Central / Admiralty
Central is the Manhattan of Hong Kong, home to many of its banks, financiers, real estate companies, and brokerages with Admiralty being a (relatively) new upstart neighbor with gleaming glass skyscrapers, many interconnected by elevated walkways. The huge projects accompanying the building of the new airport (Tsing Ma suspension bridge, West Kowloon Reclamation, Western Harbour Tunnel) also include, in Central, the Hong Kong Terminus of the Airport Express Line railway.
Near its locale at Exchange Square (in the upper left of the map below), stands the towering Two International Finance Center. It is the second tallest building in Hong Kong, after the International Financial Centre. Over in Admiralty, the Pacific Place office and shopping complex dominates with its enviable position at the border of Hong Kong park. Finally, rising up in the middle of all of this is the resplendent Bank of China building, a Hong Kong landmark.
In and Around Central/Admiralty area
Star Ferry
The ferry service between Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Island began in 1898 and took 40 minutes to one hour. Now, the journey takes less than seven minutes with ferries running every ten minutes or less (during peak hours). A ticket is inexpensive at HK$2.50 for an adult and HK$1.50 for a child (3 to 12 years old) - HK$3.00 and HK$1.80 on weekends and holidays. Add a small fee if you want to ride in the air-conditioned upper deck. If you are over 65 (or under 3) and have a Hong Kong ID or a senior citizen card, you can ride for free. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. The cigar-shaped boats look a bit different, but they're extremely safe and handle the often choppy harbor quite well. If it's going to be your first time on the ferry, stay out of the air-conditioning and take in the fresh breeze and magnificent views. A must-do in Hong Kong.
Peak Tram
Another obligatory attraction resides, well, partly in Central. The Peak Tram is a cable-pulled railway (funicular) running 1.4 kilometers from Central near Hong Kong Park up to the top of the high hills above the city, called The Peak. At The Peak is a huge, wok-shaped shopping and eating complex, not to mention a sprawling, gorgeous, panorama of Hong Kong, Kowloon and beyond. The fare is advertised at HK$28 but that's if you plan to stay up there! A round-trip ticket will cost HK$40. The Peak Tram runs every ten minutes from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Sit on the right side on the way up for the best views!
Hong Kong Park
Opened to the public as recently as 1991, Hong Kong park is a true oasis among the tall buildings. With not so much of an Western-type emphasis on open playing fields, the park offers carved walkways, sculpted greenery, and attractive pools. Additonally, there is a Conservatory, an Aviary, a Squash Centre, and an indoor games hall. For inquiries, call 2521-5072.
Lan Kwai Fong
This is a very popular nighttime area with many trendy bars and nightclubs on a couple of rather steeply-graded streets. Though just off our map above, it's about a five minute walk from the Central MTR station. Ask your hotel's concierge for directions.
Pacific Place
Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's most popular malls, is the ideal place to go in this area. You'll find perfect gift ideas within its 130-plus outlets, including Marks & Spencer, Lane Crawford, Seibu and top designer labels. Pacific Place is connected to the Admiralty MTR Station.
AEL - Airport Express Line
This modern railway connects Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with the Chek Lap Kok Airport.
MTR Stations: Central & Admiralty
From Central you are close to everything including the Star Ferry and Lan Kwai Fong (see above). The Admiralty station is integrated with the Pacific Place One and Two hotel/office/shopping complex.
Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan is located on Victoria Harbour in the northwest of Hong Kong Island, between Hong Kong Central and Hong Kong Island West. The station at Sheung Wan denotes the western end of the MTR on Hong Kong Island. Hotels in the area include the Butterfly on Hollywood Boutique Hotel, the Bohinia Hotel, and Sohotel.
Western Market
Formerly a food market, this 100+ year-old (1906) historical monument commands a whole city block, and is now home to restaurants, several fabric stores and great shops to buy souvenirs.
Hollywood Road / Ladder Street
To many, Hollywood Road and its surrounding streets define Sheung Wan. Formerly a popular place to buy antiques in Hong Kong, the area has added a number of galleries of contemporary art. Hollywood Road Park is the site of Possession Point, where the British planted their flag upon claiming Hong Kong. Continuing down the road, there is Ladder Street, where you will find the Man Mo temple.
Hong Kong - Macau Ferry Terminal
Considered the main point of departure for ferries to Macau, you may also find a terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui and at Hong Kong Airport. You can take a fast boat or a slow boat from China to Macau, including "normal" ferries but also sleek, modern Jetfoils (like those crossing the English Channel). Not fast enough for you? How about getting to Macau in just 15 minutes? You can catch the helicopter service for about 150 Hong Kong dollars. You should be able to win this back in a few minutes of blackjack.....right?
MTR Island Line: Sheung Wan
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