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Pedder Street
Facing the Shanghai Tang from across the road is The Landmark, a shopping complex opened in 1980 on the site of Gloucester Hotel. The site used to be located by the Hotel and the New Gloucester Building before they were demolished to make way for The Landmark. The atrium consists of 100 shops covering almost 6,000 sq. meters, with a middle base vacated for stage performances during holidays and other special occasions. Statue Square Situated on Chater Road, this is a sanctuary for Hong Kong's war veterans to gather together on Remembrance Day every November to commemorate both Chinese and expatriate victims of World War II. This is also a location where Filipino maids convene on Sundays (off-days) for a festive party. Philippine nationals form the largest foreign community living in Hong Kong, thus outnumbering both British and American nationals by more than four times. Legislative Council Building (Legco)
Towards the east of this building is Chater Garden, a tropical oasis that is packed with office workers who have their packed lunches in the garden on clear days. From here is a walkway past the Bank of America Tower and the Ritz-Carlton and Furama hotels to Admiralty. City Hall The hall, which is located under a walkway and to the left of the Star Ferry Pier, houses administrative offices, a concert hall, and a theater. There are billboards inside the establishment that advertises cultural programs for the month, thus benefiting tourists who want more than just shopping, sightseeing, and bar-hopping.
This is the center of nightlife for Hong Kong's young and trendy. A la mode cuisine restaurants combined with funky bars and discos, English pubs, and tiny snack shops dwell here. Late-night revelers can enjoy any kind of chef-d'oeuvre in the wee hours of the morning. Although the area is increasing in popularity, a downside to this is the higher rents, which means an increase in prices. It is, in fact, one of the world's most expensive places to eat, drink, and be merry. Nevertheless, this has not deterred the year-round crowds. Government House Housed on Upper Albert Road, this was formerly a grand home for past colonial leaders of Hong Kong. Currently, the house is used as a state guest-house and a venue for hosting official banquets. The surrounding area is the only remaining part of Hong Kong Island that preserves a genuinely colonial feel. Zoological and Botanical Gardens Open daily from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., this lush tropical area is a worthwhile urban retreat. The zoo and garden are homes to a variety of exotic wildlife, including the world's largest collection of red-cheeked gibbons. Opened in 1864, the zoo still retains elements of its original Victorian decorum, with the added Eastern spirituality of elderly Chinese residents practicing their taijiquan exercises each morning. Admission is free. St. John's Cathedral
Another interesting colonial structure is the red-brick French Mission Building, which now houses government offices. The Flagstaff House is home to the Museum of Tea Ware. The house was built in 1846 and is reputedly Hong Kong's oldest surviving building. The museum opens daily, except on Wednesdays, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free.
Hong Kong Park is a site for aviaries and botanical gardens. A mosque-like observation tower at the park provides a great view for photographs of the area. However, one would need to climb up an extreme flight of steps to reach the top. Entrance into the park is through Cotton Tree Drive or the Pacific Place on Queensway.
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Near
the Central MTR subway station between Queen's Road and De Voeux Road
is Pedder Street, where the newest and most successful home-grown fashion
store, Shanghai Tang, is located. Built by British entrepreneur, David
Tang, this center has extraordinary Chinese fashion. Neo-Mao suits and
T-shirts are among the items available from this interesting emporium,
which also has branches in New York and Shanghai.
Formerly
a colonial-style Supreme Court Building, the Legislative Council Building
houses Hong Kong's legislature. Previously, the building was evacuated
in mid-session because its foundations were undermined by the construction
of the MTR in the area. Fortunately, it has been repaired and is fully
utilized today.
Lan
Kwai Fong
Inaugurated
in 1849, this cathedral is the city's oldest Anglican church. It is located
opposite the Citibank Plaza on Battery Path Road. The cathedral is a common
meeting ground for Filipinos.
Hong
Kong Park