Hong Kong Tsim Sha Tsui  China

Hong Kong Skyline Views From Tsim Sha Tsui

At nine in the morning, September mists still blur the Hong Kong skyscrapers and mountains beyond.

In certain light, the harbour waters are just that shade of aqua that herald the tropics.

The typhoon season is about the same time of year (June to the end of November) as is hurricane season in the Atlantic (Caribbean, south and eastern U.S. etc.). September is one of the most popular times for visitors to this area, and tour operators, hotels and major shopping malls are well prepared for inclement weather.

Night View of Hong Kong harbour from Tsim Sha Tsui

I took this photo around 9 p.m. during the Mid Autumn Moon festival. Water taxis and ferries from the nearby Star Ferry terminal set up waves that rippled the reflection of Hong Kong's night lights.

Several buildings have lights that 'move' or change colour, so a skyscraper may be all hot pink one minute, then change to all blue, or all yellow. It really is lovely. Tsim Sha Tsui's promenade is lined with benches, and a good spot to wait for the full moon to rise.

Tsim Sha Tsui Victoria Harbour Views from Promenade

In mid morning, the sky filled with puffy rain clouds ahead of an offshore typhoon, diffusing the light.

This view is to the left from the photos above, looking down the harbour and sea wall. From time to time, enormous container ships moved past, like some new age icebergs. Hong Kong is one of the busiest container ports in the world. Follow the shoreline to the right in this view, and you will pass (some blocks away) the container loading docks.

Landmark Clock Tower at Kowloon (Tsim Sha Tsui) Public Pier

Turn your back on the scene in the photos above for the landmark Clock Tower. To the left in this view lies the Star Ferry Pier and nearby Hong Kong Tourism Association storefront, which is an excellent place to stop for free tour maps, directions and city attraction guides, and staff who speak several languages.

To the rear right in this photo, walk past the clock tower itself, and cross Salisbury Road to reach another landmark, the Peninsula Hong Kong hotel. Even if you are not a guest, head here for afternoon tea.

Straight ahead in this view is another hotel where I stayed on my first trip to Hong Kong, the Marco Polo. (I believe it was called the Marco Polo Prince, though now the Marco Polo at the same location shows it to be the Marco Polo Gateway).

In any event, the Marco Polo connects directly via pedestrian walkways to a mullti screen cinema, shopping malls and the cruise ship dock so you don't have to go outdoors unless you want to. Go along the promenade to reach the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, Hong Kong Space Museum and Museum of Art. Pass those, and continue on the Avenue of the Stars.

Star Ferry Pier at Tsim Sha Tsui Views of Hong Kong

The Star Ferry pier has a number of ferries connecting to Hong Kong's outlying islands, and shuttle ferries that cross the harbour.

You can see this is a short trip (similar to the harbour ferries in Sydney, Australia). The ferry loading areas are well signed and tickets are simple to buy -- use Hong Kong dollars. Look for restrooms at the pier, or head into the bright and busy McDonald's (just behind you in this photo), where there's a separate coffee bar with great expresso.

Duk Ling Junk Leaving Star Ferry Pier Hong Kong

The Duk Ling harbour cruise is one of my favourite things to do in one of my favourite cities!

This restored, working, antique junk is operated by the Hong Kong Tourism Board for daytime free harbour cruises. (That's the Convention Centre in the background). Head into their offices at the Star Ferry pier to reserve your sailing; there are a number each day. Cruises begin here, or across the harbour at Central pier. This cruise is very popular and highly recommended, so reserve a spot early.

Duk Ling Junk Under Full Sail Hong Kong Victoria Harbour

I took this picture on an earlier trip, in November, and the smog hung heavy over the harbour (Victoria Harbour). Pollution aside, I rather like the 'Old china' atmosphere it lends this scene. The photo above was taken in late April, when springtime showers replaced the smog. There are benches under cover, but I prefer to be among the first to board, and so get a seat on the upper rear deck.

Victoria Harbour High Speed Boat Tsim Sha Tsui

Taken from the rear deck of the Duk Ling, this shot shows one of many boats out in Victoria Harbour between Hong Kong and Tsim Sha Tsui.

Harbour breezes cool the hottest of days, and the views are ever-changing. In the background is the Wan Chai district of Hong Kong, with the convention centre, Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts, the Hong Kong Arts Centre and Reunification Monument.

Macau Hydrofoil at China Ferry Terminal

The hydrofoil comes into its dock in Tsim Sha Tsui. To reach the pier (China Ferry Terminal) from the Star Ferry terminal, follow Canton Road a few blocks past the Marco Polo Prince.

Macau is also served by ferries; the hydrofoil ensures a smoother, faster (one hour) crossing of the Pearl River delta. Macau is in China, and you will need a visa to enter. (Requirements change, so check for current information before travel). New casinos are springing up in the one-time Portuguese colony, and its old colonial architecture and expansive parks also draw day trippers.

Kowloon Landmark -- The Peninsula Hotel

Walking west along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade, the landmark Peninsula Hotel comes into view. YMCA International House (very upscale for a YMCA) is located just behind the Peninsula. Both hotels are a few minutes' walk from the promenade, Star Ferry terminal and large shopping malls.

Temple Street at the Night Market

Known simply as the Night Market, it's open daily from 4 p.m. to midnight, though it starts to come alive around 6 p.m. as vendors set up stalls. The market covers several blocks along Temple Street, which runs parallel to Nathan Road.

From the Star Ferry terminal, it takes about 30 minutes to walk up Jordan, or you can hop on a bus. Located between the Jordan and Yau Ma Tei MTR stations, the market offers hundreds of stalls, including fruits, vegetables and cooked foods, as well as jade and souvenir shops.

Pick up one of the excellent city maps at your hotel lobby or the Hong Kong Tourism office at the Star Ferry pier (or get your own guidebook like Frommer's Hong Kong Guide that will have some maps included.)

Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui

I took this photo from the upper deck of a bus on the way from the Bird Market back to my hotel.

The buses are fairly simple to follow, and drivers make change if needed (be sure to use Hong Kong currency).

Note the bamboo scaffolding above the sidewalk.

At night, the city is ablaze with neon. Shoppers flood the stores, with some shops (convenience stores like 7-11) still open until well after midnight.

Vehicle traffic (drive on the left) is busy from morning until late evening. If you are walking, use crosswalks.

Hong Kong Travel Pictures - Click a picture and go!