The Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong gives a tough competition to the city’s many skyscrapers in capturing the tourist interest. Once a famous trading stop connecting the world to the city, the Victoria Harbour even today is the nucleus of action in Hong Kong. The sweeping views of the city from the harbour combine with world-class shows and attractions lure tourists and locals towards this famous entertainment area in the city. Here’s what you can’t miss at the harbour:
A Symphony of Lights
Also called SoL locally, the Symphony of Light is around 10-minutes long music and light extravaganza that illuminates the city’s skyline every night at 8pm. Using 42 neighbouring buildings, a soul-pleasing rendition by the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra and an array of searchlights, lasers, LED screens, SoL converts Hong Kong’s skyline into a canvas that is then used to create a grand spectacle. Your best bet at securing a good view of the show lies with the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, the Avenue of Stars as well as with a ferry out at the sea.
Avenue of Stars
Hong Kong holds the reputation as the ‘Hollywood of the East’, and the Avenue of Stars is an important symbol in propelling the image. Honouring legends from the Hong Kong film industry, the structure is modelled after the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Over hundred famous celebrities have plaques dedicated to them at the Avenue of Stars, including international sensation Jacky Chan. This world-famous statue is the craftsmanship of renowned landscape architect James Corner amongst other artists. Getting a picture clicked with the Avenue of Stars, with the Victoria Harbour shining in the backdrop is ‘Instagram-goals’ for many.
The Peak
There’s nothing like getting to the Peak and soaking in breathtaking vistas over the Victoria Harbour. A coveted neighbourhood ever since the colonial times, the Peak also serves visitors with the best views of Hong Kong’s famous skyscrapers and the verdant New Territories in the distance. To reach to the top, one has to take the Peak Tram that has been serving the city since 1888. As the day turns into the night, see the city come alive from the Peak like nowhere else from the city is possible.
Star Ferry
Boarding one of the Star Ferries to Kowloon has become a ritual that tourists don’t seem to want to break from. It is no wonder then that National Geographic has listed the Star Ferry as one of 50 ‘places of a lifetime’. While Kowloon has no dearth of exciting attractions of its own, the trip to the area is usually preferred by those looking to enjoy spectacular views over the harbour. The ferry gives you a unique chance of seeing the harbour up-and-close as well as of taking beautiful pictures.
Hong Kong Observation Wheel
The most stylish and exciting way to take in the vistas of the harbour is to book a gondola on the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. Forty-two luxurious gondolas make a slow rotation around the wheel and remain suspended in the air, up to the height of 60 metres. As you enjoy your slow ride, the views of giant skyscrapers, the blue harbour and the bustling city below keep you busy and awe-struck.