Travel Through Time

Like the city that surrounds it, the Edwardian-style Western Market has seen many transformations. It was built in 1906 to house Hong Kong’s Harbour Office and became a food market for some time before closing in 1988. Two years later it was preserved as a Declared Monument, renovated and then re-opened in 1991 with themed shops. Next to it is a compass-like piazza named Sheung Wan Fong, which is a good spot from which to set off on your discovery voyage around the surrounding Sheung Wan area.

Wing Lok Street and Bonham Strand West are lined with specialty shops selling such traditional Chinese medicine favourites as ginseng and bird’s nest. At the end of Wing Lok Street, turn left onto Des Voeux Road West to what's commonly referred to as Dried Seafood Street and discover rare and expensive varieties of exotic dried seafood gathered from around the world. Continue along Des Voeux Road West and turn left onto Ko Shing Street. This is the wholesale centre of Hong Kong’s thriving herbal medicine trade, renowned for its wide selection of herbal medicine shops with highly knowledgeable staff. Keep in mind that most of these shops will be closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Hollywood Road, which links Sheung Wan with Central, and the nearby Upper Lascar Row (often referred to as Cat Street) are best known for their curio and antiques shops. Sellers are happy to assist buyers in transporting large items internationally.

One of the first traditional-style temples built during Hong Kong’s colonial era, the Man Mo Temple pays homage to the Taoist God of Literature (Man) and God of War (Mo). The temple also houses statues of Pau Kung, God of Justice, and Shing Wong, God of the City. The plaques near the entrance offer an interesting perspective on the history of the temple and its gods. The Man Mo Temple’s historical relics include a bronze bell dating back to 1847 and imperial sedan chairs made in 1862. It was preserved as a Declared Monument in 2010.

The lively little dining spot of SoHo takes its name from its location, which is south of Hollywood Road. The entire area is made up of Shelley Street, Elgin Street, Peel Street, Staunton Street and Old Bailey Street. It has an appealing mix of creative shops, funky bars and hip restaurants serving up a huge range of international cuisine, including Nepalese, Italian, Dutch, Spanish, Mexican, Chinese and East-West fusion.

When the lights go down in Hong Kong, the ‘in crowd’ heads to Lan Kwai Fong, a buzzing hub of clubs, bars and restaurants, and an absolute must for night owls and people watchers.

These wide stone steps connect Ice House Street with Duddell Street and Queen’s Road Central. The old-style lamps at the head and feet of the steps were built between 1875 and 1889, and are the only four original gas lamps remaining in Hong Kong.

The Court of Final Appeal was opened by Governor Lugard in 1912 and was home to the Supreme Court until 1985 when it was converted into the Former Legislative Council. This Neoclassical two-storey granite structure is not currently open to the public.

The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, located at Central Pier 8, tells the rich story of the connection between the people of Hong Kong and the sea through exhibits, interactive displays, presentations and tours. With more than 2,000 years of seafaring history, there is something for everyone.