Explore Central and Sheung Wan in Hong Kong:
ChinaCentral and Sheung Wan together form one of the most fascinating and layered parts of Hong Kong Island. Central is the city's beating financial heart, where gleaming skyscrapers rise dramatically from the waterfront, yet colonial-era buildings and hidden alleyways are tucked just steps away from the glass towers. The iconic Central-Mid-Levels Escalator, the world's longest outdoor covered escalator system, winds through the hillside neighborhood of SoHo, connecting a labyrinth of cafés, restaurants, and boutiques along its route.
Sheung Wan, just west of Central, offers a more traditional and atmospheric side of Hong Kong. Explore Hollywood Road, famous for its antique shops and art galleries, or wander into Man Mo Temple, one of the oldest temples in the city, where incense coils hang from the ceiling in a mesmerizing haze. The streets around Dried Seafood Street (Des Voeux Road West) give you a genuine slice of old Hong Kong trade culture.
The area is also home to PMQ, a creative hub set in a former police married quarters building, showcasing local designers and artists. Nearby Tai Kwun is another must-visit, a beautifully restored former police station and magistracy complex that now hosts arts exhibitions, dining, and cultural events.
For architecture lovers, history buffs, foodies, and those who simply love wandering without a fixed plan, this area rewards every type of explorer. The juxtaposition of old and new is particularly striking here, making it ideal for photographers as well. Whether you arrive via the Star Ferry from Kowloon or hop off at an MTR station, Central and Sheung Wan make for an endlessly rewarding urban walk.