Peak Tram

The Peak Tram (山頂纜車, shān dǐng lǎn chē) is a 1.4 km (0.87 miles) historical funicular railway connecting the central business district to Victoria Peak via the Mid-Levels since 1888. It offers excellent views of urban Hong Kong (skyscrapers) and the diverse heritage along the track. The Peak Tram is also a big hit among tourists so you'll have to cope with long queues even on ordinary days (10-30 minutes). Do note that there is a additional seperate queue for purchasing tickets (available at entrance at both termini).

At the tram terminus in Central, while you're in the queue you can also learn about the history of the Peak Tram (gallery). There are numerous antiques stationed there including the tickets, uniforms, way of boarding and the statistics back then. Thus, a complimentary 'museum entry fee' included in the price of the ticket.

Overall, the trip itself takes around 5 minutes up the peak and is the fastest way up and down. Its closest competitor, a minibus route takes around 20 minutes due to the curvy mountain road. The tram's route is operated on a single railway with a passing loops and travels at 22 km/h (14 mph) which is pretty fast for a steep 35-45° climb. Up to 120 people can be on the tram at any time with some standing and serves 12,000 people a day.

In conclusion, though it offers great views, it remains a fairly expensive mode of transport (compared to other Hong Kong transport) going up Victoria Peak with limited frequency at 10-15 minutes per tram.

Fares (Octopus Card accepted, corr. as of writing - check with operator):

Chungking Mansions

The Chungking Mansions (重慶大廈, zhòng qìng dà shà) in Tsim Sha Tsui is a well-known tourist magnet. It is very famous for its South Asian (Indian, Nepali, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Sri Lankan) community and restaurants. It is also renowned for its low-cost accommodation and best (+ worst) rate money exchangers.

The cuisine there is truely authentic and is rarely found in other parts of Hong Kong. The owners there are really of South Asian descent and offer the food at exceptional prices. A sample shop I went to had an excellent variety of food (and portions) especially pathiri, hummus and curry.

However, the building has come under serious controversy due to public safety inside the mansion. Its age is beginning to show as well as a slack management system (though they have recently installed CCTV cameras) and regular blockage of emergency exits. It is also known to be a centre of drugs, and a hangout for criminals and illegal immigrants. Nonetheless, police have conducted frequent checks and raids to prevent such activity from forming and the situation has improved considerably.

Hopefully, you won't be scared off by the above and relatively dim environment. Just think about all the good stuff you'll be able to try.

Address:
36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon (next to Holiday Inn Golden Mile)

The Star Ferry

The Star Ferry (天星小輪, tiān xīng xiǎo lún) is one of Hong Kong's most iconic (in terms of heritage) and important ferry services taking passengers across the Victoria Harbour. It also has won quite a few awards in the past half-century including 1st place in the World’s Top 10 Most Exciting Ferry Rides.

It was founded by an Indian businessman, Dorabjee Naorojee Mithaiwala, way back in 1888 and to this very day it carries 65,000 daily. A fleet of 8 diesel-electric ferries (as of December 2007, one retired) which date way back to 1956 currently serve 4 routes in the heart of the Hong Kong's tourist and business districts; Tsim Sha Tsui/Hung Hom, Central and Wan Chai. To this very day, it remains an quick, popular and economical mode of crossing the harbour.

Each journey takes around 10 minutes from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island and a normal boat has a capacity of 576 passengers. Ferries run every 5-10 minutes varying on demand. From the ferry, the Hong's famous Kong skyline can be seen which is a truely memorable experience (especially during A Symphony of Lights).

Fares (Octopus Card also accepted, corr. as of March 2009):

Seniors (65+) ride free upon production of Hong Kong I.D. Card or Senior Citizen Card.

A Symphony of Lights

Photo via Hong Kong Tourism Commission

A Symphony of Lights 「幻彩詠香江」 is a spectacular daily light show along the Victoria Harbour, which was also named the "World's Largest Permanent Light and Sound Show" by Guinness World Records. This amazing light show can be seen from Wan Chai (Hong Kong Island side), Tsim Sha Tsui (Kowloon side) or even one of the many 5-star hotels along Victoria Harbour.

To make this event possible, 44 buildings shoot out light, filling the sky with colourful rays. This event takes place every night at 8:00PM making this attraction a must-see whenever you come to Hong Kong and of course is completely free of charge. This event is also popular among locals, not just tourists. Be sure to get a good view!



Note: When Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No.3 or above or Red/Black Rainstorm Warning Signal is issued at or after 3pm on the Show day, the Show will be suspended. No show will be staged even if the Signal is removed before 8pm on that day. The show may also be suspended in emergencies without prior notice.