You can’t exactly say you’ve been to Hong Kong if you haven’t stopped by Victoria Harbour. This fascinating attraction is a natural and strategic bay that separates Hong Kong Island from mainland Hong Kong off the coast of the Kowloon peninsula. Throughout the history of Hong Kong, it has played an important role from the time Britain colonized the land. Though quite narrow, the waters are deep enough for large ships to deliver their cargo. Today it still serves as an important trade facility but it has also become a top tourist destination as well. There are a number of things to do here, including being mesmerized by the beautiful and iconic city skyline. Should you find yourself in the city, here’s a guide to Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong.
Things to do / Highlights
Avenue of Stars
Located outside the New World Center in Tsim Sha Tsui, the Avenue of Stars is the latest addition to the attractions you can spot in Victoria Harbour. It’s patterned from the Hollywood Walk of Fame but instead pays tribute to the filmmakers, actors and actresses the Hong Kong industry is proud to have produced. Some household names include legends like Jackie Chan, Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Michelle Yeoh.
A Symphony of Lights
Another attraction Hong Kong is proud to present is the lights show, A Symphony of Lights. Watch as the iconic Hong Kong skyline turns into the Guinness-approved biggest lights and sounds show that’s deemed permanent in the whole world. There are five themes presented during the show, namely Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and Celebration, all showing the energy and spirit of Hong Kong. A number of buildings on Hong Kong Island participate in this spectacle. You can best enjoy this from Tsim Sha Tsui or aboard a ferry out in the bay.
Star Ferry Cruise
One of the best ways to experience Victoria Harbour is by boarding one of the TST Star Ferry Cruises and it will conveniently take you across the bay. Though you can board during the day, the best time to do so is at night so you can see a panoramic view of the beautiful Hong Kong skyline. If you’re lucky, you can even witness A Symphony of Lights from the best seat in the house. The tickets are relatively cheap; with less than 1 USD you can board the ferry. There are two terminals, depending on which side you’ll be boarding. If you’re coming from Hong Kong Island, board the ferry at Central or Wan Chai. If you’re coming from Kowloon, board the ferry at Tsim Sha Tsui by the Clock Tower and Harbour City Shopping Mall.
Tsim Sha Tsui
Enjoy an afternoon of shopping at Tsim Sha Tsui. The area is home to Harbour City Shopping Mall and various shopping stalls. You can also check out the two museums in the area, which are Space Museum and Museum of Art and get lost in knowledge and wonder. It’s right next to Avenue of Stars so you won’t miss it. Tsim Sha Tsui also hosts a number of restaurants and eating places. This is the best place to start your day at Victoria Harbour.
Traveler's tips
Tsim Sha Tsui is a uniquely different landscape as nighttime rolls in. Based on my experience there, the district comes to life every evening with not just a show of lights from the buildings but also a few folks who find joy in entertaining locals and tourists. Take these living statue performers, as an example!
What to eat
There are several restaurants and food stalls around Victoria Harbour. It all depends on which side you will be coming from. In Tsim Sha Tsui, there are multiple restaurants at Harbour City Shopping Mall alone. If you walk down a bit to Nathan Road, you will find some quality gourmet burgers at Tsim Sha Tsui Butchers Club Burger. There are also options for Michelin-starred dim sum like Lung King Heen or Lei Garden. We recommend maximizing your Hong Kong experience by trying authentic Cantonese food while you’re visiting. On the other side of the bay at Central pier, there are also a number of street food and restaurant options for your hunger cravings to check out.
How to get there
Going around Hong Kong is fairly easy. Their MTR makes life much more convenient for locals and tourists alike. A great tourist tip would be for you to get an Octopus card which allows you access on all lines of the MTR. You simply reload your card at the station should your balance be insufficient. Getting to Victoria Harbour is quite easy because it has three ports of entry, depending on which side of Hong Kong you’ll be coming from.
Getting to Tsim Sha Tsui
To get to Tsim Sha Tsui, there are two MTR lines you can board, depending on your location. The first one is Tsuen Wan Line and your destination should be at Tsim Sha Tsui station. Alternatively, you can take West Rail Line and your stop would be at East Tsim Sha Tsui. Of course, you can also take the Star Ferry coming from Hong Kong Island. You can board the ferry at Central Pier or Wan Chai Pier for less than 1 USD.
Getting to Central
Four MTR lines interchange at Central Pier. If you’re taking the Airport Express or the Tung Chung Line, you get off at Hong Kong Station, which is the last station of both lines. If you take the Tsuen Wan Line that’s coming from Kowloon, you can get off at Central Station. The Island Line will also pass Central Station. You can also reach Central Pier by boarding the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui.
Getting to Wan Chai
Only one MTR line passes Wan Chai Station and that is the Island Line. You can take a ride from either Tsuen Wan Line or South Island Line and get off at the interchange of Island Line at either Central or Admiralty Stations. If you’re coming from Kowloon and prefer to take the Star Ferry, you can board this from Tsim Sha Tsui.
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Victoria Harbour information
Victoria Harbour
Address: Between Hong Kong Island and Hong Kong mainland (Kowloon)
Official Website: Victoria Harbour
Department of Tourism: Discover Hong Kong
Star Ferry Harbour Tour - Klook
History
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