Central neighbourhood, Hong Kong
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Central - by peter verhelst from Pixabay
Description
Central is Hong Kong's primary business district. The area has served as the centre of trade and financial activities from the earliest days of the British colonial era in 1841 and following the establishment of Victoria City, which is why many of the older colonial buildings are located there. The shoreline expanded over time through reclamation projects and the eastern part of Central district has been known as Admiralty since the completion of the Admiralty MTR station in the early 80's and hosts many government / administrative buildings. Landmarks that should be on visitors' list include Statue Square (square surrounded by the HSBC headquarters and the Legislative Council), City Hall (also well-known for its dim sum restaurant), Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, Chater Gardens, the Bank of China building (designed by I.M. Pei) and the Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Mid-levels.
Access & Transport
The neighbourhood is located on the north shore of Hong Kong Island, across Victoria Harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui. It is extremely well connected to public transport with 3 MTR lines (Tung Chung, Island and Tsuen Wan) and the Airport Express serving the area through the Hong Kong and Central MTR stations. It is also accessible from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront with the Star Ferry to Central Piers and by tram.
Instructions & Recommendations
Visitors are bound to go through Central on their way to other parts of the city so it is a good starting point which can be coupled with a walk-up Victoria Peak or a visit to Tai Kwun Center and/or Man Mo Temple. One should also appreciate Central skyline at night - and that is best done from the Kowloon side or during a harbour cruise.
Environmental & Social
Urban concrete neighbourhoods are never the most environment friendly, by their very nature (high concentration of mercantile activities, little green spaces). The local residents have been priced out a long time ago and, in fact, the area was always more geared towards foreigners.
Conclusion
Central deserves to be near the top of any first-time visitor's list, not because there is one unmissable sight but because it represents so much of the city's evolution since the 19th century. If you are looking for the true character of the city from a local perspective however, the area is far from representative, and you are best headed to the Kowloon side. It is crowded, even a bit messy, but really diverse and very Hong Kong! Whilst you are there, make sure you visit some of the key nearby attractions and the Sheung Wan and/or SoHo neighbourhoods as well.
Key positive
Several cultural sights and interesting skyscrapers are located there
The area is well served by public transport
Some good dining options
Key negative
Can feel quite crowded and even a bit messy
No spectacular stand-out monument, which is unusual for a city so well-known internationally
Suitability
Suitable for all ages. The stairs and elevated walkways may make it a bit difficult to navigate for some, in particular visitors with reduced mobility, but most places should be within reach.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 25m
est. visit time:3h
Sunrise / early morningNo
MorningOk
Lunch timeOk
AfternoonOk
Sunset / eveningOk
Night – bef. midnightOk
Night – aft. midnightNo