Hong Kong Island - Hong Kong Area Guide
Hong Kong Island - Hong Kong Area Guide
Hong Kong Island
Hong Kong Island, also known as 香港島 (hoeng1 gong2 dou2) in Chinese is an island in the southern part of Hong Kong. The island is home to many famous sights in Hong Kong and can often be seen as the touristy side. There are many historical sites and various large shopping centres. It’s also home to Hong Kong’s very first amusement park, Ocean Park Hong Kong, commonly known as Ocean Park. The mountain ranges across the island are also famous for hiking.
Hong Kong comprises the following districts:
- Central and Western District - This district covers the following areas on Hong Kong Island: Admiralty, Central, Mid-levels, Sai Ying Pun, and Sheung Wan.
- Eastern District - This area consists of Fortress Hill, North Point, Quarry Bay, Shau Kei Wan, Heng Fa Chuen, Chai Wan and Siu Sai Wan.
- Southern District - This district consists of Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, Cape D’Aguilar, Deep Water Bay, Pok Fu Lam, Repulse Bay, Shek O, Shouson Hill, Stanley, Tai Tam, Wah Fu, and Wong Chuk Hang. It also covers the small islands to the south which are namely: Kau Pei Chau, Lo Chau, Lung Shan Pai, Magazine Island, Middle Island, Ng Fan Chau, Po Toi Islands Round Island, Tai Tau Chau, and Tau Chau.
- Wan Chai District - This includes the area of Wan Chai, Wan Chai North, Causeway Bay, Happy Valley, Jardine’s Lookout, Stubbs Road, Wong Nai Chung Gap and Tai Hang.
There’s a lot of history surround this area. During the First Opium War (1839-1842), Hong Kong Island became a colony of the British Empire when they defeated the Chinese. This was later returned to China in 1997. Old Buildings with English culture and style still remain today in areas such as Central and Stanley.
For those that like the great outdoors, Hong Kong Island has a lot to offer with many hiking trails and beach spread out all over the island. From short easy travels to long challenging trails that offer fantastic views of the island. The beaches are usually filled during the Summer months with people of all ages but you can still find some hidden secluded beach paradises if you look for them.
Hong Kong Island is also big for their nightlife. Most famously is Lan Kwai Fong in Central. This area is a hotspot for locals and expats that enjoy drinking, clubbing and dining. This touristy spot is considered upmarket in price for eating and drinking. This is the place to be if you want to see how the bold and beautiful spend their nights out.
Access to the island is a lot easier in today’s present. From taxis to buses to mini-buses but expect to pay a little extra to cover the toll charges. A great way to gain access to the island is through the use of the Star Ferry that takes round trips from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon Side. This way you can witness the beautiful city scenic view whilst riding the waves to either side.