Central District

Rising 552 metres above the South China Sea, Victoria Peak is the ultimate vantage point from which to understand Hong Kong’s vertiginous geography. The summit offers a jaw-dropping 360-degree panorama that sweeps from the dense, neon-lit canyons of Central and Wan Chai across Victoria Harbour to the green, mountainous spine of Kowloon and the distant New Territories. The Peak Tram, operating since 1888, is an experience in itself—a gravity-defying funicular ride that feels like ascending into the clouds. At the top, the Peak Tower’s distinctive ‘wok’ shape houses observation decks, while the Peak Garden and the circular Peak Walk provide a more serene, nature-infused perspective. It is a place where the city’s relentless energy is laid out in a single, breathtaking tableau, especially magical at dusk as the urban landscape ignites into a galaxy of light.

Perched atop Ngong Ping plateau on Lantau Island, the Tian Tan Buddha is a monumental feat of engineering and a profound spiritual symbol. Completed in 1993, the 34-metre-tall bronze statue sits in the ‘Hall of the Universe’, a pose representing the offering of happiness to all. Reaching it requires ascending 268 steps, a pilgrimage that rewards with sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and sea. The statue is the centrepiece of the Po Lin Monastery, a major Buddhist centre founded in 1906, where the scent of incense and the sound of chanting monks create an atmosphere of serene contemplation. The journey via the Ngong Ping 360 cable car, with its crystal cabin option, is an attraction in itself, offering a breathtaking aerial journey over lush forests and the South China Sea.

Rising like a monolith in the West Kowloon Cultural District, M+ is Asia’s first global museum of contemporary visual culture. Its vast, light-filled galleries showcase an ambitious collection spanning art, design, architecture, and moving image from Hong Kong, China, and beyond. The building itself—a striking T-shape designed by Herzog & de Meuron—is a landmark, with its subterranean ‘found space’ and harbor views. M+ is not just a museum; it’s a cultural statement, positioning Hong Kong at the forefront of the global art scene.

Tucked into the steep, bustling lanes of Sheung Wan, Man Mo Temple is a fragrant portal to old Hong Kong. Built in 1847, this Taoist temple—dedicated to the gods of literature (‘Man’) and war (‘’Mo’)—is famed for its enormous coil incense spirals that hang from the ceiling, perfuming the air with sandalwood and camphor. The atmosphere is thick with devotion and history, a striking contrast to the glass towers just beyond its gates. It remains a living place of worship, where locals still come to seek blessings and divine guidance, making it one of the city’s most authentic spiritual experiences.

Perched above the stilt houses of Tai O, the Tai O Heritage Hotel is a beautifully restored former police station dating back to 1902. This boutique hotel blends colonial architecture with contemporary design, offering guests a tranquil retreat with views over the traditional fishing village and its waterways. While primarily a hotel, its public areas and history are of interest to heritage enthusiasts, providing a glimpse into the area’s past and its ongoing efforts to preserve local culture.