Top Rated Attractions in Hong Kong

One of the top museums in town and also free of charge for its permanent exhibits, Hong Kong Museum of History chronicles 400 million years of this island's history. That is indeed a massive amount of time to explore and understand. Spread across eight galleries, this bi-level repository is like stepping on a time-travel machine. Dioramas, multimedia exhibits and graphic panels give insight into the topography, nature, culture, history and growth of Hong Kong. With thousands of objects creating a storyline that is exciting and engaging, there is probably no other museum in the city that is as comprehensive as the Hong Kong Museum of History. They also have special exhibitions at times. However they have an entrance fee to it.

One of Hong Kong's star attractions and one of the deepest container ports in the world, Victoria Harbour is shielded on both sides by stunning skylines – an army of towering skyscrapers and Victoria Peak on one side, and the Tsim Sha Tsui shoreline on the other. Everyday, hundreds of ferries, tugs, junks, speed boats, and barges chug up and down the shore, carrying people and cargo, only pausing for typhoons. The history of this iconic harbor dates back to the times of the First and Second Opium Wars, when China faced defeat at the hands of the British, promptly rendering Hong Kong a British colony. Christened Victoria Harbour after the Queen of England, the harbor's critical position on the South China Sea, wedged between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, facilitated a thriving trade economy which largely impacted Hong Kong's imminent development. The harbor, a natural landmark that straddles both the past and future of Hong Kong's progress, is a spectacle at night. It comes alive with a permanent light and sound show that features an enchanting dazzle of lasers, synchronized music, and twinkling buildings.

Influenced by the Tang-style landscaping layout, the Nan Lian Garden is probably the only one of its kind in the city. This beautiful oasis, characterized by verdure and glistening ponds, is indeed a wonderful place to stroll. The tea house and snack houses offer refreshments for park visitors. The rockery and the Buddhist temple of "Pavilion of Absolute Perfection" are some of the major highlights of the garden. It also has venues on hire for special occasions. The vegetarian restaurant on-site is quite popular as well.

Perched atop a hill in the Sha Tin district of Hong Kong, Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is the labor of love of Yuet Kai, a Buddhist who dedicated his life to this iconic temple. First founded in 1933, the temple was constructed over the course of 24 years, with the last Buddha placed in 1957. The temple complex is remarkable, but it's the walk up that is the true visual treat. Thousands of Buddha statues, each one unique, line the path to the monastery, each begging a closer inspection. The monastery is the final resting place of Yuet Kai. If you've worked up an appetite, the monastery's vegetarian restaurant offers reasonably priced healthful cuisine with all profits going towards temple's maintenance.

Aptly named, Sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck is perched loftily on the 100th floor of International Commerce Centre. Boasting to be the sole indoor observation deck that offers unrivalled 360 degree vistas of the island city, this top-class attraction is reached by speedster elevators within a minute. Imagine the thrill of riding super-fast and reaching your destination in a jiffy! Check out the enthralling 3D sculpture with imposed multimedia displays chronicling the growth of Hong Kong. Or get superb views on the advanced telescope. Get a breathtaking snippet of the Victoria Harbour beneath your feet at the Sunken Model - a unique, see-through glass floor. For all those selfie lovers, try the photo booth. For more cultural information, the Interactive Story Wall with over a 100 stories will be enchanting. Head to the gift shop to buy some Hong Kong inspired merchandise. The on-site café is a great spot to refresh with coffee and tasty bites. Don't forget to check their packages that offers wonderful experiences for foodies and couples.

Home to Stanley Market, famous for its wide variety of relatively inexpensive goods, including Chinese souvenirs, rattan products, handicrafts and fake designer labels, Stanley offers more than just shopping. The neighborhood also boasts a relaxing beach, a plethora of waterfront restaurants and bars and historic sights, such as the 18th-century Tin Hau Temple and the Stanley Prison, which is still in use today. The Stanley Plaza, the Murray House and Ma Hang Park are some of the coastal town's additional sights.