10 Historical Places in Hong Kong

By Dom Bewley
Published: July 18, 2024
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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Hong Kong in February
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Hong Kong in February

Are you visiting Hong Kong in February? Check out our guide to the weather, the local events, and experiences you can't afford to miss! Including: Is Feb a good time to visit Hong Kong? What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? Is 2 weeks in Hong Kong enough? Hong Kong in February February Events in Hong Kong The best February Attractions in Hong Kong Is Feb a good time to visit Hong Kong? February is peak winter in Hong Kong, which in some cases may be off-putting. But here, that makes it one of the driest months of the year, which makes a change from many Western countries! However, it's worth noting that this isn't a secret, and many people will travel in winter to make the most of the cooler, drier weather. So expect more tourists. What is the cheapest month to travel Hong Kong? The cheapest month to fly to Hong Kong is usually October. Why? Well, it's the country's wettest month. So cheaper doesn't always mean better! Is 2 weeks in Hong Kong enough? Two weeks is a long time to spend visiting any country, and that's just as true in Hong Kong. We'd recommend staying in the country for 3-5 days to see all its best bits, maybe a bit longer if you're traveling in February during the New Year celebrations - more on that below! Hong Kong in February: Weather Being at the tail end of winter, temperatures are a bit warmer than in January. Expect average highs of 65°F and lows of 59°F. It is worth noting that cold fronts can drop the temperature quite dramatically, with lows of 32°F and snow having been recorded in some of Hong Kong's higher locations. Sun-wise, don't expect much. February in Hong Kong is predominantly cloudy, which at least means only the fairest skinned need to worry about sunscreen. And, while February is typically a dry month, you can expect around six days of rain over the month. So pack accordingly! Speaking of... Hong Kong in February: What to pack For your average day, we'd recommend light, layerable clothing. Think T-shirts, long dresses, and sweaters. It's also worth packing a warmer jacket for cooler evenings, and a waterproof/umbrella in case your visit sees any rainfall. February Events in Hong Kong: Chinese New Year Chinese - or Lunar - New Year typically falls in February and spans a total of 16 days, making it the most significant and lengthiest celebration in Hong Kong. During the festivities, you can check out the Chinese New Year Parade along Tsim Sha Tsui, and a spectacular fireworks extravaganza lights up the skies above Victoria Harbour. Or, if racing's your bag, head to the Chinese New Year horse races at Sha Tin Racecourse. It's also the perfect time to visit local businesses and immerse yourself in culture. While smaller shops do close for a period over the celebrations, once they're open, they sell all manner of New Year-related goodies that'll happily top someone's mantlepiece back home. February Events in Hong Kong: Spring Lantern Festival At the tail end of Chinese New Year, the Lantern Festival rings in the springtime. During the festival, lanterns are illuminated and adorned on trees in public parks, beaches, and various buildings across Hong Kong. It's truly a sight to behold and practically demands about 50 photos! Then, head to the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui and check out the Spring Lantern Carnival, where you'll find a parade, street performers, and general festival revelry to enjoy. The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Ngong Ping If you can brave the cooler climates up on Ngong Ping, taking a tour of the village and seeing the stunning Tian Tian Buddha statue is one of the best things to do in Hong Kong in February! The cable car up the mountain is a treat in itself, but once you're there, you can visit the Po Lin Monastery, walk the Wisdom Path, and visit the second-largest sitting Buddha statue on the planet! Then, before you get the cable car down, visit the village and buy some goodies for back home. The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Big Bus Sightseeing Tour You can't visit Hong Kong without hitting up all the city's biggest landmarks. And, on this hop-on, hop-off bus tour, you can do just that. Simply disembark at any stop that takes your fancy, go explore, and then hop on board the next bus to continue along. Go at your own pace, explore what you want, and see everything in a day. It doesn't get much more convenient than that! With hotspots like Victoria Park, Man Mo Temple, Lan Kwai Fong, and Causeway Bay part of the route, you'll come home with plenty of pictures. Plus, with an audio guide available in a ton of languages, you can even learn about the sites you decide not to explore. Good stuff! The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Legend Heroes Park If you want to avoid the outside world during the colder, wetter days, where better to hide than a modern arcade? With arcade cabinets, VR headsets, and an on-site cafe, Legend Heroes Park is the perfect getaway. The VR experiences can be enjoyed solo or in a group, so no matter your travel plans, you'll be well looked after. And if you've never tried VR, it's a wild ride. Shoot zombies, bungee jump, or drive a race car - the possibilities are endless. Outside of that, you have your classic arcade cabinets, air hockey, pinball, and a coffee bar with snacks to fuel all your gaming needs. The best February Attractions in Hong Kong: Lan Kwai Pub Crawl And, if you want to make friends and hit up some of Hong Kong's best watering holes, try this pub crawl of the lively Lan Kwai. With your boozy guides in tow, you and your group will visit some of the lesser-known hotspots in town. And in each one, you'll get drinks, shooters, and entry, all included. Then, when you're good and merry, your final stop is one of the city's hottest clubs, where you can dance the night away. And that's everything you need to know about Hong Kong in February. For more vacation inspiration to fill out your itinerary, check out Go City. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Things to do in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year
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Things to do in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year

Many countries in East Asia celebrate Chinese New Year. And, considering Hong Kong is now a part of China, it's hardly groundbreaking news to discover that they do too. No matter where you are, Chinese New Year is about family. Dom Toretto would be proud. It's a time for families to come together, be thankful for what they have, and look forward to the future with hope. So, if you're visiting Hong Kong over the Chinese New Year, what will you be able to get up to? Below, we'll explore all the best things to do in Hong Kong for the Chinese New Year. We'll also give you an overview of 2024's Zodiac animal and what that means to people born in their year! Including: When is the Chinese New Year? What does the Year of the Dragon signify? Things to do in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year Chinese New Year Parade Victoria Harbour Fireworks Chinese New Year Horse Races Spring Lantern Festival When is the Chinese New Year? In 2024, the Chinese New Year is on February 10. This year, that means it's the Year of the Dragon. If you celebrated Chinese New Year in 2023 or before, you'll notice that February 10 is a different date from years past. Well observed! Chinese New Year isn't celebrated on a set date but follows the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which, as you can gather from the 'lunar' title, depends on the moon's cycles. However, as a vague rule of thumb, Chinese New Year typically falls between 20 and 50 days after the Gregorian calendar's New Year, which is January 1. If you didn't know the calendar used in the West was called the Gregorian calendar, well, you're welcome. What does the Year of the Dragon signify? In the Chinese Zodiac, the Dragon represents power, honor, success, and luck. But there are other variables here too, which are determined by the year. For 2024, the Year of the Dragon is combined with the wood element to create the Year of the Wood Dragon. Wood also connotes two additional traits - curiosity and creativity. People born on this specific date are said to be go-getters, developing unique ideas and then zoning in on them. Driven to succeed, they're often predisposed to a career in business, though, as they're also said to be funny and diplomatic, perhaps their path is not set in stone. Of course, non-believers may consider all of this complete conjecture, but for those who do believe, it's clear why being born on the Year of the Wood Dragon is considered a blessing! Things to do in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year Right, enough backstory; let's get to the main event! If you're looking for things to do in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year, these are the big hitters no traveler should miss! Chinese New Year Parade The Chinese New Year Parade is one of the most popular New Year events in Hong Kong. Drawing crowds of thousands every year who line the streets in Tsim Sha Tsui, why not join them and witness the countless colorful floats, lively dragons, traditional Chinese dancers, and bands that make the parade so special? Things kick off pretty late (typically, the parade starts at 8PM), but festivities in the area normally start at 6PM. If you want to get a good spot, you should definitely get there a few hours early. Perhaps the best course of action is to spend the day exploring the nearby sights and landmarks. That way, you won't be "wasting" time waiting for the parade standing idly. But what's nearby? Well, Hong Kong's biggest mall, Harbour City, just so happens to be nearby. So, if you fancy doing some light shopping - you won't want a ton of bags with you when watching the parade - it's the perfect time. If you have no interest in that, check out the Avenue of Stars, Kowloon Park, Nathan Road, or the Temple Street Night Market for some snacks instead. Disclaimer: In 2023, the Chinese New Year Parade was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It's still being determined whether the parade will take place in 2024. As such, it's worth checking online ahead of your trip, just to make sure the parade, as well as other Chinese New Year events, are canceled. Chinese New Year Fireworks Over Victoria Harbour On the second day of the Spring Festival, Victoria Harbour typically holds a massive firework display. Lasting around 25 minutes, it usually coincides with the daily Symphony of Lights, which elevates the spectacle to new heights. For the best views, head to Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai, by boat, or from The Peak. Disclaimer: Like the parade, fireworks were canceled in 2023. Check ahead online to see if the fireworks are back on. Chinese New Year Horse Races Horse races might not be your cup of tea, but for more than 100,000 crowded into Sha Tin Racecourse on day three of the Chinese New Year, it's one of the most exciting things about the celebrations. But these aren't your average, run-of-the-mill horse races. Instead, this special day of races is organized by the charity 'Hong Kong Jockey Club', and the day's entertainment raises money for good causes. Expect races, traditional shows, performances, and the opening ceremony, which features plenty of the color red - a staple of Chinese New Year. Disclaimer: Like the parade and fireworks, the New Year horse races were canceled in 2023. Check ahead online to see if the fireworks are back on. The Spring Lantern Festival And at the end of it all, you can see out the Chinese New Year at the Spring Lantern Festival. Hong Kong will fill up with thousands upon thousands of colorful lanterns, and you'll also catch live performances, carnivals, and much more as you wander the city. So those are the biggest and best things to do in Hong Kong for Chinese New Year! If you plan to spend a good few days in the city, why not fill up your itinerary with fun with Go City? With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see all the city's best bits for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Hong Kong in June
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Hong Kong in June

Are you planning a trip to Hong Kong in June? Check out our guide to the city in the summer and see whether June is the perfect month for your vacation! Including: Is June a good time to visit Hong Kong? What is the cheapest month to go to Hong Kong? Is Hong Kong an expensive country? Hong Kong in June: Weather Hong Kong in June: What to pack June Events in Hong Kong The Best June Attractions in Hong Kong Is June a good time to visit Hong Kong? If you're looking for high heat, sticky humidity, and the chance of heavy showers to cool off, then June is a great time to visit Hong Kong! Just be prepared for it, which we cover in our weather section down below. What is the cheapest month to go to Hong Kong? October is the cheapest month to visit Hong Kong, so if you're traveling in June, you're all out of luck. However, the next cheapest time is between May and June, so yay! Why, you ask? Well, it's mainly because most of Hong Kong's biggest festivals don't fall within that period. However, that doesn't mean you won't find a ton of fun things to do on your summer vacation. Is Hong Kong an expensive country? To live, yes, Hong Kong is one of the most expensive cities to live in on Earth. However, for fellow travelers, with the right timing and research, you can make your Hong Kong vacation more than affordable. Shop around for deals on accommodation, pick where you eat, and go with us to get into all of the city's best bits for one low price!   And that's everything you need to know to make your June vacation in Hong Kong one to remember. If some of the above suggestions don't take your fancy, don't worry; Go City's got you covered. With our All-Inclusive Pass and Explorer Pass, you can see the best of the rest for one low price! So grab a Hong Kong attraction pass and make the most of your summer visit!
Dom Bewley

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