About this English self-guided 1h:42m walking tour in Hong Kong
Hello and welcome to this UCPlaces tour of Hong Kong. My name is Dave, and it will be my pleasure showing you around what has come to be affectionately known as “Asia’s World City.” This nickname reflects the city's global significance as a major financial, economic, and cultural hub in Asia. It highlights Hong Kong's international influence, cosmopolitan nature, and its position as a gateway between East and West.
We will be starting our tour momentarily as we make our way from the banks of Victoria Harbour and into the city. Hopefully you did some yoga or light stretching this morning to loosen your neck muscles, because we will be tilting our heads upward often, to observe this city with buildings reaching for the sky. Follow your navigation and lets get started!
Distance: 0.78mi
, Attraction : Entertainment and Dining
247號 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Man Wah Lane
Man Wa Lane, also known as Man Mo Temple Street, is a small and charming street located in the Sheung Wan district of Hong Kong. It is named after the nearby Man Mo Temple, a historic Taoist temple dedicated to the gods of literature (Man) and martial arts (Mo). Man Wa Lane is renowned for its traditional Chinese medicine shops, making it a fascinating destination for those interested in Chinese herbal remedies and alternative medicine.
The street is lined with various Chinese medicine shops and herbal dispensaries, offering a wide range of medicinal products, dried herbs, roots, and other ingredients used in traditional Chinese medicine. These shops have been serving the local community for decades, and some have been passed down through generations.
Walking along Man Wa Lane, you'll encounter shelves filled with neatly labeled jars, drawers filled with dried plants and herbs, and the distinct aroma of various medicinal ingredients. Many shops also offer consultations with experienced Chinese medicine practitioners who can provide advice and prescribe herbal remedies tailored to individual needs.
Let’s get to know some of these specialty herbs.
Dong Quai is a root commonly referred to as the "female ginseng" and is highly regarded in traditional Chinese medicine for its benefits to women's health.
Astragalus is an herb known for its immune-boosting properties. It is often used to support the body's defenses, promote healthy Qi (vital energy) flow, and strengthen the spleen and lungs.
Reishi mushroom is revered in Chinese medicine for its immune-modulating and adaptogenic properties. It is believed to promote longevity, support heart health, enhance mental clarity, and strengthen the body's defenses against various illnesses. Reishi mushroom is commonly consumed in the form of tea, extracts, or as an ingredient in herbal formulations.
Beyond Chinese medicine shops, Man Wa Lane also hosts a few other specialty stores, including those selling incense, antique Chinese artifacts, and traditional handicrafts. It's an excellent place to explore and immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Hong Kong.
Visiting Man Wa Lane allows you to delve into Hong Kong's traditional healing practices and appreciate the connection between ancient beliefs and modern-day medicine.
Ok, let's make our way to Cat Street, the next destination on our tour.
Distance: 0.42mi
, Attraction : Shopping and Dining
159 Hollywood Rd, Tai Ping Shan, Hong Kong
Cat Street
Cat Street, also known as Upper Lascar Row, is a vibrant and historic street located in the Sheung Wan district of Hong Kong. The street runs between Hollywood Road and Queens Road Central, and it is renowned for its antique market and intriguing curiosities.
Despite its name, Cat Street has no association with cats. The origin of the name is unclear, but it is believed to have come from the Cantonese term "Cat," which means "misfortune" or "bargain." The street earned this name due to the availability of inexpensive second-hand goods and antiques that were sold there.
Cat Street has a long history and dates back to the mid-19th century. It was a popular spot for trading second-hand goods and items salvaged from shipwrecks, attracting collectors, bargain hunters, and tourists. Over time, the street evolved into an antique market where one can find a diverse range of treasures, including antique furniture, porcelain, jewelry, vintage posters, and curios from various periods and cultures.
Exploring Cat Street is like stepping into a treasure trove of history. The narrow and winding lanes are lined with shops and stalls filled with fascinating artifacts, each with its own story. Collectors and antique enthusiasts visit the street to browse through the unique and sometimes rare items on offer.
Let's explore some of these rare artifacts that are unique to Hong Kong.
The Jadeite Cabbage is an iconic and highly prized artifact displayed at the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Carved from a single piece of jadeite, it depicts a cabbage head with a small locust and a grasshopper camouflaged within the leaves. This delicate and intricately detailed sculpture is a symbol of fertility and wealth in Chinese culture.
The Hong Kong Maritime Museum houses a collection of artifacts recovered from the Chiuchow Shipwreck, which dates back to the late Ming Dynasty (late 16th century). The collection includes ceramics, gold, silver, and other precious items, providing insights into maritime trade and cultural exchange during that period. We will be talking about another famous shipwreck later, towards the end of our tour.
In addition to antiques, Cat Street has also become a hub for art galleries, boutique shops, and trendy cafes. It has transformed into a creative and eclectic neighborhood where traditional and contemporary cultures blend seamlessly.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Man Wah Lane
Place 2Cat Street
Place 3Hollywood Road
Place 4Man Mo Temple
Place 5Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum
Place 6Soho
Place 7Tai Kwun
Place 8Lan Kwai Fong
Place 9Architecture
Place 10HSBC Building
Place 11Bank of China Tower
Place 12Hong Kong Park
Place 13Peak Tram
Place 14Victoria Peak
Place 15Victoria Peak Views
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Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
