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City Guide - Hong Kong - Further Distractions | ||
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Further Distractions Star Ferry The green and white tub-shaped ferries are a familiar sight around Hong Kong, and as such a symbol of the city. Far more important, though, their decks give one of the best available views, day and night, of the waterfront of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon - not to mention the multifarious ocean traffic surging through the shipping lanes. The boats themselves are cast-iron veterans to delight schoolboys of all ages. Central, Tsim Sha Tsui, Wan Chai and Hung Hom Star Ferry terminals Operating hours: Daily 0630-2330. Admission: HKS1.70 (lower deck). Mid-Levels Escalator Not just any escalator, the Mid-Levels Escalator is the world's longest at 800m (2622ft), and was built as a commuter aid for this wealthy residential hillside. The city fathers reportedly balked at the cost of twin stairways, so there is only one escalator, which runs downhill 0700-1030 and uphill 1030-2400. It gives a fine (and free) view of the streets of fashionable Soho. Central Market (corner of Queens Road and Jubilee Street) to Conduit Road The Noon Day Gun Yes, there still is a noon day gun, as immortalised by Noel Coward. And it is still ceremoniously fired daily at noon. Actually a Hotchkiss three-pounder, the gun overlooks the Causeway Bay typhoon shelter off Gloucester Road, opposite the Excelsior Hotel, and is reached by an underpass by the World Trade Centre. Gloucester Road, Causeway Bay Transport: MTR Causeway Bay, exit D3. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade Another great view of the spectacular Victoria Harbour/Hong Kong Island waterfront, this esplanade runs from the Star Ferry terminal to Hung Hom. This is where Hong Kong couples go in the evenings for a romantic backdrop while necking, but day or night the view is superb. Transport: MTR Tsim Sha Tsui; Star Ferry to Kowloon. |