Located on the northern coast of Hong Kong Island, Wan Chai is one of the oldest districts with a diversified culture in Hong Kong City. It is a melting pot of old traditions and new things, where you can experience Chinese traditional culture along with Western culture and see historical buildings as well as modern architecture.
World-famous commercial buildings and skyscrapers are located here in Wan Chai, including the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center, Central Plaza, and more. Apart from the modern buildings, there are also historical sites and relics, such as the Old Wan Chai Post Office, Hung Shing Temple, and Pak Tai Temple. Different styles of architecture vividly show the cultural fusion in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Wan Chai Facts
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- Location: on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island
- Opening time: 24 hours (But different attractions may have different operating hours).
- Ticket: Free
- Time Needed: Half a day or a full day
- Best time to visit: All seasons throughout a year, especially at big events or festivals
- Suited to: Shopaholics, food enthusiasts, and those who enjoy nightlife
What is Wan Chai Known for?
Wan Chai has a colorful nightlife and was once known as a red-light district in Hong Kong. Multiple bars and nightclubs stand on Lockhart Road. You can go there in the evening and have a drink, listen to music, or dance at the bar. Besides, you can take a leisurely walk at Wan Chai Waterfront and enjoy the harbourview of Wan Chai. The music performances there create a nostalgic atmosphere, bringing you back to a past Hong Kong.
What to See and Do in Wan Chai
1. Experience the Blue House Cluster
Blue House, as its name implies, is a 4 tier building with blue walls and is a must-go place in your tours of Hong Kong. It exhibits the old objects of daily life, through which you can catch a glimpse of the history and culture of Wan Chai in Hong Kong city.
2. Embark on the Wan Chai Heritage Trail
Take a city walk on Wan Chai Heritage Trail, a 1.5-kilometer lane that was opened in 1993. In your exploration, you can find towers, temples, and other historic buildings that show the imprints of history in Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
3. Enjoy Delicacies in Wan Chai
Wan Chai is heaven for foodies. You can taste local dim sum and milk tea at cha chaan tengt. Besides, you will find many restaurants in Wan Chai, offering a variety of tasty food. Ship kee and Kam’s Roast Goose in Hong Kong’s Wan Chai are two popular restaurants that treat you with Cantonese cuisine. Some restaurants also offer Italian dishes, Japanese cuisine, Thai food, and more; you can choose according to your appetite.
4. Take a Ride on the “Ding Ding” Tram
There is a historic way of transportation in Wan Chai, Hong Kong, that is the “Ding Ding” tram. It allows you to travel through Hong Kong Island and enjoy a good view of the island. There are eastbound and westbound routes, confirm the direction before you board.
5. Shop at Tai Yuen Street and Wan Chai Computer Centre
There is an open-air market on Tai Yuen Street in Wan Chai, where you can buy clothes, toys, or household items at a fair price. If you have kids with you on your tours to Hong Kong, head to this place and buy them a gift.
If you are a tech enthusiast, don’t miss Wan Chai Computer Center. You can find electronic products or computer hardware there and purchase them at a good price.
6. Take a Star Ferry for Sightseeing
In Wan Chai, a Star Ferry is a must-go attraction and a unique type of transportation that carries passengers across the fancy Victory Harbour. You can take a Star Ferry at Wan Chai Ferry Pier in Hong Kong, and the journey takes about 15 minutes. Standing on the weather deck with the wind blowing softly on your face and watching high-rise buildings with lights on will be a wonderful experience.
Where to Stay in Wan Chai?
When planning a trip to Hong Kong, you should take where to stay into consideration. There are popular hotels in Wan Chai, Hong Kong rated high, including Ying’nflo Hong Kong Wan Chai, Burlington Hotel, and more. You can book a hotel in advance at a discount.
Best Time to Visit Wan Chai
You are welcome to visit Wan Chai in all seasons, but the best time to travel to Hong Kong and Wan Chai is when there are festivals and events.
On the one hand, the goods and products are discounted at festivals and big events. On the other hand, spectacular performances like drone shows and fireworks shows will be held then.
How to Get to Wan Chai
By MTR: The subway system is well-developed in Hong Kong. If you are on Hong Kong Island, you can take the Island Line to Wan Chai Station, and then there you are. But if you are in Kowloon, New Territories, or Lantau Island, you can take other lines and shift to the Island line at Admiralty Station or Central Station.
By bus: Take a bus riding towards Hong Kong Island and get off at any station in Wai Chai. If you are in Tsuen Wan or Kowloon, you may need to transfer twice or more.
By tram: It is also a good way to Wan Chai by taking a tram, which allows you to travel through Hong Kong Island and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way with a fare of HKD 3. It will be a wonderful experience to ride on a tram at sunset in your Hong Kong tours.
By taxi: If you prefer a more convenient and comfortable way to Wan Chai, a taxi is for you. You can hire a taxi no matter where you are in Hong Kong. This way is much more expensive than other transportation.
Attractions Nearby Wan Chai
- Golden Bauhinia Square: Seated next to the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center in Wan Chai, Golden Bauhinia Square was constructed to celebrate the return of Hong Kong to China. There stands a huge statue of a forever-blooming bauhinia flower, symbolizing the long-lasting prosperity of Hong Kong.
- Hong Kong Park: This is a park of natural scenery and modern designs. There are many trees and blossoming flowers as well as modern museums and bird-watching areas. Besides, you can find a 200-meter-long bridge for strolling and viewing the beautiful water landscapes.
- Hong Kong Arts Centre: Located in Wan Chai, the Hong Kong Arts Centre is an artistic center for international exhibitions and performances and contributes a lot to the development of the modern arts in Hong Kong. Visit there and immerse yourself in the strong artistic atmosphere.
- Lovers’ Rock: It is situated on the hillside on Bowen Road, overlooking the high-rise buildings and beautiful scenery in Wan Chai, Hong Kong. What’s more, it is a place for making wishes to bless lovers for a happy marriage.
