L'île de Hong Kong
Hong Kong Island alone has a population of around 1,300,000. Each district on the island has its own character. Hong Kong Islanders are among the wealthiest in the territory. A ride on a double-decker streetcar from Kennedy Town (in the west) to Shau Kei Wan (in the east) provides an excellent overview of the different lifestyles and unique atmosphere of each district. The city center is concentrated on a thin strip of land stretching along the north coast of the island (from the Western District to North Point).
Peak Victoria 山頂, Western 西區 & Sheung Wan上環
Victoria Peak. Dominating Hong Kong Island at an altitude of 552 metres, Victoria Peak offers the most spectacular view of the city, the bay and the mountains of the New Territories. Accessible by the Peak Tram, the hill is a residential haven for Hong Kong's elite, with luxurious mansions surrounded by vegetation. Magnificent footpaths such as Lugard Road offer breathtaking panoramic views.
Western (Kennedy Town and Sai Ying Pun). To the west, Kennedy Town combines a peaceful residential ambience with an evolving spirit. Its checkerboard streets are home to modern cafés, international restaurants and a charming waterfront where locals enjoy evening strolls. More authentic, Sai Ying Pun reveals a traditional Hong Kong. Here, herbalist shops line up dried fish, swallows' nests and other exotic ingredients, typical of Chinese medicine. Local markets and sloping streets, punctuated by cafés and an outdoor escalator, add a lively, local atmosphere.
Sheung Wan. At the crossroads of Sai Ying Pun, Soho and Central, this is one of Hong Kong's most fascinating districts, where tradition and modernity blend harmoniously. The Man Mo Temple, dedicated to the gods of Literature and War, is an emblematic site, permeated by the scent of incense, offering a spiritual interlude in the heart of the skyscrapers. Surrounding streets such as Hollywood Road and Bonham Strand are packed with antique shops, herbalists and traditional Chinese medicine boutiques, while Tai Ping Shan Street, PMQ and Aberdeen reveal a vibrant contemporary scene, with local designers, galleries and trendy cafés. Restaurants, bars and cafés are around every corner. Alongside the hustle and bustle, Sheung Wan is also packed with quiet spots such as the charming Wing Lee Street.
Admiralty 金鐘, Central中環 & Soho 蘇豪
Admiralty is the business heart of Hong Kong, with its futuristic skyscrapers and iconic buildings dominating Queensway and Harcourt Road, where traffic is relentless. This district, punctuated by the activity of major companies and government institutions, embodies the city's dynamism. At lunchtime, a tide of white-collar workers invades the walkways and shopping malls like Pacific Place, looking for a quick meal or a break with colleagues. To escape this hustle and bustle, Hong Kong Park, nestled high above the city, offers a haven of peace with its lush gardens and shady paths, in pleasant contrast to the surrounding hustle and bustle.
Central. A natural extension of Admiralty, Central lives up to its name: it's the nerve center of the island and of the whole of Hong Kong. This district embodies everything: luxury shopping, high-rise business towers, world-famous restaurants and vibrant nightlife. The bars and clubs of Lan Kwai Fong (LKF) attract a cosmopolitan crowd every evening, while the street markets and small traditional restaurants are a reminder of the city's authenticity. Contrasts are omnipresent: behind the ultra-modern facades of skyscrapers, historic alleyways are home to vibrant local life. Central is the very essence of Hong Kong, a blend of elegance, tradition and urban dynamism.
SoHo, a contraction of South of Hollywood Road, is one of Hong Kong's liveliest and trendiest districts. Crossed by the famous Mid-Levels Escalators, it stretches between Central and Caine Road, on the edge of the chic Mid-Levels residences. This district is a paradise for gourmets and night owls, with a host of international restaurants, hidden cocktail bars and festive clubs. Peel Street, with its steep incline, becomes the meeting point for young expatriates and locals from Friday evening onwards, bustling until late at night. SoHo is also a hotbed of creativity, with art galleries, designer boutiques and trendy cafés. A dynamic district where you can stroll at any hour of the day or night
Wan Chai灣仔, Causeway Bay銅鑼灣 & Happy Valley跑馬地
Wan Chai is a neighborhood steeped in history, where past and present blend harmoniously. Behind the blue and yellow houses, you'll find a network of alleyways where old garages rub shoulders with tattoo parlors, trendy cafés and lively restaurants, notably around Kennedy Street. Further afield, the Wan Chai Market, nestled between Queen's Road East and Johnston Road, embodies the authenticity of the district with its colorful stalls and local produce. On Queen's Road East, a small square shaded by tall trees leads to a charming pedestrian area, made up of Sun Street, Moon Street and Star Street. These alleyways abound with restaurants, designer cafés, art galleries and original boutiques, offering an intimate, peaceful setting away from the hustle and bustle of the center. Once famous for its sailors and bars, Wan Chai inspired the world of fictional character Suzie Wong, symbol of a nostalgic Hong Kong. Even today, the district remains colorful and lively at night, with its many bars and clubs.
Causeway Bay is a shopper's paradise, with the largest number of shopping malls and luxury department stores per square metre. Times Square, SOGO, Hysan Place and Lee Gardens are among the most emblematic. While the hustle and bustle peaks at weekends, this district is also renowned for its hidden restaurants on the upper floors, where you can sample a wide variety of world cuisines. Not far from this hustle and bustle, Victoria Park is an oasis of greenery. Ideal for a break among the trees or a stroll, this park is also a popular gathering place, especially for events such as Chinese New Year. The nearby harbor, equipped with a typhoon shelter, is home to junks, sampans and yachts, offering a soothing contrast to the vibrant neon of the neighborhood.
Happy Valley. Located away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Happy Valley is a residential area prized for its peaceful surroundings and quality of life. Although it is not served by the metro, it is easily accessible by bus, streetcar or on foot from Causeway Bay. The neighborhood is particularly attractive to families and expatriates, thanks in particular to its proximity to the Lycée Français International. Happy Valley is best known for its legendary racecourse, where Wednesday night horse racing attracts enthusiastic crowds in a friendly, festive atmosphere. Apart from these spectacular evenings, the racecourse is transformed into a vast sports complex, with soccer pitches and athletics tracks much appreciated by the locals.
Le Sud
While Hong Kong's coastal strip is an urban area of dizzying density, the center and south of the island reveal a completely different face, with magnificent countryside landscapes that have remained untouched. A 40-minute bus ride is all it takes to reach these peaceful regions, where nature offers a striking contrast to the urban jungle of Central.
Deep Water Bay and Repulse Bay are the epitome of elegance and tranquility. These prestigious residences, bordered by golden sandy beaches, are popular with families and those seeking peace and quiet. Bathing in their clear waters or simply strolling along the shoreline offers a true moment of escape, far from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Stanley, a former Chinese village colonized by the British, stands at the southern end of the island. This charming little town is best known for its craft market, where you can pick up souvenirs. Its waterfront is dotted with restaurants and terraces, inviting you to enjoy long, sunny lunches lulled by the sound of the waves.
Aberdeen, meanwhile, is famous for its iconic floating restaurants and the traditional sampans that ply the bay. Once a major industrial port, the city has evolved, giving way to modern residences while retaining some of its authenticity. The surrounding beaches, the Ocean Park amusement park and the unique atmosphere of the sampans make Aberdeen a must-see destination in the south of the island.
Shek O. At the eastern end of the island, Shek O remains an unspoilt gem, spared the real estate frenzy that is transforming the rest of Hong Kong. Its traditional coastal village atmosphere appeals to locals and visitors alike.
Big Wave Bay, known as the island's most beautiful beach, offers a spectacular setting, with its breathtaking views over the South China Sea. This spot is also a surfer's paradise, attracted by its consistent waves. But Big Wave Bay is more than just a seaside destination: it's an exclusive village, inhabited by 22 of Hong Kong's wealthiest families, where access to property is strictly controlled, making it a rare and elitist enclave.
La péninsule de Kowloon
More industrial and more Chinese, the Kowloon peninsula contrasts sharply with the glittering Hong Kong Island. Tsim Sha Tsui is home to a concentration of hotels of all categories, including the luxurious Peninsula and Rosewood. On Nathan Road, the epinal image of Hong Kong comes to life with its neon-lit streets boasting electronic boutiques, fashion stores and popular restaurants. Here, the city's energy seems inexhaustible. Unlike the island's hills, Kowloon stretches as far as the eye can see, beyond Boundary Street to New Kowloon. Since the closure of Kai Tak airport in the late 1990s, buildings have been rising steadily, dominated by the ICC, Hong Kong's tallest tower (484 m). Kowloon is constantly evolving: the West Kowloon Cultural District, the latest district to emerge, offers a modern setting with museums, a park and a seafront promenade.
Tsim Sha Tsui 尖沙咀 & Hung Hom 紅磡
Tsim Sha Tsui, located at the southern tip of the Kowloon peninsula, is one of Hong Kong's most vibrant and eclectic districts. From the waterfront promenade, the view of Hong Kong Island's glittering skyscrapers, backed by Victoria Peak, is simply unforgettable, an iconic sight in the city. But TST, as it's known locally, offers much more than spectacular views. This district is bustling with activity, with countless luxury and electronics boutiques, tailors, shopping malls and restaurants. The streets, always bustling with activity, reveal a fascinating mix of cultures and atmospheres, where the sumptuous rub shoulders with the modest. TST's British heritage lives on in the legendary Peninsula Hotel, built in 1928, and the high-quality museums that dot the area, such as the Hong Kong Museum of Art and M+. It's also a unique multicultural crossroads. The famous Chungking Mansions building embodies this diversity, welcoming a mosaic of residents and visitors from India, the Philippines, Africa and Europe. This melting pot is reflected in the district's culinary richness, where local gargotes rub shoulders with Michelin-starred restaurants. TST is also a great place to stay in Hong Kong, with an impressive range of accommodation from designer 5-star hotels to affordable guesthouses, often cheaper than on Hong Kong Island. Both chaotic and cosmopolitan, this district is a perfect immersion in Hong Kong's overflowing energy.
Hung Hom. Less touristy and quieter, Hung Hom is home to several quality hotels at attractive prices. This peaceful district, well connected to the rest of Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, is ideal for those seeking a good compromise between comfort and tranquility.
Yau Ma Tei 油麻地 & Mong Kok 旺角
Yau Ma Tei, just north of Tsim Sha Tsui, is a district deeply rooted in Hong Kong's history. A former seaside fishing village, it owes its name, meaning "place of oil and hemp", to craft activities linked to boats. Today, although land reclamation has moved it away from the coast, this district remains resolutely Chinese, with its specialized streets where each trade has its own space: iron utensils, building materials, medicinal products or even wedding dresses. The lively and authentic Reclamation Street market is a testament to local life, with its stalls of fresh produce. Not far away, Temple Street lights up every evening with its night market, a must-see place where souvenirs, trinkets and local dishes mingle in a unique atmosphere. The nearby jade market is fascinatingly rich, although caution is advised before making any purchases. Finally, the Tin Hau temple, dedicated to the patron goddess of sailors, evokes the district's maritime past.
Mong Kok, to the north of Yau Ma Tei, is one of the most densely populated districts in the world, with 18,000 inhabitants per km². Once reputed to be a "lawless" territory and a stronghold of infamous triads such as the 14K, Mong Kok has managed to reinvent itself while retaining a vibrancy that reflects the soul of Hong Kong. Today, this district is a veritable labyrinth of markets, lively alleyways and specialized shops. The famous Ladies' Market on Tung Choi Street attracts visitors in search of clothes, accessories and souvenirs at negotiable prices, while Fa Yuen Street, right next door, is a sports lover's paradise. Further north, the Goldfish Market, followed by the Flower Market, dazzles with color and vitality, especially during Chinese New Year. The Bird Market, on Yuen Po Street, is a unique place where bird lovers gather to buy finely carved cages and accessories or simply admire the birds. Exiting through the Bird Market garden, Boundary Street marks the historic border between Kowloon and the New Territories, recalling the district's colonial history.
New Kowloon 新九龙
New Kowloon, or "New Kowloon", stretches north from Boundary Street to iconic hills such as Lion Rock, Beacon Hill and Kowloon Peak. Although technically part of the New Territories, this area is often seen as a natural extension of the Kowloon peninsula. It encompasses several diverse districts, including Wong Tai Sin, Kwun Tong, as well as parts of Sham Shui Po and Kowloon City. The area is a fascinating mix of residential, industrial and historical zones. Wong Tai Sin, famous for its Taoist temple, attracts devotees and curious visitors alike, while Kwun Tong, a former industrial stronghold, is gradually being transformed into a modern hub of offices and creative spaces. Sham Shui Po, with its bustling markets and electronic gadget stores, remains deeply rooted in tradition, as does Kowloon City, which preserves the memory of the old walled city, the Kowloon Walled City.
Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon peninsula form the two most emblematic faces of the Hong Kong metropolis. Each has its own identity, blending urban dynamism, Chinese traditions and international influence. From glittering Central to the bustling markets of Kowloon, each district reveals a unique facet of this fascinating territory.
