Kowloon Travel Guide | A Journey Through Time and Culture

Kowloon Travel Guide 1: From Rustic Charm to Bustling – Tsim Sha Tsui

Avenue of Stars (Image source: Hong Kong Tourism Board)

Once a humble fishing village, Tsim Sha Tsui has transformed into one of Hong Kong’s most dynamic districts. Today, it’s home to Harbour City, the city’s largest shopping mall, and the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, where world-class performances take place.

A must-visit is the Avenue of Stars, a 440-meter-long promenade modeled after Hollywood’s Walk of Fame. Reopened in 2019 after a major revamp, it features over 100 handprints of Hong Kong film legends like Bruce Lee and Anita Mui, interactive AR experiences, and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour—especially magical during the nightly Symphony of Lights show.

Kowloon Travel Guide 3: Kai Tak – Memories and Renewal

Kai Tak Stadium

The legendary Kai Tak Airport, operational from 1925 to 1998, was once ranked among the world’s most dangerous airports due to its dramatic low-altitude landings over dense urban areas. At its peak, it handled nearly 30 million passengers annually.

Today, the Kai Tak Development Zone spans over 320 hectares and is being reimagined as Hong Kong’s second central business district (CBD2). Highlights include the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal, the Kai Tak Sports Park—Hong Kong’s largest sports infrastructure—and the Kai Tak Sky Garden, a rooftop park built along the old runway. It’s a striking example of urban renewal where aviation history meets waterfront leisure.

Kowloon Travel Guide 5: Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei – The Soul of Street Culture

Yau Ma Tei Temple Street

Temple Street is Hong Kong’s most iconic night market, dating back to the 1920s. Known as the “Men’s Street,” it comes alive after 6 p.m. with over 100 stalls selling everything from jade trinkets and vintage watches to calligraphy and opera memorabilia.

Don’t miss the sizzling street food: clay pot rice at Hing Kee, curry fish balls, and snake soup at Ser Wong Sun are local favorites. The market also features fortune tellers, street karaoke, and Cantonese opera performances, making it a living stage of Hong Kong’s grassroots culture in many Kowloon Travel Guides.

Kowloon Travel Guide 2: St. Andrew’s Church – Serenity Through the Ages

St. Andrew’s Church

Built in 1906, St. Andrew’s Church is the oldest English-speaking Protestant church in Kowloon. Designed in Victorian Gothic style with red brick façades and original stained-glass windows by William Morris & Co., it has withstood typhoons, wartime damage, and urban change.

In 2006, it received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation, and in 2019, it was designated a Grade II historic building. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Life Centre, a modern extension with a rooftop garden and auditorium. Arrive at sunrise to see the church bathed in golden light—a moment of peace amid the city’s bustle.

Kowloon Travel Guide 4: Hung Hom – The Taste of True Local Hong Kong

Hung Hom Kwun Yum Temple

Hung Hom is a neighborhood where old Hong Kong lives on. Wander through Bulkeley Street and Ming On Street to find traditional “tong lau” buildings and beloved eateries like Hung Hom Café, known for its nostalgic milk tea and “Swiss” chicken wings.

Stay at Hotel ICON, a design-forward hotel owned by Hong Kong Polytechnic University. It features Asia’s largest indoor vertical garden and the Michelin-recommended Above & Beyond restaurant. Just steps away, the Hung Hom Promenade offers sweeping views of Victoria Harbour and is a peaceful spot to watch the Symphony of Lights from a quieter vantage point.

Kowloon Travel Guide 6: Sham Shui Po – Where Aged City Meets Creative Spirit

Fuk Wing Street

Sham Shui Po is a district of contrasts—gritty, vibrant, and endlessly creative. Known for its Apliu Street Flea Market, where you can find vintage electronics and rare gadgets, and Yu Chau Street, famed for beads and craft supplies, it’s a paradise for makers and bargain hunters.

Fuk Wing Street, also called “Toy Street,” is lined with over 30 shops selling nostalgic toys, party supplies, and collectibles. Meanwhile, Tai Nan Street has become a hub for indie leather workshops and design studios. Cafés like Cafe Sausalito and YEARS add a modern, artistic flair to this historic neighborhood.

Whether you're drawn to the romance of the past or the pulse of the present, Kowloon offers a one-of-a-kind travel experience. With this Kowloon Travel Guide, step onto this storied land and discover your own memory of Kowloon. In the intersection of old and new, this city shines endlessly.