Eastern District

Understand

Wan Chai and Causeway Bay are the main tourism destinations along the eastern shore of the north coast of Hong Kong island. Inland, Happy Valley with its world famous racecourse is a major tourism attraction.

Wan Chai (灣仔). Known for its sleazy nightlife, having been a favourite hangout spot for American soldiers on their R&R leaves during the Vietnam War. These days, it is much more than a couple of blocks of girlie-bars populated by drunken American sailors; after all, The World of Suzie Wong was just a work of fiction set in Wan Chai during a bygone age. Between Causeway Bay and Admiralty, Wanchai has an inner-city feel that makes it an interesting but safe area to walk around at any time. Wan Chai has traditional street markets that, unlike many other neighbourhoods, are still outdoors. In the so-called wet-markets, butchers hang animal carcasses on large hooks that overshadow pavements and fishmongers have stalls with live fish that do their best to escape. Between Johnston Road and Queen's Road East are numerous alleys that are worth exploring if you are looking for traditional family-run shops selling anything from tropical fish to cheap clothing. Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣). A shopping district that is home to large department stores, such as Sogo. Causeway Bay is crowded most of the time but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the 'calendar' New Year when you will be wise to stay away if you hate crowds. The area is also popular among Hong Kong's youth and is a good place to check out the latest fashion trends. Happy Valley (跑馬地). Nestled behind the Happy Valley Racecourse, away from the MTR line, this district has a more laid-back feel than nearby Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Happy Valley was not always the happiest place to be. When the first British troops were stationed in Happy Valley the death rate from malaria was so high that, wit

Getting there

This area is a light walk to Central from Hong Kong's main transport hubs (except during the summer heat).

By metro The Island Line of the Mass Transit Railway runs along the north coast of Hong Kong Island, stretching from Kennedy Town in the west and traveling eastward through Central, Admiralty, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay, and beyond. If you are arriving from Kowloon, the Tsuen Wan Line passes by Admiralty station from which you can transit to the Island Line very easily. You can also cross the harbour by taking the Tseung Kwan O Line or the newly extended East Rail Line.

By tram

The tram runs from Kennedy Town to Sai Wan Ho. The tram line trundles through Eastern as well and is a great way to see this part of town without too much effort or expense. Make sure you take a tram that does not deviate off course from your destination. Sundays it is very uncomfortable to use simply from the sheer volume of fellow travellers. The tram does not have air conditioning, only fans and open windows.

By bus Many buses run from Central eastwards to Wan Chai and beyond, as well as some cross-harbour buses connecting this area to Kowloon. If you learn to master the bus system, then journeys will be more comfortable since you will avoid running around metro stations and get a seat in a clean air conditioned environment.

By boat The Star Ferry arrives at Wan Chai Pier from Hung Hom and Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon. North Point also has a pier with frequent services to Hung Hom, Kwun Tong, and Kowloon City.

1 Wan Chai Pier (灣仔碼頭). (updated Sep 2025) 2 North Point Ferry Pier (北角碼頭). (updated Sep 2025) 3 Sai Wan Ho Ferry Pier (西灣河碼頭). (updated Sep 2025)

By taxi Taxis are cheap enough if you want to get around in comfort. Hong Kong Station to Causeway Bay is around $30 depending on traffic.

See

Landmarks 1 Central Plaza. Can be seen from most of Wan Chai. Central Plaza was the tallest building in Asia from 1992 to 1996, and the tallest in Hong Kong until 2003. It is possible to tell the time by the changing lights on the top of this building. During business hours, you can take the lift from the ground floor to the sky lobby on the 46th floor to get a spectacular free view of the harbour and the island. Another option for a free is view is from the observation lift in the Hopewell Centre at 183 Queen's Road East. This is one of the very few round towers found in the city. This glass lift can be taken from the 17th floor and the amazing journey to the 62nd floor takes about 90 seconds. Once at the top you can eat at the revolving restaurant on top of the building, or head back down again. 2 Noon Day Gun (Noonday Gun) (across from the World Trade Centre, near Causeway Bay). The historic gun is fired every day at noon and once a year at midnight on New Year's Eve. To access the Noon Day Gun, enter the underground tunnel between the World Trade Centre and the Excelsior Hotel and follow the signs. Finding this tunnel is difficult and you might need to ask staff for directions. The tradition of firing a gun into Victoria Harbour everyday at noon dates back to the 1860s. It is believed that this is the gun referred to in Noel Coward's song "Mad Dogs and Englishmen". Free. 3 Golden Bauhinia Square (outside the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre). The site of the ceremony in 1997 in which the United Kingdom returned Hong Kong to China. A flag raising ceremony is held here ever morning at 8AM, when the Hong Kong Police will perform foot drills and raise both the Chinese national flag and the Hong Kong flag to the accompaniment of the Chinese national anthem. Visit at night time for a stunning view of the neon-lit skylines of Kowloon and Hong Kong. 4 The Old Wan Chai Post Office, 221 Queen's Road East, Wanchai (Wanchai MTR, Exit A3). Now an Environmental

Do

1 Horse racing. Horse racing has been taking place at Happy Valley racetrack since 1846. Happy Valley is particularly impressive during the evening meets with the surrounding skyscrapers lit up. Unless you know the right sort of people your best chance of getting into the races is by the public entrance. Entrance will cost you just a few dollars and you will have the advantage of being at ground level next to the race track. Alcohol, especially beer, is sold at cheap prices. Unless you like fast-food, plan to eat before or after gambling away your holiday savings. 2 Hong Kong Racing Museum, 2/F, Happy Valley Stand, Happy Valley Racecourse, Wong Nai Chung Rd, Happy Valley, ☏ +852 2966-8065. Noon-7pm Everyday. Artificats and some of the largest exhibits in the world next to the track of the Happy Valley Racecourse. (updated May 2019) 3 Hong Kong Academy of Performing Arts (香港演藝學院), The Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts 1 Gloucester Road Wanchai (The academy is mid-way between Admiralty and Wan Chai MTR stations.), ☏ +852 2584 8500. A venue for dance, music and drama. 4 Hong Kong Cricket Club, 137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road. Private club but one restaurant is open to