Victoria Harbour Hong Kong Overview and Travel Guide

Victoria Harbour is a stunning natural asset in Hong Kong, offering breathtaking views and a unique experience for visitors. The harbour is approximately 52 kilometres long, stretching from the mouth of the Pearl River Delta to the south of Hong Kong Island.

One of the harbour's most notable features is the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, which is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the harbour, as well as the iconic skyline of Hong Kong.

The harbour is also a major transportation hub, with many ferry services connecting Hong Kong Island to Kowloon and the surrounding islands.

Victoria Harbour has a rich history dating back to c.1425, when Zheng He's sailing maps of the China coast first referenced the harbour. The harbour was charted in later maps, but the first detailed map was an 1810 marine chart prepared for the East India Company.

The harbour was originally called "Hong Kong Harbour", but was later renamed to "Victoria Harbour" to assure shelter for the British fleet under Queen Victoria. This name change occurred due to the harbour's strategic importance.

Recreational activities in the harbour began in the 1850s, with water competitions such as swimming and water polo being undertaken by members of Hong Kong's first sports club, the Victoria Recreation Club. These activities were a precursor to the harbour's modern-day significance.

The harbour played a significant role during the Taiping Rebellion, with armed rebels parading the streets of Hong Kong and a naval battle taking place in 1855. The Chinese defenders were ordered away by the British colonial authorities, leading to rising tension that would eventually lead to the Arrow War.

By the 1840s, the harbour was a major port due to its proximity to Canton and its location along major shipping lines between Japan and Singapore. In 1844, only 538 ships docked there, but by 1931, over 42,000,000 tons of cargo was shipped through.

Here are some key statistics about the harbour's growth:

The harbour continued to grow, becoming a manufacturing center in the 1950s and 1960s, and then adopting containerized shipping in the 1970s, which allowed for much faster throughput of manufactured products.

Victoria Harbour is a significant body of water located in Hong Kong, covering an area of approximately 41.88 km (16.17 sq mi) in 2004.

The harbour's boundaries are well-defined, with the eastern boundary marked by a line between Siu Chau Wan and A Kung Ngam.

The harbour's western boundary is a bit more complex, consisting of a line drawn from the westernmost point of Hong Kong Island to the westernmost point of Green Island, then a straight line to the southeasternmost point of Tsing Yi, and finally along the eastern and northern coastal lines of Tsing Yi to its westernmost extremity.

Several islands are situated within the harbour, including Green Island, Little Green Island, Kowloon Rock, and Tsing Yi Island.

Some of the islands within the harbour have undergone significant changes due to land reclamation, resulting in them being connected to adjacent lands or larger islands.

Here's a list of some of the former islands that are now connected to adjacent lands or larger islands:

The geology around the harbour is primarily made up of a granitic copula, which has been heavily weathered in some areas.

Victoria Harbour is a stunning sight to behold, especially at night when the panoramic view of the skyline is superimposed over the ridges behind Hong Kong Island. The best places to view the harbour are the Peak Tower atop Victoria Peak, the piazza at the Cultural Centre, or the promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side.

One of the most popular ways to experience the harbour is by taking a ride on the Star Ferry, which offers a unique view of the cityscape. The ferry route between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui is particularly scenic, and it's a great way to get a feel for the harbour's energy.

To enhance the popularity of the harbour as a sightseeing location, the government introduced a show called A Symphony of Lights, which is a must-see for tourists and locals alike. The show is usually telecast on local television, making it a special experience for visitors.

Victoria Harbour is a stunning sight to behold, and there are many ways to experience its beauty. You can take a ride on the Star Ferry, which offers a unique perspective on the harbour and cityscape.

The harbour has played host to many major public shows, including the annual fireworks displays on the second night of the Lunar New Year. These shows are popular with tourists and locals alike, and the display is usually telecast on local television.

One of the best ways to see the harbour is from the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront. Here you can stand right in front of the harbour and admire the topological and architectural spectacle of Hong Kong's iconic skyline.

The newly expanded Avenue of Stars now boasts a new, updated Symphony of Lights show with a new musical score and much better multimedia building lighting. The lighting effects are brighter and more colorful, and new buildings have been added.

The harbour views are quite good from the Central Waterfront Promenade, where you can also visit the Maritime Museum, a highly-rated attraction. New park areas, event areas, and sports areas make it a great place to head out to for sightseeing and recreation.

If you're looking for a unique view of the harbour, consider visiting the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck, located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre. It offers a 360° panoramic view of Hong Kong and its famous harbour.

Here are the Five Cornerstones of a Harbour Tour:

The Star Ferry is one of the oldest forms of transportation in Hong Kong, faithfully carrying passengers across the harbour for over a century.

It's a scenic way to cross the harbour, providing an up-close view of Hong Kong's iconic skyline.

The ride costs almost nothing, starting at about 30 cents USD, making it an affordable option for visitors.

You can ride the Star Ferry to cross between the Avenue of Stars/Harbour City Mall area and the IFC Mall area for a great scenic experience.

The Star Ferry is adjacent to both Harbour City Mall and the Avenue of Stars, making it a convenient option.

The lower deck of the Star Ferry offers a better view and experience.

To make the most of your Star Ferry ride, stay close to the Tsim Sha Tsui and Central areas to avoid hassle and lost time traveling.

The quality of dining around Victoria Harbour has improved significantly. You can now find some of the world's top restaurants in the area, including the Michelin-starred Four Seasons in IFC Mall.

The Four Seasons is notable for being the most Michelin-starred building in the world. In 2019, Michelin awarded Caprice and Lung King Heen both 3 Michelin stars, while Sushi Saito received 2 Michelin stars.

For a luxurious dining experience with good Harbour views, the Four Seasons is a top choice. However, be sure to make reservations in advance, as tables can be hard to come by.

Caprice and Lung King Heen are two of the top restaurants in the area, both serving exceptional cuisine. Caprice offers French cuisine, while Lung King Heen serves avant-garde, organic Cantonese-style cuisine.

If you're planning a trip to Victoria Harbour, it's best to visit from October to December when the weather is cool and dry.

These months offer pleasant conditions, perfect for sightseeing and enjoying the area's attractions.

Rainy and cloudy weather usually starts in January, so it's essential to check the forecast before your trip.

Symphony of Lights events are often canceled due to inclement weather, so it's worth planning around this if you're looking to catch the show.

Summer months are warm and sunny, but be aware that occasional tropical storms can pop up, so it's always a good idea to pack accordingly.

Victoria Harbour is home to most of the port facilities of Hong Kong, making it one of the world's busiest. An average of 220,000 ships visit the harbour each year.

The Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in the western part of the harbour is the main container handling facility, operating round the clock. Some 19.8 million containers (measured in TEUs) were handled by the region in 2016.

About 400 container ships serve Hong Kong weekly, connecting to over 500 destinations around the world.

The Ocean Terminal Deck is located on the rooftop of Ocean Terminal's five-storey extension building, opened in 2017.

It offers a 270-degree panorama of the harbour, providing breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Visitors can enjoy Hong Kong's sunset and evening views from this observatory deck, which is surrounded by the sea.

Being close to Harbour City, it's also a great spot to explore the many shopping and dining options available.

The Hong Kong Water Taxi is a great way to see the city's iconic attractions. It offers a daily route that passes by the Hong Kong Observation Wheel, International Financial Centre, the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade, and West Kowloon Cultural District.

You can take in the sights while enjoying the harbour views. The Water Taxi is a unique way to experience the city.

If you're looking for a more relaxed experience, consider taking the Water Taxi in the morning or afternoon when the sun isn't too harsh.

The Water Taxi is a convenient way to get a feel for the city's layout and main attractions.

Victoria Harbour is home to most of the port facilities of Hong Kong, making it one of the world's busiest ports.

An average of 220,000 ships visit the harbour each year.

The Kwai Tsing Container Terminals in the western part of the harbour is the main container handling facility, operating round the clock.

Some 19.8 million containers (measured in TEUs) were handled by the region in 2016.

400 container ships serve Hong Kong weekly, connecting to over 500 destinations around the world.

Hong Kong handled the most containers TEUs for many years until 2004.

By 2016, Hong Kong had slipped to sixth place on declining volumes.

Victoria Harbour is a must-visit destination in Hong Kong, offering breathtaking views of the city skyline. You can experience its beauty from various vantage points, including the Ocean Terminal Deck, which provides a 270-degree panorama of the harbour.

The Hong Kong Water Taxi offers a unique way to explore the harbour, passing by iconic attractions like the Hong Kong Observation Wheel and the Tsim Sha Tsui promenade.

For a panoramic view of the harbour, head to the Ocean Terminal Deck, located on the rooftop of Ocean Terminal's five-storey extension building. This observatory deck is surrounded by the sea and offers stunning views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

If you're looking for a luxurious dining experience, consider visiting Salisterra on the 49th floor of The Upper House. This fine dining restaurant offers a dazzling skyline view of the harbour.

Some popular spots to enjoy the harbour views include Aqua, Eyebar, and Ozone. Aqua is known for its Japanese and Italian cuisines, while Eyebar offers a relaxed atmosphere with a great view of Nathan Road. Ozone, located on the 118th floor of the ICC, is the highest bar in Hong Kong and offers an unobstructed view of western Hong Kong Island and Kowloon.

Whether you're looking to dine, drink, or simply take in the views, Victoria Harbour has something for everyone.

You can take in the breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour from various spots, including the Peak Tower atop Victoria Peak, the piazza at the Cultural Centre, or the promenade of Tsim Sha Tsui on the Kowloon side.

To get a closer look, you can take a ride on the Star Ferry, which offers a scenic route between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui. The ferry is a great way to see the harbour and cityscape from a different perspective.

Alternatively, you can take a guided tour with a knowledgeable guide who will share the interesting stories of Victoria Harbour with you. They'll lead you to the best spots and ensure you don't miss a thing.

If you prefer a more private experience, you can arrange for private transport to take you on your tour. This is a convenient option, especially if you're traveling with a group or have mobility issues.

The harbour is also a great place to experience the city's festive spirit, with Christmas decorations adorning the buildings in late November and Lunar New Year decorations taking over in January.