Kowloon

Kowloon ("nine dragons" in Cantonese) is the peninsula to the north of Hong Kong Island. It lacks some of the glamour of the Island, but makes up for it with unmatched and distinctly Chinese vibrancy. Kowloon is by some measures the most densely populated place on the planet, and has a matching array of places to shop, eat and sleep. Tsim Sha Tsui, the tip of the peninsula, is Hong Kong's main tourist drag and backpacker ghetto, while Mong Kok packs in a huge array of shops and markets in an area of less than a square kilometre.

What to See and Do

Kowloon Park

Cruise ships berthed at Ocean Terminal

The Kowloon Waterfront

The waterfront offers splendid views of the Hong Kong shoreline and skyline. At night the best spots to take photographs from are occupied by enterprising locals who will take your picture for money.

A Symphony Of Lights

Every night at 8pm there is a light show involving Hong Kong Island's key buildings.

Shek Kip Mei Estate

Built in the 1950s, Shek Kip Mei Estate is the only place where you can see the living conditions in Hong Kong during the 50s - 60s.

Hong Kong Space Museum

Hong Kong Cultural Centre

Tai Chi

Free lessons in English every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday morning from 8am-9am on the Avenue of Stars.

Shopping

Tsim Sha Tsui

The main drag Nathan Road is packed with stores, particularly cheap electronics shops. Be careful when shopping here: these slippery guys know every trick in the book and some stores are notorious for overcharging tourists. Normally locals seldom go to Tsim Sha Tsui for electronic products. It is more advisible to go to Mong Kok or Sham Shui Po instead.

Harbour City

Is an enormous shopping mall in Tsim Sha Tsui, the largest in Hong Kong. It is next to the Star Ferry pier.

Festival Walk

Is another excellent shopping all in the suburb of Kowloon Tong. A very pleasant place to shop, similar to Pacific Place but more catered for locals.

New Century Plaza

Adjacent to the Mongkok train station, is popular with Mainland Chinese tourists. Offers a decent range of mid range to low range products.

Langham Place

Is located in Mongkok, is an entertainment complex comprising of a 15-storey shopping mall. Over 300 shops where you will find everything from fashion labels to casual wear, from accessories to electronics. On special occassions, large crowds will gather under the Digital Sky to celebrate festive events such as New Year's Eve countdown. Throughout the year, there will also be live musical performances, art exhibitions, and a host of special events to keep everyone entertained.

Lok Fu Centre

Is next to Lok Fu MTR station, is a place for cheaper goods and food. Located in a public housing estate, goods are generally cheaper and affordable by the local general public. There is also a large department store there.

Markets

The Night Market

Is a set of street blocks in Kowloon barricaded after end of day working hours, with vendor tables in the street selling almost anything (usually until midnight). Lots of touristy stuff, but also some bargain items like Chinese silk pajamas, toys and cheap leather goods.

The Flower Market and the adjoining Bird Garden

(Prince Edward St West) are worth a visit even if shrubs and parrots aren't high on your shopping list.

Womens Markets

In Mongkok, Tung Choi Street, is Kowloon's biggest outdoor bazaar shopping experience. In a nearby street shops sell sports goods and shoes at reasonable prices. The pedestrian zone is mostly for electronic goods. There are several small shopping malls selling computer products but are probably more suitable for locals. Everything is cheaper here but beware of being ripped off.

Cheung Sha Wan Road

Famous for garments. There are many shops selling clothes along Cheung Sha Wan Road. It is within walking distance from Sham Shui Po MTR Station. A number of bus routes also pass through Cheung Sha Wan Road.