World City Guide

Further Distractions

Star Ferry
The green and white, or heavily branded, tub-shaped ferries are a familiar sight around Hong Kong and, as such, a symbol of the city. Far more important, however, is the fact that their decks give one of the best available views, day or night, of the waterfronts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon – not to mention the plethora of ocean traffic surging through the shipping lanes. The boats themselves are cast-iron veterans to delight schoolboys of all ages.

Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Hung Hom Star Ferry terminals
Tel: 2367 7065 (booking line 2118 6203). Fax: 2118 6028.
E-mail: sf@starferry.com.hk
Website: www.starferry.com.hk
Transport: Star Ferry docks are termini for bus and minibus routes, a short walk from MTR stations.
Operating hours: Daily 0630-2330.
Admission: HK$1.70 (lower deck); HK$2.10 (upper deck); concessions available.

Mid-Levels Escalator
Not just any escalator, the Mid-Levels Escalator is the world’s longest at 800m (2,622ft) and was built as a commuter aid for this wealthy residential hillside. The city fathers reportedly balked at the cost of twin stairways, so there is only one escalator, running downhill in the morning and uphill thereafter, until midnight. It gives a fine (and free) view of the streets of fashionable Soho and is a great venue for people-watching by passengers and café patrons alike.

Central Market (corner of Queens Road and Jubilee Street) to Conduit Road
Transport: Bus or minibus to Queen’s Road.
Operating hours: Daily 0700-1030 (downhill), 1030-2400 (uphill).
Admission: Free.

Noonday Gun
Yes, there still is a noonday gun (as immortalised by Noel Coward) and it is still ceremoniously fired daily at noon. Actually a Hotchkiss three-pounder, the gun is mounted in its own miniature, park-like enclosure overlooking the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter, off Gloucester Road and opposite the Excelsior Hotel. It is reached by an underpass near the World Trade Centre.

Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay
Transport: MTR Causeway Bay, exit D3, then a short walk past World Trade Centre to Excelsior Hotel.
Operating hours: Noon (of course).
Admission: Free.

Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Offering another great view of the spectacular Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island waterfront, this esplanade is where Hong Kong couples go in the evenings, for a romantic backdrop while necking. However, day or night, the view is superb. The colonial-era Clock Tower at the western end of the promenade, by the Star Ferry piers, makes an attractive historic terminus, while Harbour City with the huge cruise liners is another attractive prospect just to the west. Opened in April 2004, and stretching along the promenade, the Avenue of Stars features hand prints and commemorative plaques honouring the greatest stars of Hong Kong’s celebrated film industry.

Star Ferry Terminal to Hung Hom
Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui; Star Ferry to Kowloon.
Opening hours: Daily 24 hours.
Admission: Free.