Hong Kong Tour

Wan Chai is an administrative district of Hong Kong Island

Districts

• Wan Chai

Wan Chai the district, as opposed to the administrative region, is famous for its bars and nightlife. Located between Causeway Bay and Admiralty, Wanchai has an inner-city feel that makes it an interesting area to walk around. Wanchai has traditional street markets that are still outdoors. Butchers hang meat on hooks that overshadow pavements.

• Causeway Bay

Shopping district, home to large department stores, such as Sogo. Causeway Bay is crowded but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the ‘calendar’ New Year when you will be wise to stay away if you hate crowds.

• Happy Valley

Nestled behind the Happy Valley Racecourse, away from the MTR line, this district has a more laid-back feel than nearby Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Because of this it is a popular residential area, especially among expats. There is a tram line circling the racecourse that serves the district. This area is also home to the beautiful and historic Hong Kong Cemetery.

Get in

• Ferry

The Star Ferry arrives at Wan Chai Pier from Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui.

• MTR

The Tsuen Wan Line from Kowloon passes Admiralty. From here the Island Line passes through Wan Chai and Causeway Bay stations.

• Tram

The tram runs from Kennedy Town to Sai Wan Ho.

What to see

Horse Racing

Horse Racing has been taking place at Happy Valley racetrack since 1846. Happy Valley is particularly impressive during the evening meets with the surrounding skyscrapers lit up.

View

Central Plaza can be seen from all of Wan Chai. It is actually possible to tell the time by the changing lights on the top of this building. During business hours, you can take the lift from the ground floor to the sky lobby on the 46th floor to get a spectacular free view of the harbor and the island.

Noon Day Gun

Across from the World Trade Center near Causeway Bay is the historical Noon Day Gun, deemed thus because it is fired off every day at noon. To access the Noon Day Gun, enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Center and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs.

What to do

Victoria Park

Victoria Park is located west of the busy Causeway Bay shopping streets. Take some time to walk through it or to watch people play football on 3 fields. There is also a jogging track through the park. The Victoria Park can be reached by MTR Exit B at Thi Hau station. During the summer months you can use the public open-air pool in Victoria Park.

Central Library

Central Library feels a world apart from the hustle of Causeway Bay where it is located. It sits facing Victoria Park and overlooks the harbor. Lending services are provided to non-residents upon production of either a residents Hong Kong ID card, or a cash deposit. It is well stocked with Western periodicals, as well as free Internet access. Major newspapers from all over the world are available. There are public computer terminals throughout all floors. The working tables with internet access for your laptop start in the 4th floor. Either you bring your own LAN cable or ask one of the clerks on the floor to lend you one. Do not forget to bring a power converter for the power plugs to charge your laptop (visitors from the United Kingdom can use UK plugs in Hong Kong).

Where to go shopping

The main department stores are in Causeway Bay. The biggest of these is Sogo. Nearby is the Times Square shopping mall.