While standing in awe of Hong Kong’s lavish skyline, it might be hard to believe that hidden amongst some of the world’s most incredible skyscrapers are some of the city’s most noted landmarks. Dive into the history of this Special Administrative Region of China to unearth Hong Kong landmarks drenched in Chinese and British colonial heritage.

AGODA EXTRA: The Tsing Ma Bridge, which connects the islands of Tsing Yi and Ma Wan, is the largest suspension bridge in the world. The six-lane, double-decker bridge carries both rail and automobile traffic and serves as a vital element to the Lantau Link, which connects mainland Hong Kong to Lantau Island and Hong Kong International Airport.

1. Watch fireworks, and take a night cruise in a junk boat at VICTORIA HARBOUR

Named after British royalty and the centerpiece to Hong Kong tourism, Victoria Harbour is more than just a pretty face. It is one of the world’s busiest ports. Plus, it serves as the main venue for epic concerts and Hong Kong’s annual fireworks show. Gather on the waterfront promenade for a seaside dinner and drinks, and then choose your cruise across the bay. Harbor vessels range from traditional Chinese passenger barges and authentic junk boats (fishing boats) to luxury ships offering after-dark views of A Symphony of Lights, the largest, daily light and sound show on earth.

Check In to The Wharney Guang Dong Hotel, Step Out to Victoria Harbour

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2. Go hiking on a hillside to find an enormous religious symbol of peace at TIAN TAN BUDDHA

Overlooking the Chinese people and enriching Lantau Island’s peaceful atmosphere, the Tian Tan Buddha, also called the Big Buddha, dominates the hillside scenery at Po Lin Monastery. Climb 268 steps to gaze at this bronze statue that symbolizes the harmonious relationship between man and nature, as well as between people and faith. Designed after the Altar of Heaven in Beijing, Tian Tan Buddha towers over the region at 111.5 feet (34 meters) tall and is a major Buddhist religious site where locals pray and offer flowers, incense, fruit and music to the sacred Buddha.

Check In to Seaview Holiday Resort, Step Out to Tian Tan Buddha

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3. Photograph A SYMPHONY OF LIGHTS show key player at BANK OF CHINA TOWER

Towering over Central business district, the Bank of China Tower is the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. The magnificent structure, which stretches to a height of 1,205.4 feet (367.4 meters), was designed by legendary architect I.M. Pei and serves as the headquarters for the Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The tower contains 72 floors, and even though the building is not open to the public for tours, it serves as an integral showpiece in Victoria Harbour’s nightly light and sound show, A Symphony of Lights. Guests can capture a gorgeous glimpse of the city from the 43rd floor or admire the tower’s prism-like façade and reflective tiles from Admiralty MTR Station near Hong Kong Park.

Fun fact: A digitally-modified replica of the Bank of China Tower was used in the television series Star Trek: Voyager as the Starfleet Communications Research Center.

Check In to Homy Hotel Central, Step Out to Hong Kong Park

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4. Enjoy a lot more than a skyline view from the romantic SKY TERRACE 428 at PEAK TOWER

Profess your love in front of a giant heart in the sky while taking in a stunning view of Hong Kong from Sky Terrace 428, the highest 360-degree viewing platform in the city. Start your journey to the tower at The Peak Tram on Garden Road, and once inside the tower, stand beside celebrity wax figures at Madame Tussauds Hong Kong. Take a short walk across Peak Road Garden to reach The Peak Galleria, where you’ll find shopping and dining options. For a free panoramic view away from steady crowds, opt for a trip to Lion’s Pavilion, just a one-minute walk from Peak Tower.

Check In to mini hotel Central, Step Out to Peak Tower

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5. See the last remaining remnant of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Station at CLOCK TOWER

Check the time on a red brick-and-mortar clock tower that has served as a symbol of Hong Kong’s ebb and flow of immigrants and emigrants since 1915. The last remaining remnant of the Kowloon-Canton Railway Station, the Clock Tower features four working clock faces that have never missed a tick, not even during World War II when the clock was damaged during Japanese occupation. The Clock Tower stands on the edge of Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui and can be viewed on the way to surrounding attractions, like the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Hong Kong Museum of Art, Avenue of Stars and the Hong Kong Space Museum.

Check In to Butterfly on Prat Boutique Hotel, Step Out to Clock Tower

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