Hong Kong and Tsim Sha Tsui
A long and eventful day on Lantau Island is behind us, and now it's time to explore the Kowloon Peninsula, the touristic heart of Hong Kong,
A long and eventful day on Lantau Island is behind us, and now it's time to explore the Kowloon Peninsula, the touristic heart of Hong Kong, and above all, find somewhere to spend the night.
On the Hunt for a Hotel
Nathan Road is considered the main thoroughfare of the Kowloon Peninsula, lined with a multitude of hotels and shops. Time for another series of metro line changes departing from Tung Chung, with our destination being the East Tsim Sha Tsui station, located in the heart of the street.
Tsim Sha Tsui is truly the most touristic district in the city, and will be perfect for a successful first evening.
We get an unpleasant surprise as we exit the metro—it's raining heavily, and we've only got a single bag with light clothing. The street is truly representative of Hong Kong (at least the image we had of it), and the comparison to New York barely seems exaggerated...
The evening is already well advanced and we need to find shelter to drop our bags and spend the night. Options don't seem to be lacking, as we're literally harassed on the street by individuals, mostly Indian, trying to convince us to stay at their hotel. Our bosses had recommended a Chungking Mansion called Cosmic Guest House—basically a run-down guesthouse with very basic amenities but cheap prices. We're soon led by an Indian man into the back of a decrepit building and invited to take a rickety elevator to discover this famous guesthouse. Indeed, comfort-wise we've seen better! Cockroaches are omnipresent in the hallways and even in the room, the beds are genuinely hard, and the shower-toilet-sink combo must rank among the smallest in the world.
But the worst is yet to come: he announces a price of 350 HK dollars (285 yuan, roughly €33), arguing that it's Saturday night and prices go up accordingly. Disheartened at the prospect of searching for another place to sleep, we accept after negotiating the price down to 300 HK dollars. Life here is definitely more expensive than in Guangzhou, as expected!
Feeling snug yet?
An Evening Stroll Through Tsim Sha Tsui
After a refreshing shower and a meal at an Irish bar (my kingdom for a steak...), we finally head to the southern tip of Tsim Sha Tsui for an evening walk. And there, wow... it's impressive. Hong Kong's reputation for its bay is well-earned, and then some. We witness the famous Symphony of Lights, projected from 44 skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island standing just across the way.
One building stands out for its height and aggressive design: the Two International Finance Centre (also called IFC), which measures 416 meters and is the second-highest structure in Hong Kong.
The toothless tower
As usual, photographers prowl the streets looking to accost tourists, rain or shine. After our photo in front of the Canton Tower, we find ourselves tempted again—the view is truly breathtaking.
We take the opportunity to stroll along the equally famous Avenue of the Stars, which borrows the concept of Hollywood's Walk of Fame to honor Hong Kong cinema celebrities.
Bruce Lee, Stephen Chow, and Jackie Chan are of course represented, and while the promenade is pleasant, it's somewhat brief.
Time to return to our shabby excuse for a room. Tomorrow is shaping up to be a busy day! To view our photos, feel free to visit the gallery of Hong Kong.
Frequently asked questions
The Symphony of Lights is a sound and light show visible from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront promenade. It is projected each evening at 8 p.m. from 44 skyscrapers located on Hong Kong Island, facing the Kowloon Peninsula. This 13-minute show is listed in the Guinness World Records as the world's largest permanent light show.
The Chungking Mansions are a complex of buildings located on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, housing numerous budget guesthouses and budget hotels. Known for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and very basic amenities, this place is an almost mandatory stop for budget travelers looking to stay in Kowloon's touristic district.
The Avenue of the Stars is a pedestrian promenade along the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, inspired by Hollywood's Walk of Fame. It honors Hong Kong cinema celebrities like Bruce Lee, Jackie Chan, and Stephen Chow. Renovated and reopened in 2019, it also offers stunning views of Hong Kong Island's skyline.
From Hong Kong Airport (on Lantau Island), you can reach Tsim Sha Tsui by taking the MTR (metro) from Tung Chung station, then changing lines to reach East Tsim Sha Tsui or Tsim Sha Tsui station. The journey takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes depending on transfers.
Tsim Sha Tsui, located at the southern tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, is considered Hong Kong's most touristic district. You'll find numerous hotels, restaurants, and attractions including the Avenue of the Stars, the waterfront promenade, and the Symphony of Lights show. Nathan Road, its main thoroughfare, is brimming with shops and accommodations for all budgets.
