Hong Kong Sightseeing: Accessible Hong Kong Attractions

 
Hong Kong Sightseeing: Accessible Hong Kong Attractions

Beautiful Hong Kong Skyline at Dusk.

 

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Planning Your Hong Kong Sightseeing Trip

If you’re looking to do some Hong Kong sightseeing, you’ve come to the right place. This guide to accessible Hong Kong attractions will take you through all the best things to do in Hong Kong. First, the good news is Hong Kong is the most disabled-friendly city in east Asia. The buses, trains, and major tourist attractions are all wheelchair accessible. During my trip to Hong Kong, I had very little difficulty getting around, but I will go over each of these attractions and highlight any potential difficulties those with mobility issues might face.

My goal in writing these guides is to be as inclusive as possible. If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or leave a comment below. I’m always happy to answer any questions if I leave something out.

 
Hong Kong Park Hong Kong Sightseeing Hong Kong Attractions

Hong Kong Park in Spring

 

The Best Time To Visit Hong Kong

The best time to visit Hong Kong is from late September to late December. The weather is perfect at this time of year. If you travel outside this time know that the heat and humidity can be an issue. Of course, since I was able to snag $350 round-trip tickets from Los Angles, I went in April. Because humidity be damned, that was too good a deal! I was able to get by with some sweat wipes and a portable fan, but at times it was like sitting in a steam room. My point is, if you can go in the fall or early winter, I highly recommend it. But if you get a great deal outside that season, book it and be prepared to sweat.

How to Get Around Hong Kong

We’re going to need some good public transportation for this Hong Kong sightseeing tour. Fortunately, most of the public transportation system is wheelchair-accessible and will get you to the major tourist spots in Hong Kong.

Subway: The MTR Airport Express will get you to ICC Tower in Kowloon or to the IFC Tower in Central in just thirty minutes. Wheelchair access and facilities are quite good.

Bus: Buses from the airport to Kowloon or Central are all equipped with wheelchair lifts and space for a wheelchair. Only 50% of the 171 buses from Kowloon to Aberdeen are equipped with a wheelchair lift, so it may take some time to wait for one to come. This can be a bit frustrating. If you’re looking to travel to Hong Kong tourist spots like Temple Street Market and Ladies Market along Nathan Road, there are wheelchair-equipped buses on route 6.

Taxis: Most taxis in Hong Kong will accommodate folding wheelchairs free of charge. They also often have Braille signage on the doors and talking meters. Taxis are an excellent option to get places if you don’t mind spending a little extra cash.

Ferries: I highly recommend Star Ferries. More on that later.

 
Gardens at the Shandri-La Hong Kong Tourist Attractions of Hong Kong

Gardens at the Shangri-La Hotel Hong Kong

 

Where To Stay in Hong Kong

What I saved on airfare I blew on my hotel stay. Since it was my fiance’s 40th birthday, we opted to stay at the 5-star Shangri-La Hotel. It was worth every penny and centrally located to attractions, but it did cost over $1,000 USD a night. Hong Kong can be pricey, but if you’re not looking to blow the budget, I have a few recommendations that will cost you under $350/ night.

Hotel Alexandra: This beautiful, 4-star, wheelchair-accessible hotel is located mere steps from Victoria Peak, Tong Shui Rose Garden, and Provident Street Park. The accessible hotel features include auditory guidance, tactile signage, Braille, bathroom emergency cords, lowered sinks, raised toilets, and grab rails.

Hilton Garden Inn Hong Kong Mongkok: Located in Kowloon’s major shopping district the Hilton Garden Inn is surrounded by great shops, street bazaars, and incredible nightlife. The hotel features a 24-hour front desk, spa, and wheelchair-accessible facilities.

La Prabelle Hotel: Located in Mongkok, La Prabelle is a 15-minute walk to Goladfish Market and Ladies market. The accessible hotel features include a bathroom emergency cord, lowered sink, raised toilet, grab rails, and wheelchair-accessible common areas.

Hong Kong Sightseeing: Accessible Hong Kong Attractions

There are many tourist attractions in Hong Kong, including some unique things to do in Hong Kong that probably aren’t in your guidebook, but I’ve narrowed it down to the most popular and accessible places in Hong Kong. I was able to visit most of these spots during my trip, but I’m including a few places in Hong Kong to visit that I didn’t get the chance to see (like Hong Kong Disneyland and Ocean Park). Rest assured that I’ve put in a lot of research, so even if I haven’t been there myself, I’ve contacted the location to make sure it is indeed accessible. So, let’s get ready to see some of the most exciting and beautiful places in Hong Kong.

 
Victoria Peak Hong Kong

Views from Victoria Peak

 
  1. Victoria Peak

Offering some of the best views in Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is a must-visit destination. The Victoria Peak Tram takes passengers up to the top of the peak. Warning, The Peak Tram is accessible only for people with folding wheelchairs who are able to get assistance loading in and are able to sit in a regular seat. I’ve included a picture below so you can see the seating configuration inside the tram. If you are not able to navigate the few steps into the tram it is recommended you take a taxi to the top of Victoria Peak.

 
Inside the Victoria Peak Tram Travel Blogs Hong Kong

Inside the Peak Tram

 

Once at Victoria Peak, you’ll encounter Peak Circle Walk, a wheelchair-accessible hiking trail. Walking around the peak you’ll get breathtaking views of the second-tallest skyline in the world.

Click here to get your Peak Tram and Sky Terrace Entrance Ticket.

 
Places to Visit Hong Kong Wong Tai Sin Temple

Wong Tai Sin Temple

 

2. Wong Tai Sin Temple

The Red Pine Wong Tai Sin Temple attracts numerous believers who come to burn incense, hoping for blessings. The temple represents three different religions, Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism, making it a truly unique monument. The temple is famous for answering many prayers. It’s stunningly beautiful and a must-see Hong Kong tourist spot. Though be mindful that you are entering a temple and should be respectful.

Most visitors come to the temple searching for a spiritual answer. As the tradition goes, a visitor must light incense sticks, kneel before the main altar, make a wish, and shake a bamboo cylinder containing fortune sticks until a stick falls out. They then exchange the stick for a piece of paper marked with the same number, they then take the paper to a soothsayer who will read the paper and interpret the fortune.

Wheelchair users can reach the temple by taking the elevator from Exit D of the Wong Tai Sin MTR Station to street level and entering the Temple Mall South. From there, take the footbridge across to Lung Cheung Road, enter Temple Mall North, then take the elevator to the LG Floor, exit and take the ramp to the main entrance of Wong Tai Sin Temple.

 
Tourist Spots Hong Kong Cat Street Hong Kong

Cat Street Hong Kong

 

3. Cat Street Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s famous Cat Street Market is an antique lover’s paradise. The stalls are packed with art, decorative items, jade pieces, antique coins, and unique souvenirs. It’s like one giant flea market. Come here if you’d like to shop for unique items.

The street is wheelchair accessible.

Alternatively, you could take a Wheelchair Accessible Guided Tour of Hong Kong’s Night Markets.

 
Hong kong Tourist Spots Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Ten Thousand Buddahs Monestery

 

4. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery

Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery is a Buddhist temple and pagoda located on Wan Fo Mountain in Sha Tin Hong Kong. The temple and pagoda are listed as historic places by the government of Hong Kong. The main part of the attraction is actually getting to the attraction. Following the path to the temple, visitors will pass by thousands of gold Buddha statues each of which is uniquely posed.

Despite the name, the Ten Thousand Buddhas actually has more than 13,000 Buddha statues. The monastery operates a vegetarian restaurant serving a number of Chinese dishes like stir fry cashews and vegetables and sweet and sour vegetarian chicken.

As far as accessibility goes, the path up the mountain is very steep and somewhat uneven. It is generally not suitable for wheelchair users to do on their own. This is definitely one of the more challenging locations on the list and not for those with severe mobility limitations. If you decide to go, go slow. There’s a lot to appreciate on the walk-up, but it did prove quite challenging.

 
Tourist Spots in Hong Kong Chi Lin Nunnery

Chi Lin Nunnery

 

5. Chi Lin Nunnery

If you’re looking for a peaceful, serene area in the midst of the city, check out the Chi Lin Nunnery. The timber architecture of Chi Lin Nunnery imitates that of the Tang Dynasty. The area is comprised of the nunnery, Hammer Mill Park, and Nan Nian Garden, making it one of the most scenic areas in Hong Kong.

The nunnery, park, and gardens are wheelchair accessible. Visitors looking to visit each of the halls can request elevator service from a staff member.

 

 
Hong Kong Visiting Places Temple Street Night Market

Temple Street Night Market

 

6. Temple Street Night Market

The fun begins each night at around 8 pm at Temple Street Night Market. Tourists and locals flock to this busy street for unique items and great bargains. The open-air market sells everything from kitsch signs in broken English to watches, clothing, and electronics.

Exploring Temple Street spanning the Jordan and Yau Ma Tei neighborhood will make you feel like you’ve been whisked back in time. Apart from the popular market stalls, you’ll find a mix of dai pai dongs (outdoor restaurants), fortune tellers, and old karaoke bars. The restaurants are so plentiful and the tables so intermingled outside that it’s hard to tell which restaurant your food is coming from. Just approach a table and someone will quickly rush out with menus and buckets for you to sit on. We ate here twice during our stay and were never disappointed. We enjoyed Singapore street noodles, honey BBQ pork, Har Gow, and roast duck, all of it delicious. All of it is quite affordable.

The streets are wheelchair accessible, just be warned it can be crowded and a bit overwhelming to navigate.

Alternatively, you could take a Wheelchair Accessible Guided Tour of Hong Kong’s Night Markets.

 
Hong Kong Places to Visit Hong Kong Heritage Museum

Hong Kong Museum

 

7. Hong Kong Heritage Museum

The Hong Kong Heritage Museum is a museum of history, art, and culture. The museum building is the largest in Hong Kong and is able to accommodate up to 6,000 visitors. The museum contains five permanent galleries, The Children’s Discovery Area, Cantonese Opera Hall, TT Tsui Gallery of Chinese Art Gallery, Chao Shao-an Gallery, and the Jon Yong Gallery. On top of the massive gallery spaces, the museum also has a space for regular Cantonese opera performances.

The museum provides barrier-free access for all. Wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come-first-serve basis from the information counter. All floors are reachable by elevator. The theater also provides space for wheelchairs. There is a tactile guide path and Braille and tactile floor plan. Assistive listening devices are available at the box office and inquiries counter.

 
Places to Visit in Hong Kong with Family Tai O Fishing Village

Tai O Fishing Village

 

8. Tai O Fishing Village

Known as the Venice of Hong Kong, Tai O Fishing Village is located on the western part of Lantau Island. One of the most unique landscapes in Hong Kong, Tai O has been home to fishermen and their families for generations. Visitors can choose to walk around the fishing village or take a sampan boat to crisscross its many waterways.

There are a few barrier-free facilities in Tai O Market. Ramps connect the bus terminal and the pier. Be forewarned passages in the market are relatively narrow, but doable.

I recommend this Wheelchair Accessible Lantau Island Boat and Cable Car or Tai Day Pass.

 
Hong Kong Places Hong Kong Space Museum

Hong Kong Space Museum

 

9. Hong Kong Space Museum

The Hong Kong Space Museum is a space science and astronomy museum located in the Tsim Sha Tsui neighborhood of Hong Kong. It contains the only planetarium in Hong Kong. Most of the exhibits are interactive, making it a great museum for those traveling to Hong Kong with families. Notable exhibits include China’s first unmanned Schenzhou space shuttle, an Indian Astrolabe, and multiple meteorites.

Hong Kong Space Museum strives to provide barrier-free access to all. Wheelchairs can be borrowed from the information desk. There is a tactile guide path throughout the museum as well as an assistive listening system. All floors are accessible via elevator.

 
Star Ferry

Star Ferry

 

10. Star Ferry

Visiting Victoria harbor is a must for any trip to Hong Kong. Star Ferry offers wheelchair-accessible crossings between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, From here you can see incredible views of the city’s towering skyline.

Star Ferry is wheelchair accessible on the lower level. While there are other many ferry companies, only Star offers wheelchair-accessible vessels.

 
New Attractions in Hong Kong HK Observation Wheel

Hong Kong Observation Wheel

 

11. Hong Kong Observation Wheel

If you’d like an even better view of Victoria Harbour, head to the Hong Kong Observation Wheel. this 60-meter tall Ferris wheel is located in the Central Harborfront, Central, Hong Kong. The we=heel has 42 gondolas including one VIP gondola with leather seating and a glass floor. All gondolas are air-conditioned. Tickets are $20 HKD for adults and half-price for seniors, children, and people with disabilities.

All gondolas offer level-entry boarding for wheelchair users.

 
Hong Kong Island Shek O Beach

Shek O Beach

 

12. Sheck O Beach

Fancy a beach day in Hong Kong? Sheck O Beach is widely considered the best beach on Hong Kong Island, beating out the awkwardly named Repulse Bay Beach. Sheck O Beach features BBQ pits, changing rooms, restrooms, showers, and a refreshment stand. If you'd like to relax by the water, this is the place. The area surrounding the beach looks like a charming European town, filled with colorful buildings and a small Mediterranean restaurant. The Rainbow village area is a popular Instagram spot. If you’re looking to add a pop of color to your feed, head here.

The beach is also home to two major hiking trails, Dragon’s Back and Cape D’Aguilar. Cape D’Aguilar is a moderately rated trail, whereas Dragon’s back is generally considered an easy trail. Dragon’s back is 8.5 km and takes an average of 3 hours to complete. While Dragon’s back is unfortunately not wheelchair accessible, it is good for those seeking an easy trail without much elevation gain.

Shek o Beach is wheelchair accessible. It is equipped with ramps and wheelchair-accessible restrooms.

 
Ocean Park Hong Kong Hong

Ocean Park HK

 

13. Ocean Park Hong Kong

I didn’t happen to get to Ocean Park HK on my short trip to Hong Kong, but I wanted to include it on my list of accessible attractions for you theme park lovers.

Ocean Park, Hong Kong is the second largest theme park in Hong Kong, right behind Hong Kong Disneyland, (which we’ll get to shortly.) Ocean Park is located in Wong Chuck Hang and Nam Long Shan in the southern district of Hong Kong. The park has a wide variety of attractions, including roller coasters, a giant panda habitat, rainforest and polar displays, and the world’s largest aquarium dome.

Ocean Park Hong Kong aims to combine entertainment and wildlife education, including conservation advocacy.

Most of the exhibits at Ocean Park are wheelchair accessible, including restrooms, ramps, and theater viewing platforms. There are also specially designed gondolas in the Ferris wheel, Balloons up-up-and-away ride, and cable cars for guests using wheelchairs. There is also a queue assistance program for guests who have difficulty standing in line due to physical or psychological constraints. Guests should apply for their queue assistance card via email at least 7 days in advance of their visit.

Wheelchairs are available to rent for $60 HK per day from the Locker Stroller and Wheelchair Rental in Aqua City.

A Braille guide is available from Guest Relations. A Loop Pad System is available for guests with hearing disabilities from the Guest Relations Office and the Ticketing Office.

 
Travel Blogger Hong Kong Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Views from Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

 

14. Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Located in the International Commerce Center, in West Kowloon, Sky 100 Observation Deck offers some of the best views of Hong Kong. The 360-degree observation deck is situated on the 100th floor of the fourth tallest building in the world. From this observation deck, visitors can see Hong Kong Island, the Kowloon Peninsula, Victoria harbour, and Tai Mo Shan.

 
Send great photos from Sky 100 Hong Kong Observation Deck

Sky 100 Hong Kong

 

There are interactive multimedia exhibits, a cafe, photo services, and a gift shop.

Sky 100 is fully wheelchair accessible, though guests using a wheelchair are advised to book their tickets in advance. Wheelchairs are available to rent on a first-come-first-serve basis, simply approach a staff member upon arrival to request a chair.

I recommend this Wheelchair-Accessible Sky100 Observatory Ticket and Dining Package.

 
Ngong Ping Village and Tian Tan Buddha

Ngong Ping Village

 

15. Ngong Ping Village and Tian Tan Buddha

Ngong Ping Village is a Chinese Cultural Heaven located on the western part of Lantau Island. Tourists flock here to see the famous giant Tian Tan Buddha and ride the incredible cable car ride. The village itself is an artificially designed Chinese village with tea houses, souvenir shops, and restaurants featuring both Western and Asian delicacies.

Tourists can reach the village via Bus 23 from Tung Chung Bus Terminal, MTR, ferry, or the famous cable car. The cable car is adjacent to MTR Tung Chung Station.

Once inside, Ngong Ping Village visitors can take a tour through the origins of Buddhism, visit the Po Lin Monastery, and see the Tian Tan Buddha, the largest bronze seating Buddha in the world.

Another can’t-miss site is the Bodhi Wishing Shrine. Located in the middle of the village, the Bodhi Shrine is a spot where visitors can write their wishes on wood or paper and then place them inside the wishing tree in hopes that they will come true.

Ngong Ping and the cable car are both wheelchair accessible. The staff can provide assistance when boarding the cable cars. Ramps and accessible restrooms are available. Unfortunately, the giant Buddha is only accessible via a long flight of stairs, meaning those with mobility issues will only be able to view it from afar. Still, it’s a spectacular site.

Get your Ngong Ping Cable Car Tickets Here.

 
Lan Kwai Fong  kong hong hong

Little red temple in Lan Kwai Fong

 

16. Lan Kwai Fong

Lan Kwai Fong is a small expatriate area in Central Hong Kong well known for clubbing, drinking, and dining. If you’re looking for a great area to eat with lots of options, head to Lan Kwai Fong. The actual street Lan Kwai Fong is L shaped with two ends joining at D’Aguilar Street. The area is also home to a number of small art galleries.

Before the second world war, the area was largely dedicated to hucksters selling their goods and mui yang, or marriage arrangers, but it has now become a hotspot for nightlife and the hub of Hong Kong’s street culture. You’ll find many performers singing or playing guitar on this street.

To get here take the MTR to Central Station and exit D2.

17. Hong Kong Disneyland

Sadly, I did not get to visit Hong Kong Disneyland during my short trip to Hong Kong. With only a few days in town, I prioritized cultural landmarks over theme parks, but I wanted to include HK Disneyland on my list since is it hugely popular and a great accessible attraction.

Hong Kong Disneyland is located on reclaimed land in Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island. It is the largest theme park in Hong Kong and has been operating since 2005. Part of what makes this Disney park so unique is the layout. The entire park was built to adhere to the principles of feng shui. The major areas of the park are Grizzly Gulch, Tomorrowland, Fantasyland, Adventureland, Mainstreet, Mystic Point, Toy Story Land, and World of Frozen.

You’ll find many of the same rides and attractions as other Disney theme parks, like Main Street U.S.A., Tarzan’s Treehouse, the Jungle River Cruise, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, It’s a Small World, Cinderella’s Castle, Space Mountain, and Autopia. But you’ll also find attractions unique to Hong Kong Disney like Hong Kong Disneyland Castle, The Iron Man Experience, RC Racer, Mystic Manor, and Ant-man and the Wasp: Nano Battle.

To get to the park take the MTR Disneyland Resort Line.

Hong Kong Disneyland is accessible to guests with cognitive, mobility, vision, and hearing limitations. All restaurants and restrooms are wheelchair accessible as are many of the rides.

There are accessible entrances at select attractions. Please see a cast member for assistance. Audio guides and Braille guidebooks are available with a deposit. Wheelchair rentals are available at the Disneyland fire department next to City Hall on Main Street U.S.A.

Inductive loops are used at theater shows and ticket windows.

Get your Hong Kong Disneyland Tickets here.

 
Kowloon Walled City Hong Kong Park

Kowloon Walled City

 

18. Kowloon Walled City Park

Within the boundaries of Kowloon City lies the remains of the once densely populated de jure imperial Chinese enclave. Originally built as a Chinese military fort, the walled city became an enclave after the territory was leased to the United Kingdom in 1898. Once home to nearly 50,000 residents in a 6.4-acre area, the Kowloon walled city was demolished in 1994. The former city had incredibly high crime rates with gang violence, prostitution, gambling, and drug abuse running rampant.

As more and more people moved into the walled city the blocks began to merge together forming a single structure. Thousands of units represented living, working, learning, production, trade, commerce, and leisure all within one massive complex. The building became so tightly merged that sunlight did not penetrate the structure and it became known as the City of Darkness.

In the late 1980s plans were developed to clear and demolish the city with residents receiving an average of $380,000 for their individual flats. All but 457 households had agreed to the terms by November of 1991. Those that clung to the end were faced with a police riot presence entering the city on July 2, 1992, and forcibly removing the last residents.

What stands today is Kowloon Walled City Park, a reminder of the former walled city with several preserved artifacts including the yamen, or administrative building, and remnants of its southern gate.

While many places within the park are wheelchair accessible, there are no accessible restrooms. The main scenic spots and exhibition areas are connected by sloping plates or ramps. Warning, some of the paths are paved with pebbles which can become slippery in the rain.

Wheelchair users should exit B3 from Sung Wong Tai MTR station, take the elevator to ground level and go straight towards Carpenter Road.

 
Man Mo Temple

Man Mo Temple in Sheung Wan, Built in 1847

 

19. Man Mo Temple Sheung Wan

A Man Mo Temple is a temple for the worship of the Literature God, Man Tai, and the Martial God Mo Tai. The two deities were famously patronized by students and scholars looking to get a leg up on their studies or civil examinations in the Qing and Ming dynasties. There are still several of these temples throughout Hong Kong, but the largest is at 124-126 Hollywood Road in Sheung Wan. The temple is a Grade I historic building and national monument.

Today, visitors come to the temple to burn incense representing good faith in praying for health, happiness, and wealth. As I could use more of all of these I made sure to burn some incense during my trip.

Man Mo Temple provides electric stair machines to assist wheelchair users in entering and exiting the building. It is recommended that wheelchair users contact the Man Mo Temple in advance of their arrival to prepare the stair machine. They can be contacted at: 2803-2916

 
Hong Kong Park

Hong Kong Park

 

20. Hong Kong Park

This gorgeous public park located next to Cotton Tree Drive in Central Hong Kong covers an area of 860,000 sq feet. It’s a beautiful example of modern design blending with the natural landscape. Hong Kong Park contains a pond, aviary, children’s playground, garden, clock tower, tai chi garden, sports center, squash center, and conservation corner.

The Park offers numerous barrier-free facilities including accessible restrooms, a tactile guide path, and a Braille directory/ floor plan.

 
Hong Kong to Macau
 

21. Take a Day Trip to Macau

The Chinese self-governed territory of Macau is a short ferry ride from Hong Kong. It’s home to Asia’s version of Las Vegas as well as several other attractions, like the ruins of St. Paul, Macau Giant Panda Pavillion, and Macau Tower. For a full list of things to see in Macau, check out my guide to Cool Things to Do in Macau.

To get to Macau from Hong Kong take the TurboJet or Water Jet ferry lines from Shun Tak Center in Sheung Wan to the Macau Outer Border Ferry Terminal. Ferries depart every 15 minutes from 7 am to midnight. Both TurboJet and Water Jet ferries are wheelchair accessible.

 
Victoria Harbour Junk Boat

Victoria Harbour Junk Boat

 

I Hope You Enjoyed This Guide to Hong Kong Attractions

This should keep you busy when it comes to Hong Kong sightseeing. As you can see Hong Kong has a lot to do and is decidedly more accessible than most areas of East Asia. It’s not without barriers, but with a little planning, one can see most of the main attractions without much issue.

Have something I missed? Let me know in the comments below. Happy travels!

Asia, Hong KongJenn LloydComment