Hong Kong is a non stop experience filled with the exotic and the exciting. Along every street, down every lane, you are sure to encounter Hong Kong's living culture. From the hustle and bustle of the busy downtown streets and the flamboyant colours and sound of a local market, to the wonderment and serenity that comes from a visit to a centuries old temple and a brief experience like no other in Asia or indeed the world.
My blog with its selcetion of six urban walks through different Hong Kong districts offers the perfect opportunity to experience this living culture that makes Asia's world city such a diverse and fascinating destination. Step out and enjoy yourself. In Hong Kong, once you live it, you love it!
Six themed Walks:
Hong Kong
1. Central & Western District - Travel trough Time
2. Wan Chai - An Ever Changing Landscape
3. Shau Kei Wan - Evolvement of a Fishing Village
Kowloon
4. Tsim Sha Tsui - Cornucopia of Delights
5. Yau Ma Tei & Mong Kok - Markets for Leisure and Plesure
6. Wong Tai Sin & Kowloon City - A Popular Temple & A City Transformed
Travel Trough Time
1. Central & Western District
Catch intriguing glimpses if daily life in Hong Kong with a stroll trough time in the Central & Western area, you'll discover a world of wonder where the hustle and bustle of this modern city mingle with the colourful age olg traitions of yesterday. Here, among the dried seafood and chinese herb shops, you'll see traditions of the past that remain vibrant today. As you continue along the walk, you'll experience time trough the ages ending in Central, the financial heart of Hong Kong, full of steel and glass symbolise Hong Kong's success.
a. Wester Market & sheung Wan Fong
The Western Market, an Edwardian-style building originally housing the water front Harbour Office when built in 1906, later became a food market before closing in 1988. Two years latter it was declared a historical monument, renovated and then re opened in 1991 with themed shops. Next to its is a compass-like piazza named Sheung Wan Fong - an ideal spot to oriented to the many traditional trades and shopping streets in Sheung Wan.
b. Wing Lok Street (Gingseng and Bird's nest Street)
This steret is lined with specialty shops selling ginseng and bird's nest. Both are believed to be essential for longervity, energy and fair compexion. They also make distinctive souvenirs.
c. Des Voeux Road West (Dried Seafood Street)
Discover the surprising varieties of exotic dried seafood available on this street. You'll find rare and experience items, like abalone, gathered from around the world
d. Ko Shing street (Herbal Medicine Street)
This is the wholesale centre of Hong Kong's thriving herbal medicine trade. It is renowned for its wide selection of herbal medicine and shops with experienced staff
e. Bonham Strand West (Ginseng and Bird's Nest Street)
Previously known as Nam Pak Hong after the Nam Pak Hong Chamber of Commerce (North - south chamber of commerce) located there, bonham Strand West is now an extension of Ginseng and bird's nest street.
f. Hollywood Road (Antiques Street) / Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street)
Hollywood Road (Antiques Street)
Built in 1844 by the British army, this road took its name from the many holly shribs lining it. Linking Sheung Wan to Central, Hollywood Road is famous for its many curios and antiques shops. You can find items as small and delicate as a perfume bottle to large antique Chinese furniture. The shops can help you arrange shipping of large items back home.
Upper Lascar Row (Car Street)
Lined with traditional street stalls, Upper Lascar Row is a great place to pick up a wide variety of antiques, curios and other collectables.
g. Man Mo Temple
One of the first traditional-style temples bulit during the colonial era, Man Mo Temple's magnificent external architecture reflects its historical roots. Insides, the air is thick with plumes of aromatic smoke from the coils and incense stick that are said to carry prayers to the spirit world. Gold altars and red shrines pay homage to the Taoist gods of literature ("Man") and war ("Mo") - "Man" with his calligraphy brush and "Mo" with his sword. There is also a statue of Pau Kung, the god of justice, and another of Shing Wong, the god of the city. The plaques near the entrance give an interesting perspective on the history of the temple and its gods. The temple's historical relics include a bronze bell date 1847 and imperial sedan chairs made in 1862. Open daily from 8am to 6pm.
H. Central - Mid - Levels Escalator
At 800 metres long , this is the world's longest covered escalator. It links Des Voeux Road Central near the harbour to Conduit Road in the Mid Levels. The escalator is a convenient way to see the bustling city hillside which contains great restaurants and shops. Travelling the entire lenght take about 20minutes. The escalator runs one way downhill form 6am to 10am, and then uphill from 10:20am to midnight. The escalator is a transit link for resident of the Mid-Levels. It is to use it after 9am when the morning rush hour is over.
I. SoHo
This lively dining district takes its name from its location, South of Hollywood Road. SoHo consists of Shelley Street, Elgin Street, Peel Street, Staunton Street, and Old Bailey Street, Within this are you will find great food, coffee shops and funky bars.
J. Former Central Police Station Compound / Former Central Magistracy / Victoria Prison Compound
Former Central Police Station Compound
This grey building with its Doric style columns and facade was built in 1864 and stands as testimony to Hong Kong's colonial heritage. It has undergone numerous extensions and alteration over the years with the current edifice dating back to 1919.
Formet Central Magistracy
The construction of the Central Magistracy commenced in 1913 and was completed in 1914. The building has a majestic appearance with imposing pillar on the facade and other features in the Greek revival style. The massive retaining walls were constructed with granite blocks. The Central Magistracy was closed in 1979 and since has been used by different association affilated to the Police.
Victoria Prison Compound
Built in 1841, Victoria Prison is understood to be the first western building constructed of durable material in Hong Kong. Most of the buildings with in the compound were damaged by bombing during the Second World War. The prisong was reopened after repairs in 1946 and remained in use untill 2005.
K. Lan Kwai Fong
When the light go down , the "in crowd" heads for Lan Kwai Fong, a buzzing centre of clubs, bars and restaurants. A must for night owls and people-wathers
L. Duddell Street Steps & Gas Lamps
These fine wide stone steps connect Ice House Street with Duddell Street and Queen's Road Central beyond. The lamps at he head and foot of the steps, built between 1875 and 1889, are the only four gas lamps remaining in Hong Kong.
M. Former French Mission Building
The former French Mission Building on battery Path, Central, was built in 1917 on the foundation of a previous structure. A chapel is incorporated in the north-west cornet with its cupola projecting above the roof. It was occupied successively by the Education Departement, the Victoria District Court, the Supreme Courts, and the Information Service Departement. It is now used as the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal.
N. St John's Cathedral
The cathedral is the oldest surviving Western ecclesiastical building in Hong Kong, and is believed to be the oldest Anglican church in the Far East. Built in a style adapted from both the 13th century Early English and Decorated Gothic styles. construction was completed in 1849. It was declared a monument in 1996. The Cathedral is included in the HKTB's Architecture Walk.
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