Hong Kong Attractions
Everybody is familiar with the major attractions in Hong Kong such as Victoria Peak, the Big Buddha, Ocean Park and Stanley Market, but Hong Kong has also many less familiar things to see which help to make your experience of the region a complete one. Here are some of the more off the beaten track items together with a few major ones that are not well appreciated.
Hong Kong Wetland Park - This rarely visited park is located adjoining the ecologically important Mai Po Marshes which host migratory birds every year. The park education centre has a comprehensive set of exhibitions, and good cafe, and is itself an ecologically sound structure with a grassed over roof which is open to the public as a lawn. Inside the park are boardwalks that go out over the marshes and connect various view points including a multi-level "hide" from which can be seen the Mai Po Marshes proper. Easily accessible from Cheung Chau by taking the ferry to Central, walking to Statue Square and then taking Bus 967 which goes all the way to Wetland Park Road.
Sunset Peak - One of the two highest peaks on Lantau Island this destination is one for the serious hiker and can be a half day or whole day hike depending on the starting place. The views from the peak our outstanding and as the name suggests are best appreciated as Sunset, or Sunrise. Take the Inter Island Ferry from Cheung Chau To Mui Wo on Lantau, then head east onto Lantau Trail Section 2, and from there to the South Lantau Road or Trail Section 1.
Mount Austin Road Park - One of the hidden delights of Victoria Peak, this grassy park with children's playground, green lawns, pagodas and fountains is rarely visited by those who take the Peak Tram to the Peak Tower, but in fact it is together with Victoria Park, one of the great outdoor locations on Hong Kong island and surprisingly close to the facilities of the city. A perfect place to have a picnic try stocking up on supplies in The Peak Galleria then walk up the path beside the Peak Cafe, the route is well signposted and will take about 20 minutes walk upward.
Cattle Depot Artist Village - This collection of converted brick buildings is a listed historic site, and once a place for beef cattle to be held on the way to slaughter. Today it is an artists village with over 20 independant hong kong artists working in the small sutdios. From Cheung Chau take the ferry to Central, walk to pier 7 and catch the Star Ferry to TsimshaTsui. From there Take Bus 5 towards Fu Shan and alight at the San Shan Road stop, Walk forward on Ma Tau Chung Road and turn right and walk along Ma Tau Kok Road going east. The cattle depot is signposted from there.
Ten Thousand Buddha Monastery - Not realy a monastery, there are no monks there, and there are more than ten thousand statues of buddhas at this quirky attraction. Take the MTR to Shatin and walk for 15 minutes to this rarely visited attraction. read this guide