8 Best Places to View the Iconic Hong Kong Skyline

Brief Introduction of Hong Kong Skyline

Iconic view of the Hong Kong skyline. (Source: Photo by Ruslan Bardash on Unsplash)

The Hong Kong skyline is among the world's most spectacular skylines for an excellent reason. It is peppered with various landmarks, buildings, and skyscrapers that vary in shape, size, and architectural style. These properties were constructed gradually through the years as Hong Kong progressed. Each of them has a distinct vibe that contributes to the skyline's majestic character. Apart from Hong Kong skyscrapers, the city's key sights also include nightly light shows for both locals and visitors to see. Altogether, they represent Hong Kong island's vibrant and unique city life.

Key Hong Kong Skyline Sights

1. A Symphony of Lights

A Symphony of Lights Show View from Kowloon Bay. (Source: Photo by Tuan Nguyen on Unsplash)

As mentioned, a daily light show called A Symphony of Lights occurs in Hong Kong. What sets it apart from other light shows is that it is formally named by Guinness World Records as the largest permanent light and sound show in the world. The show is completely free of charge and allows all spectators to enjoy the creative lights and sounds that showcase Hong Kong's skyline.

A Symphony of Lights begins at 8 pm every day, provided that the weather is pleasant. The show itself lasts for exactly 14 minutes and 40 seconds. Viewers can enjoy five different show segments that consist of colorful lasers, dynamic searchlights, moving light patterns embellishing the sky, and 44 Hong Kong skyscrapers. The segments are named Awakening, Energy, Heritage, Partnership, and Celebration.

• Awakening displays Hong Kong's journey to development.
• Energy exudes the bustling life of Hong Kong Island.
• Heritage portrays Hong Kong's rich culture and traditions.
• Partnership shows the unity and collaboration of the Hong Kong people.
• Celebration presents Hong Kong's anticipation for continued progress

👉 Tourists visiting Hong Kong for New Year's Eve are in for a special treat. A Symphony of Lights goes on at midnight alongside magnificent fireworks shows. The event makes for an unforgettable memory of the new year in Hong Kong.

2. HSBC Tower

Originally known as the Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation, HSBC is one of the largest banks in both Hong Kong and Europe. The HSBC Tower is one of the iconic landmarks that people can spot in the Hong Kong skyline.

The HSBC Tower is frankly not the highest property in Hong Kong, but that does not mean that it is not noteworthy. It is also called the HSBC Main Building and cost approximately US$670 million to construct prior to its opening in 1985. It was the world's most expensive building at the time, making it a memorable component of Hong Kong.

Another thing about HSBC Tower is that it is situated close to the coast. This means that visitors may enjoy a beautiful view of the ocean from the top of the tower. Victoria Harbour can be easily spotted amongst the skyline as well.

3. International Commerce Centre

International Commerce Centre on a sunny day. (Source: Photo by Cheung Yin on Unsplash)

👉The International Commerce Centre was officially completed in 2010 and stood at approximately 1,588 feet, making it Hong Kong's highest building, as well as the world's 9th highest building.

4. International Finance Centre II

The International Finance Centre II used to own the title of the tallest building in Hong Kong before the International Commerce Centre was finished. It is currently the second-tallest building in the city, with 88 stories of office space for various companies, such as the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Lexington Partners, and Banco Santander.

👉 Apart from being home to a slew of offices, the International Finance Centre II is also famous for appearing in Hollywood films. The building can be seen in The Dark Knight, Godzilla vs. Kong, and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider - The Cradle of Life.

5. Bank of China Tower

Bank of China Tower lit up at night. (Source: Photo by Chengting Xie on Unsplash)

The Bank of China Tower is fairly easy to spot while viewing the Hong Kong skyline because of its unique shape. It was designed by I.M Pei, a Pritzker Prize-awarded architect, to depict bamboo shoots on its main exterior. The bamboo shoots are grouped together in distinct glass triangles that reflect light during the daytime, making the building hard to miss.

The tower stands at about 1,033.5 feet which makes it Hong Kong's fourth tallest building. There are two 172-foot masts that rise from the top of the building, which pushes the tower's total height to 1,205.4 feet.

6. Central Plaza

Central Plaza has 78 stories and stands at a total of 1,227 feet which officially makes it Hong Kong's 3rd-tallest building, as well as the world's 20th-tallest building. The Sky City Church sits inside the Central Plaza building, making it the world's highest church. Churchgoers are free to enjoy the sights right from their place of worship.

👉 Spectators will be quick to spot Central Plaza within the Hong Kong skyline because of its exterior's distinct pyramid shape. A color-changing neon clock also sits on top of the building. Its lights change colors every 15 minutes to indicate the movement of time.

7. The Center

The Center is one of the only Hong Kong skyscrapers that is structured completely out of steel. This is as opposed to typical buildings that have a reinforced concrete core. The steel allows it to be more durable to withstand the wear and tear of time. With a total of 73 stories, the Center has an overall height of 1,135 feet. It is the 5th-tallest building in all of Hong Kong.

People observing the Hong Kong skyline only need to search for the building with bright neon lights that build up towards the top to spot The Center. The colors change and flash during the nighttime. During holidays like Christmas, the neon lights transform into festive colors to add a holiday atmosphere to the city.

8. The Cullinan Towers

The North and South Cullinan Towers are the tallest residential buildings in Hong Kong. They both stand at a total of 886 feet and have 93 floors each. Its prime location within the Hong Kong skyline has made it one of the priciest and most luxurious residential spaces in the whole world.

👉 To distinguish the Cullinan Towers from other Hong Kong skyscrapers, simply look for two adjacent buildings with glass curtain wall exteriors.

8 Perfect Viewpoints for Hong Kong Skylines

#1 Victoria Peak

Hong Kong skyline view from Victoria Peak. (Source: Photo by John O'Nolan on Unsplash)

The first option on almost every Hong Kong skyline viewpoint list is usually the top of Victoria Peak, also known as The Peak. This is because The Peak is Hong Kong's highest point, standing at approximately 1,811.02 feet.

Victoria Peak is mainly a residential district that is home to many of Hong Kong's high-profile businessmen, celebrities, and socialites. It features large spaces of gardens and greenery alongside a busy commercial center. Visitors can dine and shop at the malls after partaking in short hikes around the trails.

Peak Tram

The Peak Tram / Source: Trip.com

The best way to get to Victoria Peak is by taking the scenic route. Visitors can take the Peak Tram going up to The Peak so that they can take in the different sights of the area. A Sky Pass is a good option for exploring Victoria Peak as it gives visitors access to the Peak Tram, as well as the Sky Terrace 428 observation deck.

>> Travel to Hong Kong | Exploring Victoria Peak and the Peak Tram in Hong Kong

Bus

👉Ride either the 15 or X15 bus coming from Exchange Square until they reach Peak Galleria. The 15 bus costs HK$11.50 per ticket while the X15 bus costs HK$14.20 per ticket.

👉Ride the minibus 1 coming from Two IFC until they arrive at Peak Galleria. It costs HK$10.90 per ticket.

On Foot

#2 Avenue of Stars

Waterfront view of the Hong Kong skyline from the Avenue of Stars. (Source: Photo by Darkness_S on pixabay.com)

The Avenue of Stars is Hong Kong's answer to Hollywood's Walk of Fame. It is an avenue located along Victoria Harbour's iconic waterfront, providing its visitors with an amazing view of both the Hong Kong skyline and the waters of Tsim Sha Tsui.

People who visit the Avenue of Stars will appreciate the handprints and inscriptions of famous Hong Kong celebrities along the avenue's walkway. Lifelike sculptures of renowned movie stars are also present for fans that want photos with their idols. Seasonal exhibitions are also held at Avenue of Stars to commemorate key events in Hong Kong's show business industry.

👉 Entry to the Avenue of Stars is completely free to allow both locals and tourists to learn all about the rich history of Hong Kong's film industry.

1. Ferry

• Ride the ferry from Wan Chai Ferry or Central Pier. Once you get off, keep walking along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade until you reach the Avenue of Stars.

2. MTR

• Get off at Exit J of East Tsim Sha Tsui station. Walk for a few minutes until you arrive at the Avenue of Stars.

3. Bus

• Ride the bus and alight at any of the bus stops that are near the Star Ferry, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, East Tsim Sha Tsui, or Salisbury Garden stations. Keep walking onto Salisbury Road until you reach the Avenue of Stars. Buses included in the route are:

👉The 5, 5A, 5C, 5P, 5X, 8, 9, 12, 13X, 26, 26X, 28, 35A, 35X, 41A, 81C, 87D, 98D, 98P, 203C, 208, 213X, 215P, 215X, 219X, 224X, 260X, 268B, 269B, 271S, 280X, 796P, 973, E21X, N41X, N216, N241, N271, N281, N283, N287, and N796 buses.

#3 Tsim Sha Tsui

Tsim Sha Tsui across the Hong Kong skyline waterfront. (Source: Photo by Alison Pang on Unsplash)

Another viewpoint to observe the Hong Kong skyline is the pier at Tsim Sha Tsui. It is also called the Star Ferry Pier and is adjacent to the Avenue of Stars. The entire Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade is a walkable area where most Hong Kong locals like to stroll around while taking in the view of notable buildings such as the Central Plaza and the Bank of China Tower.

👉 Entry to Tsim Sha Tsui is free of charge. As it is situated in close proximity to the Avenue of Stars, the routes to Tsim Sha Tsui are completely the same. Visitors can opt to take the ferry, MTR, or bus.

#4 Hong Kong Observation Wheel

Hong Kong Observation Wheel on a bright day. (Source: Photo by Andy Leung on pixabay)

With a height of approximately 196.85 feet, the Hong Kong Observation Wheel is a great way to enjoy the view of Hong Kong skyscrapers and skylines. Once you hop into the wheel, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi to allow for quick photo postings on social media. Each car adapts to the changing weather throughout the seasons in Hong Kong. They are airconditioned during the hot summer months and heated throughout the colder winter months.

• The Hong Kong Observation Wheel is open from 12 noon to 10 pm from Mondays to Thursdays. On Fridays and weekends, it is open from 11 am to 11 pm. It is located at 33 Man Kwong Street, Central, Hong Kong.

Ticket costs are as follows:

How to get to Hong Kong Observation Wheel?

There are different ways to visit the Hong Kong Observation Wheel:

1. MTR

• From the Airport Express (Green Line) or Tung Chung Line (Orange Line), alight at Hong Kong station and go through Exit A2. Walk for about 7 minutes until you reach the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.
• From the Island Line (Blue Line) or Tsuen Wan Line (Red Line), alight at Central station and go through Exit A. Walk for about 10 minutes until you reach the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

2. Bus

• Ride any bus line that goes to the Central Bus Terminus Exchange Square and hop off there. Walk for 7 minutes until you reach the Hong Kong Observation Wheel.

#5 Star Ferry

View of Star Ferry at sunset. (Source: Photo by Jeanne Rose Gomez on Unsplash)

Operating for over 100 years, the Star Ferry is an important part of Hong Kong transportation. More than just a mode of commuting, it has also become a staple tourist site for visitors. People who choose to take the Star Ferry can easily enjoy a view of the Hong Kong skyline and its waters during the ride.

Each Star Ferry trip departs in intervals of 60 minutes. Passengers can choose between two different tours when riding the ferry. The ticket costs are as follows:

The Star Ferry can be found at the Tsim Sha Tsui piers 1855 and 1955. Tickets can also be bought at onsite ticket counters on the ground floors of Central Pier No. 7 in Central, Hong Kong, and Star Ferry Pier in Kowloon Point, Tsim Sha Tsui.

#6 Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Spectator viewing the Hong Kong skyline from Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. (Source: Photo by JACK PELLING on Unsplash)

As mentioned, the International Commerce Centre is home to the Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. It is located on the 100th floor of the building and provides spectators with an amazing view of the Hong Kong skyline. Tickets are priced depending on the specific package that you want to avail of. Prices start at HK$178.

How to get to Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck?

There are various ways to get to the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck.

1. MTR

• Hop on any MTR that passes by Kowloon Station of the Airport Express or Tung Chung Line and get off there. Go through Exit C and walk until you arrive at Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck.

2. High-speed Rail

• Take the High-speed Rail and alight at the Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. Go through Exit M and then walk through Elements Metal Zone until your reach the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck.

3. Bus

• Ride any bus with a route that stops at MTR Kowloon Station Bus Terminus and then hop off there. Walk for 5 minutes until you reach the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck.

#7 Kowloon Peak

Viewing the Hong Kong skyline from Kowloon Peak. (Source: Photo by Mads Schmidt Rasmussen on Unsplash)

People who are interested in an outdoor excursion can opt to view the Hong Kong skyline from Kowloon Peak. It is also called Fei Ngo Shan and is known to be the tallest mountain in all of Kowloon, with a height of approximately 1,975.07 feet. Once you reach the summit of Fei Ngo Shan, you can take in the overlooking view of Kowloon Bay.

Kowloon Peak is situated in Ma On Shan Country Park. To get there, one can ride a bus that stops along Clear Water Bay Road. The hike itself begins at Fei Ngo Shan Road and includes a visit to the famed Suicide Cliff. The main viewing point is at the very peak of Fei Ngo Shan mountain.

#8 Sky Terrace 428

Sky Terrace 428 is actually located within the neighborhood of Victoria Peak. The 428, in its name, hails from its total height of exactly 428 meters or approximately 1,404.20 feet. Sky Terrace 428 is on the topmost floor of the Peak Tower and is known to be the tallest viewing platform in all of Hong Kong Island. Visitors who opt to explore Sky Terrace 428 get to enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of the Hong Kong skyline.

Ticket costs are as follows:

Hong Kong Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Hong Kong

While Hong Kong is a great place to visit all throughout the year, it is best to book a trip for the autumn and winter months. This is because touring around the island is more comfortable when the weather is cooler during the later months of the year. The summer months may prove to be too warm for people who come from especially cold climates. The months of May until August are also particularly tricky because they are rainy typhoon seasons.

👉 While Hong Kong in the daytime is exceptional, it is best to explore the city during the nighttime as well. The nightlife of the island is an adventure in itself.

How to Plan a Hong Kong Skyline Tour?

Hong Kong skyline at nighttime. (Source: Photo by Brayden Law on pexels)

When planning a Hong Kong skyline tour, be sure to take into account the amount of time you have, the weather, and the places that you want to go to. Each viewpoint is usually already surrounded by plenty of tourist-worthy establishments that you can explore for a whole day once you are done viewing the skyline.

People with plenty of time may want to opt for the Kowloon Peak viewpoint, while those who want a quick visit can choose the Avenue of Stars. Those who have money to spare on entrance fees can take the Peak Tram all the way up to Victoria Peak and then spend the rest of their day dining and shopping in the area. People who want a cool breeze may want to relax on the Star Ferry while viewing the majestic Hong Kong skyscrapers from afar.

Hong Kong Skyline - FAQ