Tips for Visiting Kowloon

Going to Hong Kong? Don’t miss Kowloon, once a separate city until the British occupation in 1860. Kowloon, which means nine dragons, is a gem hidden on the north side of the city. Check out some of the don’t-miss spots in the area.

Wong Tai Sin Temple

Three religions call the Wong Tai Sin Temple home, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. According to legend, every wish comes true at the temple, and visitors get their fortunes told through a process called Kau Kim that involves shaking a bamboo cylinder and receiving wisdom and consultation from a soothsayer.

Also, stop at the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum. Archaeologists discovered the tomb in 1955. Believed to date between AD 25 and 220, the tomb itself is off limits. Tempered glass windows give visitors a view of the tombs as they learn about the life of one of the earliest civilizations in Hong Kong.

Places to Eat

Any city guide to Kowloon includes plenty of eating spots. Try the famous spicy crab restaurants on Temple Street or the stalls along Yiu Tung Street serving noodles, soups, and delicacies. Enjoy traditional Cantonese dishes at Keung Kee or the mushroom huts dispersed throughout the area. If middle of the night cravings wake you up, the 24-hour Chui Wo Lee offers excellent seafood.

Looking for a drink? Visit the Tsim Sha Tsui East area featuring bars and clubs, each decorated with a unique theme. Many spots offer rooftop bars with a spectacular view of the Hong Kong skyline and harbor. The International Commerce Centre’s Ozone Sky Bar on the 118th floor of the building offers a terrific view of the entire area.

Kowloon offers international cuisine, too. The L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon serves wonderful French dishes and 8½ Otto e Mezzo Bombana offers refined Italian food. One of the top restaurants for traditional Chinese is Lung King Heen. There is something for every taste in Kowloon.

Go Shopping

Make a shopping trip to the Ladies Market. It’s known for cheap prices and the perfect spot for picking up souvenirs. Next, treasure shop in the vintage street markets of Sham Shui Po or the flea markets on Apliu and Pei Ho Streets. Don’t miss the wholesale fashion outlets on Cheung Sha Wan Road offering huge discounts on clothing.

Looking for a mall? Know the name of mansions in Kowloon, and Tsim Sha Tsui offers plenty of them. These huge buildings include shops and restaurants, and the Chungking Mansion is the most famous. Once the place of counterfeit goods and drug dealers, these marketplaces cleaned up and now offer some of the best shopping in the area.

Visit the Monkeys

Tired of the bustle of the city? Visit Kam Shan Country Park, an oasis in Kowloon. The park, also known as Monkey Hill, is home to a large colony of macaques. Journey up the hillside and enjoy interacting with these friendly monkeys.

So, whether you are visiting Hong Kong for a day or a week, don’t miss Kowloon and find yourself fascinated with this small corner of the city. Plenty of food, shops, and fun are waiting for you.