A Special Administrative Region of the Republic of China, Hong Kong Island was occupied by the United Kingdom in the 19th century. Subsequent to the Sino-British Joint Declaration in 1984, the island was returned to the administrative custody of China in 1997. When staying in Wan Chai hotels on the island, tourists, businessmen and travellers alike can explore the Victoria Harbour, the Ocean Park, the Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower and ‘The Peak’ whilst also exploring the mountain ranges that border Hong Kong by hiking. Those who indulge in nothing but the best will find shopping at the Causeway Bay Plaza, known to be one of the most expensive shopping districts in the world, an interesting attraction. Luxury hotels such as Cosmo Hotel Hong Kong often offer complimentary shuttle services to major stores and malls, as well as other attractions in the area.
While the Eastern District is home to the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club, the Causeway Bay Market and Victoria Park which were built on land reclaimed by the Bay itself, it is also bordered by Causeway Bay. Once a fishing village, Causeway Bay translates to ‘Copper Gong Bay’ and is one of the most well known and popular areas for shopping on the island. Also known as East Point, the area is home to a number of high-end stores selling world renowned brands while a cannon is fired at noon each day by the Victoria Harbour. A tradition begun by Jardine Matheson, it is known today as the Noonday Gun and many tourists flock to the Harbour to witness it.
There is a high density of buildings in Causeway Bay accounting for the rapid industrialisation witnessed by Hong Kong in the 20th century. It is a testament to the island’s growing economy and the reputation of Hong Kong as an internationally renowned financial centre.
Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
