Hong Kong Citywalk Guide: Measuring the East with Your Steps
Hong Kong, where skyscrapers and everyday life intertwine, and Eastern and Western cultures collide and blend. **Citywalk is the best way to unlock its soul**—around every corner, you'll find century-old shops, artistic graffiti, and mountain and sea views. This guide will help you start an unforgettable walking journey in Hong Kong!
1. Recommended Routes: A Walk Through Time
Central and Sheung Wan - Colonial History and Artistic Revival (Half-day to 1 day)
Start: Central Pier (enjoy Victoria Harbour) → Duddell Street (gas lamps, vintage Starbucks) → Fringe Club (art space) → Tai Kwun (former police headquarters, super cool historic complex) → Ladder Street (filming location of "Chungking Express") → Man Mo Temple (bustling with incense) →
End: West Kowloon City (Edwardian-style architecture) or take the Mid-Levels Escalator to continue exploring Highlights: colonial buildings, artistic atmosphere, old Hong Kong vibes, dense popular photo spots.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes! Central has a lot of ups and downs. Tai Kwun and PMQ often have exhibitions, check in advance.
Route 2: Sham Shui Po - Authentic Local Life and Artisan Spirit (Half-day)
Start: Sham Shui Po MTR Station → Apliu Street (electronics, second-hand treasure hunting heaven)** → Fuk Wing Street/Fuk Wa Street (toy street, model paradise) → Ki Lung Street (fabric market, colorful) → Sun Heung Yuen (Kan Kee) (famous egg and beef sandwich) → **End: Garden Hill (climb at dusk for a view of the local neighborhood at night)
Highlights: the most authentic old Hong Kong life, nostalgic feelings, affordable food, unique markets.
Tip: Experience the lively atmosphere, keep your belongings safe. Garden Hill takes about 15 minutes to climb.
Route 3: Yau Tsim Mong - Neon Lights and Culinary Feast (Evening to Night)
Start: Yau Ma Tei MTR Station → Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple (traditional temple) → Temple Street Night Market (experience the local night club, fortune telling, snacks, small goods) → Stroll along Nathan Road (feel the charm of neon signs) → Australia Dairy Company (steamed milk pudding, scrambled egg toast)** → End: Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade (Symphony of Lights show at 8 PM every night) or K11 Musea (art shopping mall)**
Highlights: iconic neon signs, night market culture, classic Hong Kong cuisine, Victoria Harbour night view.
Tip: Temple Street Night Market gets livelier as the night goes on. The light show can be viewed from the Star Ferry or the waterfront.
Route 4: Western District - Artistic Seaside and Romantic Sunset (Half-day, ideal for afternoon)
Start: HKU MTR Station (can visit HKU campus) → Western District Public Cargo Working Area (nostalgic wooden pier, photo hotspot) → Walk along Western District Promenade → Artlane (colorful mural district) → Kennedy Town Waterfront %Arabica (seaside coffee shop) → End: New Kennedy Town Waterfront (watch the sunset, enjoy the western Victoria Harbour view)**
Highlights: stunning sea views, artistic and fresh vibe, popular photo spots, romantic sunset.
Tip: Check sunset time and arrive early. Be cautious by the sea, avoid risky climbing.
Route 5: Sai Kung
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2. Citywalk Essential Tips
1. Comfort First: Absolutely bring a pair of super comfortable, well-broken-in sneakers/walking shoes! Hong Kong has many slopes and footbridges; walking 10,000 steps a day is normal.
2. Transportation Tools: Alipay Travel, Octopus Card: usable on MTR, buses, Star Ferry, convenience stores, very convenient. Mobile payments (Alipay/WeChat Pay/AlipayHK) are widely accepted in most shops and transport.
3. Navigation Helper: Google Maps works very well in Hong Kong. Use MTR Mobile App to check subway routes and times. Download offline maps in advance for extra security.
4. Network Worries Solved: Buy a local SIM card (available at airport, convenience stores) or activate international roaming/data packages. Many malls and cafes offer free WiFi.
5. Cash Backup: Although electronic payments are popular, some old-style cha chaan tengs, street markets, and taxis still only accept cash. It’s recommended to carry a small amount of HKD (500-1000 is enough).
6. Weather Preparedness
Summer (May-Sept): hot, humid, and rainy; bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, umbrella/light raincoat, small fan, and towel; stay hydrated.
Winter (Dec-Feb): relatively cool and dry; a light jacket is enough.
7. Respect Local Customs: Keep volume down in public places, queue orderly, no eating or drinking indoors (especially in MTR trains), sort or carry your trash with you (few street bins).
8. Safety Tips: Hong Kong is safe, but be mindful of your belongings in crowded places (especially night markets). Follow traffic rules and watch the lights when crossing streets.
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3. The Soulmate of Citywalk - Local Food Exploration**
Eat as you walk: fish balls, shark fin soup in a bowl, egg waffles, grid cakes, pan-fried stuffed three treasures, luxury ice cream trucks.
Cha chaan teng classics: silk stocking milk tea, pineapple bun, egg tart, French toast, wonton noodles, dry-fried beef ho fun, various rice plates. Recommended to try: Lan Fong Yuen, Wah So Ice Room, Australia Dairy Company, Sing Heung Yuen, etc. (be prepared to queue).
Roast meat charm: char siu, roast goose, soy sauce chicken rice, commonly found on the street, aromatic and tempting.
Sweet soup comfort: when tired, have a bowl of mango pomelo sago, black sesame soup, or red bean soup for a refreshing break.
Let’s go! Hong Kong’s excitement is hidden in the crisscrossing streets, steaming street stalls, and the sea breeze around every corner. Put down the guide’s constraints, turn into alleys that catch your interest, measure with your steps, and discover your own Hong Kong story with your heart. "Walk until you drop" is a badge of honor for experiencing this city! Wishing you a Citywalk journey in Hong Kong full of surprises!
After strolling around Central, I took the Mid-Levels escalator to Tai Kwun, a more representative attraction in Hong Kong. It was once the headquarters of the Hong Kong Police and the police station of the Central Police District. After renovation, it now mainly consists of a museum, exhibition hall and restaurant. There are many people from all over the world coming and going in the Review Square, and many tired tourists take a rest here. I sat here for a while, but I didn’t have time to take a closer look. I will appreciate it slowly next time when I have time.
Immerse in the arts vibe at the once prison and police headquarters of Hong Kong. Brave through the years of history, the heritage building sits well with lots of cafes and artisanal stores in it. Great for an afternoon of exploring!
now become art center and relaxing place with maintaining old jail design and small museum of story for this building, such a nice place to chill
Opening hours of the Pavilion - "10:00-23:00. Monuments and Museum of Art, the complex includes three statutory monuments - "Former Central Police Office, Central Magistracy Office, Dolly Prison. Free visit. It is recommended to stay here for at least half a day. Address - "No. 10 Hollywood Road, Central. Metro - "Central D1
The Central Police Station complex in Hong Kong is a statutory monument in Hong Kong, offering a range of historical relics, contemporary art exhibitions, performances and cultural and entertainment activities. It includes the former Central Police Station, the former Central Magistrates' Court and Victoria Prison. Walking into Tai Kwun, you will see architectural landmarks such as red brick walls, granite carvings and giant columns. This 160-year-old Central Police Station complex is both a monument and an art district. You may want to visit it when you are in Hong Kong.
The Old Central District Police Department of Hong Kong, formerly known as the Central Police Department, also known as the Pavilion, was once the police headquarters of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Central Police District. Located in Holly Road, Central, it has just been repaired and opened. The old Central District Police Department was established in 1864. In 2005, the Central District Police Department officially relocated to a new site, which was jointly located with the former Hong Kong Central Magistrate's Office and the Dolly Prison, and developed into a historical and cultural tourist area with free visits.
Hong Kong is really good at marketing. A new tourist attraction has given the public a lot of historical atmosphere in the past and the old times. Photos have also taken wide-angle shots of prisoners'cells, which make people want to visit the scene personally, but yesterday they went to the scene and found that it was "photo fraud" at all, and it was really a feeling of being deceived.