 10 trend. So, without further ado, these are our picks of the 10 best historical places in Hong Kong!

Including:

  • Aberdeen Fishing Village
  • Victoria Peak
  • Tian Tan Buddha
  • Wong Tai Sin Temple
  • and more!
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Aberdeen Fishing Village

Aberdeen Fishing Village dates back to the 18th century, back when Hong Kong was a much smaller settlement than it is today. Some of that history remains today, including the Hung Shing Temple that dates back to the 1700s, as well as a number of fishing boats throughout the centuries.

Why not take a tour of the area, where you'll see and snap all the sights, board a houseboat from the 1960s, and then tuck into a traditional fish and noodle broth often consumed by the local fishermen?

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Victoria Peak

Back in the 19th century, when Hong Kong was a British colony, Victoria Peak was prime real estate for white Europeans. As the highest hill on the island, measuring over 1800 feet, it offered amazing views of the developing city. And being so high up, it also has a cooler microclimate when compared to street level.

Nowadays, the mountain has predominantly returned to its verdant roots, but it still offers visitors the best views of the city and historic nature trails to explore. Getting up there is easy enough, thanks to the Peak Tram, which goes from the city streets to the top of Victoria's Peak.

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Tian Tan Buddha

While the Tian Tan Buddha was only built in the 1990s, that's technically the past and, therefore, technically historic! But given the spectacle that it provides, it earns its place on our list.

Also known as "Big Buddha", Tian Tan Buddha is massive. 112 ft tall, over 280 tons of bronze, and perched atop Ngong Ping on Lantau Island, it's one of the most prominent sights in Hong Kong. So go see it, take some pics, and revel in its spiritual significance.

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Take a historical tour of the city

If just one historical place isn't enough, why not a bunch? On this historic tour of Hong Kong, you'll get your steps in while seeing the sights.

Explore the myriad architectural delights of Central District, including Gothic Revival, classic Colonial, and elegant Neoclassical buildings that rub shoulders with modern skyscrapers. Stop for snaps in Statue Square, then see Norman Foster's famous HSBC building up close.

Other highlights include lush Hong Kong Park and historic Hollywood Road, home of Tai Kwun, aka the former Central Police Station Compound, with its beautiful courtyard and original prison cells to explore.

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Wong Tai Sin Temple

Found in north Kowloon - in Lion Rock, to be exact - is the Wong Tai Sin Temple. Also known as the Great Immortal Wong Temple, the distinct red and bronze Taoist temple was built back in the 1920s and is a hugely popular tourist destination to this day.

So, why not go and smell the incense that wafts out of there on a daily basis, bask in its grand, spiritual design, and take some photos while you're at it?

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Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple is certainly one of the oldest temples that still stand in Hong Kong, having been built around the 1850s. Thankfully, it's considered a protected historical sight now, so it's likely to still be standing decades from now. But there's no time like the present, so go check it out on your visit.

Dedicated to King-Emperor Man and Holy King-Emperor Kwan - patrons of study - it was often visited by students hoping to do well in school. Nowadays, its double-eave, green tiled rooftop, and courtyard layout are indicative of the Qing dynasty and more than earn a place on your camera roll.

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Kowloon Walled City Park

Kowloon Walled City has an interesting past, to say the least. Originally a military stronghold during the 1400s, it later became a hodge podge of makeshift flats and residences for miscreants until it was demolished some 30 years ago.

Today, a beautiful park lies atop the remains, but elements of its past have been preserved for visitors and locals alike. So go see its lush green spaces and marvel at the interesting artifacts that remain, including The Yamen, a Qing-era building, and what remains of the South Gate.

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Chi Lin Nunnery

Getting its name from the nuns that used to go there in the 20th century, Chi Lin Nunnery is actually a large Buddhist temple. Rebuilt in the last 30 years to match the traditional Tang Dynasty style of architecture, it absolutely deserves its place on this list as one of the 10 historical places to visit in Hong Kong.

It's the world's largest hand-made wooden building, and its beautiful, intricate designs cover more than 360k square feet. Go for the architecture and history; stay for the huge ornate statues of gods and goddesses.

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Wan Chai Blue House

If you're after one of the most unusual places in Hong Kong, this historical flat block is sure to break the top 10. Yes, it's just a flat block, but it's also entirely blue, a listed building, and just so happens to be built in the 19th-century style popular in South China at the time.

It's also a massively popular tourist destination, thanks to its striking blue color, and the Hong Kong House of Stories event space that's open to one and all. Featuring historical exhibits and artifacts, it's a great way to get a sense of what life was like back then.

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Clock Tower

Built back in 1915, the Hong Kong Clock Tower is easily one of the 10 best historical places to visit in the city. Once standing tall by the Kowloon–Canton train station, now it is all that remains.

At over 140 feet tall, it's hard to miss. And its distinct red brick 'stripe' along the center makes it easy fodder for a whole bunch of vacation snaps.

So now you know about the 10 best historical places in Hong Kong! If you want to make the most of your visit, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can also see the more modern experiences in the city for one low price!

Dom Bewley
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do Alone in Hong Kong
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Things to do Alone in Hong Kong

Heading to Hong Kong alone this year, or have a few hours to spare until a connecting flight? Check out our picks of the best things to do by yourself in the city. From Sightseeing tours to art classes, we've got you covered. Including: Hop-on, hop-off Sightseeing Tour Ngong Ping Cable Car and Village Experience Chinese ink painting class Hong Kong Maritime Museum ...and more! Image courtesy of TungCheung/Shutterstock Hop-on, hop-off Sightseeing Tour If you've never been to Hong Kong before, you might want to get most of the touristy stuff out of the way in one go. That way, you'll have more time to hit up the social side of the city, bar hop, or meet new people on your travels. If that sounds like what you're looking for, then this hop-on, hop-off bus tour of the city will give you the freedom to explore the landmarks you want more closely. You'll find audio guides on each bus that are available in 10 languages, so no matter where you go, you'll get the lowdown on every place you pass. Then, when the bus pulls up, you can either get off, explore, and hop on the next bus, or stay aboard and travel to the next landmark. It's an easy way to see what you want, when you want. And what will you be seeing? Well, depending on the route you choose to ride, you'll see Victoria Park, Man Mo Temple, Lan Kwai Fong, Causeway Bay, and plenty more besides. And, without any pesky friends or family in tow, it's one of the best things to do alone in Hong Kong. After all, you needn't negotiate where to get off - you're in complete, blissful control. Just as it should be. Ngong Ping Cable Car and Village Experience Whether you're willing to admit it or not, cable cars are one of modern life's most joyful additions. Nothing beats sitting in a suspended cable car as you rise into the heavens, seeing the ground beneath you slowly shrink. It must be what the gods felt like, back when they were cool and threw lightning bolts and stuff. Anyway, if you want to feel godly, take this cable car up to gloriously serene Ngong Ping and explore the more spiritual side of Hong Kong. You'll arrive in Ngong Ping Village, and from there, you can explore the awe-inspiring Tian Tan Buddha, Po Lin Monastery, and the Wisdom Path, so be sure to save some time to explore these wonderful sites! Tian Tan Buddha is arguably the best of these; a huge, golden statue of Buddha that can be seen for literal miles on a clear day. Then, when you've explored to your heart's content, take the car back down the city streets and carry on. Just make sure to bring a photographic machine, because you'll be taking more pictures than there are stars in the sky. Chinese ink painting class If you're a fan of Chinese artwork throughout the centuries, why not learn to do it yourself? At this traditional ink-painting class, you'll learn to stroke like the masters. Brush stroke, mind - get your head out of the gutter. The Ka Atelier studio is a peaceful sanctuary nestled in the center of busy Hong Kong, making it the perfect place to escape the city and a wonderfully serene location for learning. Students are given traditional tea before learning the ropes, strokes, and that's not all folks. Once you understand the technique, you'll learn how to paint bamboo, which is not only a staple of Chinese culture, but one of the more intuitive objects to paint. Then, you'll create your very own bamboo masterpiece you can take home with you. Feel free to show it off to all your friends and family - they're bound to care. And if you're looking for things to do alone in Hong Kong, surely learning has to be up there? Hong Kong Maritime Museum Another of life's great solo joys is going at your own pace, wherever and whenever you want. Take museums, for instance. What if your partner, friend, or family member has no interest in visiting a maritime museum? What if they begrudgingly go but speed-run the exhibits, forcing you to do the same? Madness, we tell you! Instead, head to the Hong Kong Maritime Museum alone, look at everything slowly, soak up all that sweet knowledge, and then leave feeling like a better human being. And what a way to explore! Hong Kong has a rich maritime history that dates back centuries. Wander the museum's halls, and you'll see historic ship models, navigational instruments, and maritime artifacts from way back when. There are also immersive multimedia installations that cater to visitors of all ages, ensuring the learning experience is a little less dry. Then, when your brain is so stuffed with information you can barely think, stuff your face with delicious treats at the museum cafe. What a day. LockCha Tea Workshop Tea fan? Why not do the solo dance all the way to this Tea Workshop at LockCha, learn all about traditional tea and its origins, and then try a variety of Chinese teas? LockCha is a Canton-style tea house that blends traditional and Western decor, making it a stylish place to enjoy sipping on one of Hong Kong's most popular drinks. And, with five different teas to enjoy at the end of your historical journey through China's relationship with tea, you'll be sipping like royalty. Just remember to take all that sweet knowledge back home with you and regale tales of your tea exploits to your colleagues around the water cooler. World War 2 Walking Tour And finally, we'll end our exploration of the best things to do alone in Hong Kong by stretching our legs and our minds. If you're unaware of Hong Kong's important role in the Second World War, prepare to be made aware! On this walking tour, your guide will bring personal stories to life, explaining the British surrender to Japan, Japan's occupation, and their eventual defeat. On the way, you'll visit key locations from the war and see relics from the era. You'll also learn about Japan's not brilliant treatment of the local population. History buffs or the casually curious will both enjoy this walking tour, so go ahead and book it. Right now. And those were our picks of the best things to do alone in Hong Kong! Looking for more vacation inspiration? Check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can also see all the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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