What You'll See in Hong Kong's Areas

A good city guide can be very helpful in understanding Hong Kong's various areas. Since the city has both Chinese and British influences, you'll find a lot of diversity in the different areas.

Hong Kong climate is a good one and the weather is warm all year. Though Hong Kong is highly urbanized, it has maintained a good environmental record with a large area reserved for parks and recreation zones. Each of the various areas has a lot to offer to visitors and can serve as a good introduction for anyone who wishes to understand China better. You will be able to experience history and culture in unique ways, no matter which of the areas you decide to spend time in.

The Hong Kong SAR comprises three main regions: Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. But in this article we will divide its into four regions Hong Kong Island, Kowloon, the New Territories, and the Outlying Islands.


Hong Kong Island

Most of the tourist attractions are located on Hong Kong Island. The main business and financial center is found on the island, and you'll find most of the best shopping here. It is also home to the finest hotels and dining. The island is further divided into Central & Western, Wan Chai, Eastern and Southern districts. Some of the oldest parts of the city are located in the Central & Western districts. The Lan Kwai Fong and Soho neighborhoods are the best places for dining, visiting nightclubs, and seeing art galleries. Also, the Central and Wan Chai districts are the financial heart of the city. The Eastern District is home to good fish restaurants and a racecourse. The Southern District has good beaches and excellent views.


Kowloon

Another busy place is Kowloon. This area has the biggest population in Hong Kong. Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Ma Tei and Mongkok are very popular among tourists. You will find the famous street markets in Mongkok and Yau Ma Tei, and many shopping malls throughout Kowloon. Don't miss a chance to visit the themed museums, including the art, history, space and science museums. The waterfront area of Tsim Sha Tsui is a very popular place, where you will see a promenade devoted to local movie stars. It is the excellent place to start your exploration of Kowloon. The Hong Kong Museum of Art, located nearby, is a nice place for anyone who would wish to catch a glimpse of the rich Chinese culture.


New Territories

The nearby New Territories have an assortment of parks, as well as several towns that have dense populations. In the past, the New Territories constituted just a peaceful countryside that had duck farms, old villages and fields. Today the region has become the answer to the growing population of Hong Kong. It occupies a major part of Hong Kong's territory from the Boundary Street of Kowloon on the south till the Sham Chun River on the north, which is the border between Hong Kong and Mainland China. Also, it comprises over 200 Outlying Islands. Several temples are in the area, including the famous 10,000 Buddhas temple.


Outlying Islands

The islands are an important part of Hong Kong and are listed in any area guide. Lantau is the largest island, and is famous for both beaches and mountains that draw in a lot of visitors. Some of the key attractions include a Disneyland theme park and Po Lin monastery that is accessed via cable car on this island. Also, this island is home to the famous Tian Tan Giant Buddha Statue. The Outlying Islands are diverse, ranging from uninhabited, rocky islands to larger islands that are well-populated. You're very likely to see fishermen at work, using traditional fishing methods. The local island restaurants offer some of the best seafood you'll ever try. Also, there are several beaches that have interesting rock formations.