Top 10 Places Taiwanese Travel Abroad / Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Hong Kong for First-Timers

Written/Compiled & Reported by Chen Guanxin, MOOK Travel Life Network | Provided by Moleskine Editorial Department

Known as the "Pearl of the Orient," Hong Kong is within a two-hour direct flight from Taiwan and offers affordable travel prices, making it the second most popular overseas destination for Taiwanese travelers. In Hong Kong, aside from the mouthwatering variety of local delicacies that are sure to whet your appetite, the city’s malls and specialty shops offer an overwhelming array of goods at delightfully low prices, attracting shopaholics from all over. But for first-time visitors to Hong Kong, what are the must-see spots? Below are the top 10 must-visit attractions in Hong Kong for first-timers—grab your notebook and get ready!

1. Sky100 Observation Deck

The International Commerce Centre (ICC), located in the heart of Hong Kong, stands at 490 meters tall with 118 floors, making it the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. Its high-speed elevator, which takes just 60 seconds to reach the 100th floor, is also the fastest in the city. The Sky100 Observation Deck on the 100th floor offers a 360-degree panoramic view, allowing you to take in the entire Victoria Harbour, as well as the Ma Wan Channel, Tsing Ma Bridge, and Kowloon Peninsula. It has quickly become one of the city’s newest and most popular tourist attractions.

2. Hong Kong Disneyland

Opened in May 2009, Hong Kong Disneyland has become one of Asia’s most beloved new tourist destinations. The park features four major themed areas: Main Street, U.S.A., Fantasyland, Adventureland, and Tomorrowland. There are also two hotels within the resort, ensuring that visitors can fully enjoy the magic of Disney without worrying about transportation or time constraints.

3. Ocean Park Hong Kong

Ocean Park is a long-established and highly popular theme park in Hong Kong, loved by visitors of all ages and always bustling with tourists from around the world. Built against a mountain, the park is divided into several sections: Lowland Gardens, Children's World, Aqua City, Thrill Mountain, Rainforest, and Bird Paradise. Among them, the Giant Panda Habitat in Lowland Gardens is home to four healthy and adorable pandas, while the Ocean Theatre’s dolphin and whale shows are legendary. Thrill Mountain offers a wide range of thrilling rides to keep you entertained all day.

4. The Peak Tower & Peak Galleria

The Peak Tower, designed by British architect Terry Farrell, is a seven-story building with a unique architectural design that combines the shape of a bowl and a traditional Chinese greeting gesture. The tower houses a variety of entertainment facilities, souvenir shops, and restaurants. The 5th-floor observation deck is especially popular, offering a 360-degree view of Hong Kong, including the Victoria Harbour waterfront and the natural landscapes of the South China Sea in the Southern District.

Adjacent to The Peak Tower is the Peak Galleria, a three-story shopping mall built on the site of a former open-air bus terminus, which was redesigned in 1993. The mall is packed with shops selling trendy clothing, accessories, and souvenirs popular among young people, as well as scenic restaurants and snack bars.