Hong Kong/Wan Chai
From World travel guide
Wan Chai is an administrative district of Hong Kong Island
Contents |
Districts
- Wan Chai
Wan Chai the districut, as opposed to the administrative region, is famous for its bars and nightlife.
- Causeway Bay
Shopping district, home to large department stores.
- Happy Valley
Nestled behind the Happy Valley Racecourse, away from the MTR line, this district has a more laid-back feel than nearby Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Because of this it is a popular residential area, especially among expats. There is a tram line circling the racecource that serve the district.
Get in
Ferry
The Star Ferry arrives at Wan Chai Pier from Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui.
MTR
The Tsuen Wan Line line from Kowloon passes Admiralty. From here the Island Line passes though Wan Chai and Causeway Bay stations.
Tram
The tram runs from Kennedy Town to Sai Wan Ho.
See
Horse Racing
Horse Racing has been taking place at Happy Valley racetrack since 1846. Happy Valley is particularly impressive during the evening meets with the surrounding skyskrapers lit up.
View
Central Plaza [1] can be seen from all of Wan Chai. It is actually possible to tell the time by the changing lights on the top of this building. During business hours, you can take the elevator from the ground floor to the sky lobby on the 46th floor to get a spectacular free view of the harbor and the island.
Noon Day Gun
Across from the World Trade Center near Causeway Bay, is the historical Noon Day Gun, deemed thus because it is fired off every day at noon. To access the Noon Day Gun enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Center and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs.
Do
Walk through Victoria Park.
Buy
The main department stores are in Causeway Bay. The biggest of these is SOGO.
Eat
Budget
- Chiu Yuen (潮苑), Spring Garden Lane 37, Wan Chai (MTR Wan Chai exit B3), tel. 28922322. Small and usually packed eatery serving up a wide range of simple fare, but the crowd-pullers are the beef brisket noodles (a scarcely believable $13) and the homemade giant fishball soup ($16). Open 10 AM to 9 PM every day, other branches in Aberdeen and Causeway Bay.
- Cooked Food Centre, Wong Nai Chung Bldg, 2 Yuk San Street, Happy Valley. Near the shopping hub in Causeway Bay.
Mid-Range
- The American Peking Restaurant 20 Lockhart Rd, Hong Kong. tel. 25277770. The Peking Duck, carved in front of the table, is a speciality, best shared amongst several people. Also recommended are the sizzling prawns. Most dishes can be ordered in small, medium or large sizes. The tables upstairs have the better atmosphere.
- The Quarterdeck Club, 1 Lung King Street, Fenwick Pier, Wanchai. This is one of the few harborside restaurants. Currently slightly spoiled by the land reclamation nearby
Drink
Wan Chai still has a few of the sleazy strip clubs made famous by The World of Suzie Wong, but now offers plenty of other nightlife options as well.
- Devils Advocate. Popular with the rugby crowd.
- Laguna. Domestic helpers tend to come here on Sunday afternoon (their day off).
- The Bridge. Open 24 hours.
- Kangaroo Pub, 54 to 62 Lockhart Road. 2139 3111. Australian sports bar. Has a book exchange.
- The Canny Man, basement, The Wharney Hotel, 57-73 Lockhart Road. Scottish style Whiskey Bar with a free pool table.
Happy Valley has a couple of bars worth trying:
- The Chapel, 27 Yik Yam Street. 2834 6565.
- The Jockey at the corner of Blue Pool Road and Sing Woo Road. A relaxed British style pub with outdoor seating.
- V Restaurant & Bar, Blue Pool Road
Causeway Bay
- Inn Side Out and East End Brewing Company, Sunning Plaza, 10 Hysan Avenue.
Sleep
- Wharney Hotel, 57-73 Lockhart Road.
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