Hong Kong's skylineNo one will deny that Hong Kong has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Dominated by Victoria Peak and skyscrapers, Hong Kong's skyline not only represents the natural environment, but also the city's development.
In Hong Kong, no matter whether you are in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, or Hong Kong Island, you will always see mountains on the skyline. The HK government limited the height of buildings, so we can usually admire the skyline with green mountains in the background.
Below, we summarize some top buildings and best ideas for admiring the skyline. If you are in Hong Kong, don't forget to look up and observe one of the best skylines in the world.
Iconic Buildings on Hong Kong's Skyline
The skyline in Hong Kong consists predominantly of skyscrapers.
1. Tallest: International Commerce Centre
Address: No. 1 Austin Road, West Kowloon
International Commerce CentreAt a height of 484 m (1,588 ft) and with 118 stories, the International Commerce Centre is the tallest building in Hong Kong, and the 9th-tallest in the world. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, captured the top 15 floors of the International Commerce Centre, making it the highest hotel in the world.
The 100th floor of the building is the Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck. Visitors can enjoy the scenery of Victoria Harbour from an amazing height.
2. Most Expensive: HSBC Main Building
Address: No. 1 Queen Road, Central
The HSBC Main Building is also known as the HSBC Tower. Founded in 1985, the building cost more than 5 billion HKD (about 670 million USD) to build. At the time, it was known as "the most expensive building" in the world.
The HSBC Main Building is not one of the tallest buildings in Hong Kong but is in a perfect location near the coast. Visitors don't need to go up very high to find a comfortable vantage point for observing the sea and Victoria Harbour.
3. Rising Bamboo: Bank of China Tower
Address: No. 1 Garden Road, Central and Western District
Bank of China TowerThe Bank of China Tower has a remarkable shape: Like a growing bamboo organized by a series of triangles. It symbolizes strength, vitality and enterprising spirit.
Completed in 1990, the Bank of China Tower is now the 4th-tallest building in Hong Kong.
4. Shown in Hollywood Movies: International Finance Centre II
Address: No. 8 Finance Street, Central
The International Finance Centre II used to be the tallest, and is now the 2nd-tallest building in Hong Kong. In its capacity as a world-class financial center it is a famous landmark of Hong Kong.
The building was used in shooting some Hollywood movies, like Tomb Raider 2 and The Dark Knight.
5. High Timer: Central Plaza
Address: No. 18 Harbour Road, Wan Chai
The Central Plaza is the 3rd-tallest building in Hong Kong and ranks 20th-tallest in the world. The building has a special triangular floor plan.
Every night from 18:00 hrs to the next morning at 6:00 hrs, the colorful lighting system called LIGHTIME on top of Central Plaza is lit and displays the approximate time.
6. Colorful Neon Lights: The Center
Address: No. 99 Queen's Road, Central
Built in a special octagonal floor plan, The Center looks modern and techie.
When completed in 1998, it was the first building in the world decorated with neon lights that change colors on the outer wall. During festivals like Christmas, the neon lights display patterns creating festival atmosphere.
7. Luxury Housing: The Cullinan North and South Tower
Address: No. 1 Austin Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Consisting of two towers over 270 meters high, The Cullinan is the tallest residential building in Hong Kong. It is one of the most expensive residential properties in the world, as space on some floors is sold at over 70,000 HKD (nearly 9,000 USD) per sq. ft.
Best Places from Which to Observe the Hong Kong Skyline
1. Victoria Peak
Victoria PeakAs part of the skyline scenery of Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is also one of the best places from which to admire the Hong Kong skyline.
Taking the Peak tram, with a history of over 100 years, is one of the most popular, relaxing and scenic ways of viewing the skyline scenery. On the way up, you are recommended to sit on the right side of the tram, which offers a better view.
The journey starts from St. John's Building, Garden Road, Central, and takes you to the peak in 7 minutes.
2. Star Ferry
Star FerryThe Star Ferry is another historical and popular way of viewing the Hong Kong skyline.
There are ferry lines connecting Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Travelers can find piers in Central, Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom. You can enjoy views of the skyline while sailing in Victoria Harbour.
If you have an hour's free time, you may take a sightseeing ferry departing from Tsim Sha Tsui. The ferry sails around Victoria Harbour and returns to Tsim Sha Tsui, offering more opportunities for you to enjoy the view.
3. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Avenue of StarsMany locals regard Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade as the best place for appreciating the Hong Kong skyline, especially on the Avenue of Stars. To one side, you have a panoramic view of the skyline of Hong Kong Island, with Victoria Peak in the background.
4. Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck
The Sky100 Observation Deck is on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre. At 393 meters (1289 ft) above sea level, you can enjoy a 360-degree bird's-eye view of the Hong Kong skyline.
There are also modern devices there explaining the history and development of Hong Kong.
Best Times to Observe the Hong Kong Skyline: Autumn & Winter
Hong KongThe best seasons for seeing the Hong Kong skyline are autumn and winter, between October and February. There is less rainfall and less chance of typhoon weather during this period, and a better chance to enjoy the views on a clear day.
March to September is the rainy season in Hong Kong. On rainy days, the skyline may be shrouded in mist. You may need some luck to be able to admire the view.
In the course of any particular day, the most beautiful views come at night.
After sunset, the lights on skyscrapers illuminate the city once again. Every 8 pm, the unique Hong Kong city light show, the Symphony of Lights, is shown in Victoria Harbour. During the show, the Hong Kong skyline sinks into an ocean of music and laser.
Visit the Hong Kong Skyline with Us
Visit Hong Kong with usTo enjoy skyline views of Hong Kong, check out the following itineraries, including some best locations like Victoria Peak:
All the itineraries can be customized according to your requirements. Please feel free to tell us what experience you would like to have.