By / MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team Compilation & Report
Taiwanese travelers love visiting Hong Kong and Macau, with over 70% choosing independent travel. This is partly because Hong Kong and Macau are close to Taiwan with frequent flights, and also because their tourism industries are highly developed—offering delicious food, exciting attractions, stunning sights, and plenty of great shopping options that keep Taiwanese tourists coming back again and again. Some even make day trips just to enjoy a bowl of instant noodles in Hong Kong or afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel. According to statistics from Taiwan’s Tourism Bureau in 2015, over 2 million Taiwanese visit Hong Kong and Macau every year. Using
financial cards for free cash withdrawals makes travel and shopping smoother. Premium ATM services launched on January 10, 2017, will soon increase the number of cross-border ATMs for cash withdrawals to 300, which is great news for travelers heading to Hong Kong and Macau. This article introduces five must-visit highlights in Hong Kong and Macau. Don’t forget to bring your
financial card when traveling abroad to make the most of your trip to these vibrant destinations.
“A Symphony of Lights,” known for its dazzling displays, was once listed in the Guinness World Records for its scale. (Photo / MOOK)
1. Tsim Sha TsuiAn international destination where culture and commerce blend
When visiting Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui is definitely a must-see. Not only does it offer diverse and exciting shopping experiences, but the daytime and nighttime views of Victoria Harbour are internationally renowned. How can you visit Hong Kong without coming here? Victoria Harbour includes attractions like the Avenue of Stars, and its nightscape is spectacular. The nightly “A Symphony of Lights” show is a must-see for all visitors. The heritage site 1881 Heritage boasts beautiful European-style architecture and was designated a statutory monument in Hong Kong in 1994. It's a spot photography enthusiasts shouldn't miss. There are numerous department stores and boutique shops along famous streets like Nathan Road. Harbour City is the largest shopping mall in Hong Kong and a hub for luxury brands. As for food, you’ll find everything from local Hong Kong dishes to international cuisine, from Michelin three-star restaurants to street snacks. Don’t miss iconic spots like Lan Fong Yuen, Macau Tea Restaurant, Lei Garden, and Maxims Bakery. Sweet tooths will love Lady M at Harbour City and the afternoon tea at The Peninsula Hotel. You could easily spend the whole day exploring Tsim Sha Tsui.
Maxims Bakery, with decades of history, has multiple branches across Hong Kong, and its mango pomelo sago is a must-try dessert. (Photo / MOOK)
There are three ATMs in Tsim Sha Tsui offering cross-border withdrawal services, all located in the popular Midland Plaza on Nathan Road. Travelers should take full advantage of them.
2. Causeway Bay | A Hub of Fashion and Trends
Causeway Bay is packed with department stores, malls, and unique boutiques. Many internationally renowned and trendy brands have branches here. If you’re looking to shop in Hong Kong, this is a must-visit destination. Times Square is the most popular mall in the area, often featuring seasonal art installations. It offers a wide range of brands, cosmetics, and food choices, satisfying all needs of foreign tourists. Sogo Department Store in Causeway Bay is also a long-time favorite among locals, where you can find excellent Hong Kong-made souvenirs such as those from Eternal (Yuen Long).
Times Square in Causeway Bay is a well-known shopping destination in Hong Kong. (Photo / MOOK)
In the Causeway Bay area, there are two ATMs offering cross-border withdrawal services in Wing On Building on Yee Wo Street, close to Hennessy Road and Jardine’s Crescent. Nearby, you’ll find Forever 21, Kam Lau Tong Dessert, Sogo Department Store, and the Causeway Bay MTR station, making it extremely convenient.
Eternal Bakery’s wife cake is a famous Hong Kong souvenir. (Image Source / Eternal Bakery Hong Kong)
3. Mong Kok | A Youthful Paradise for Shopping and Food
Also a hub for shopping and food, Mong Kok has a more youthful and trendy vibe. Though not focused on high-end international luxury brands, places like Ladies’ Market, Sneaker Street, and Mong Kok Centre, along with open-air stalls, let visitors experience authentic Hong Kong-style shopping. Popular mid- to large-sized malls like Langham Place feature trendy brands loved by the youth, such as b+ab, I.T, and Salad. Langham Place also boasts Hong Kong’s longest indoor escalator, leading all the way to the top floor, with a spacious atrium that often hosts exhibitions and events. Other popular shopping spots include Hollywood Plaza, Superbland Centre, Trendy Zone, and Soundwill Plaza, all bustling with crowds where you can find accessories and gadgets. For budget-conscious shoppers, New Town Plaza in Mong Kok is known as Hong Kong’s version of Taipei’s Shilin Night Market.
Langham Place, designed by Brian Honda—who also worked on Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills—is grand and bright. (Photo / MOOK)
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