Eastern District Travel Guide
Discover the must-visit places, food scene, hiking routes, cultural attractions and local culture of the Eastern District in Hong Kong. Read on to plan your trip and explore the best of this fascinating region.
- Introduction to Eastern District
- List of Places to Visit in Eastern District
- Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern District
- Best Things to Do in Eastern District: Activities and Tours
- Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern District
- Food and Drink Scene of Eastern District
- Where to Stay in Eastern District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
- What to Buy in Eastern District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
- Local Culture and Customs of Eastern District
- Best Time to Visit Eastern District
- Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern District
- Safety and Health
- Getting to Eastern District: Transportation Options and Logistics
- How to Get Around in Eastern District
- Where to Go Next from Eastern District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
- Conclusion
Welcome to Eastern District, a bustling area located in the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. With its rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and plenty of exciting activities to do, Eastern District is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Hong Kong. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, souvenirs to buy, and much more!
Introduction to Eastern District
Eastern District is one of 18 districts in Hong Kong and is located on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. It is a renowned commercial and residential district that spans across beautiful harbors and boasts an impressive skyline view. The district is home to many wealthy and famous Hong Kong residents and is renowned for its accessible location and scenic attractions.
List of Places to Visit in Eastern District
Eastern District is a beautiful place to visit and explore, with several culturally important attractions, natural beauty, and outdoor adventures. Here are some must-visit places:
Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places
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Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence: Located in the eastern corner of Hong Kong, the museum is the perfect place to learn about the region’s history and explore its fascinating architecture and exhibitions.
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Tin Hau Temple: This historic temple is dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea and is a fine example of Chinese temple architecture.
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Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter: The shelter was once one of the busiest fishing ports in Hong Kong and is now home to many seafood restaurants.
Natural Attractions of Eastern District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views
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Quarry Bay Park: This park offers some of the best scenic views in Hong Kong and features a jogging track, a fitness area, minigolf, and more.
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Victoria Park: Located in Causeway Bay, Victoria Park is the largest park on Hong Kong Island and is a great place to check out the city’s skyline.
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Dragon’s Back: This hiking trail takes you through some of Hong Kong’s most beautiful scenic views and is considered one of the best hiking trails in the world.
Hiking/Biking Routes of Eastern District
Eastern District is home to some of the best hiking and biking trails in the world. Here are some popular routes:
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Mount Parker Road Trail: This trail takes you to the end of the road, where you can explore the park, see the stunning views, and watch the sunset.
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Tiger’s Head Hiking Trail: The trail takes you through the Tai Tam Country Park and is a must-visit spot for those seeking adventure and a stunning view of the city.
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Choi Sai Woo Park: This park is an excellent place to cycle, jog, or walk with its 13 km cycling and walking trail.
Best Things to Do in Eastern District: Activities and Tours
Eastern District has no shortage of fun activities to do and exciting tours to embark on. Here are some must-dos:
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Join a Food Tour: Eastern District is renowned for its diverse spread of delicious cuisine. Savor the district’s signature dishes while exploring the city’s hidden gems.
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Take a Boat Ride in Victoria Harbour: This is the perfect way to enjoy the magnificence of the harbor and spot the famous Noon Day Gun.
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Visit a Rooftop Bar: Hong Kong’s skyline is breathtaking, and the perfect way to enjoy it is at one of Eastern District’s popular rooftop bars.
Week-Long Itinerary for Eastern District
Here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long stay in Eastern District Hong Kong:
Day 1: Explore the attractions in Causeway Bay and go to Victoria Park.
Day 2: Visit Tin Hau Temple, St. Joseph’s College, and Quarry Bay Park.
Day 3: Embark on a day trip to Stanley, Repulse Bay and Deep Water Bay.
Day 4: Join a hiking tour and hike the Dragon’s Back Trail.
Day 5: Take a tour of Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and explore Lei Yun Mun Fishing Village.
Day 6: Explore the vibrant nightlife scene in the district.
Day 7: Visit the galleries and artsy streets, and check out some of the fantastic cafes and coffee shops.
Food and Drink Scene of Eastern District
Hong Kong is known for its delicious cuisine, and Eastern District is no exception. Here are some must-try dishes and beverages:
Must-Try Dishes
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Dim Sum: These delicate, bite-sized treats are a staple of Hong Kong cuisine and are found in every corner of the district.
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Egg Tarts: These baked tarts are a must-try in Eastern District and are a popular item in local bakeries.
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Roast Goose: This dish is a Hong Kong classic and is best enjoyed at a traditional Cantonese restaurant.
Local Beverages
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Hong Kong-style Milk Tea: This tea is brewed using evaporated milk, black tea, and sugar, making a perfect combination and a great pick-me-up beverage.
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Yuanyang: This is a mixture of coffee and tea, a perfect beverage to have with breakfast.
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Tsingtao Beer: This is one of the most famous beers in China and should be tried at a local dive bar.
Where to Stay in Eastern District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses
Eastern District has plenty of options for your stay, depending on your budget and preference. Here are some recommended stays:
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The Park Lane Hong Kong: A five-star hotel located in Causeway Bay, offering stunning views and luxury amenities.
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J Plus Hotel by YOO: This hotel is located in Causeway Bay, a few steps away from the city’s top shopping malls and restaurants.
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Yesinn Hostel: An affordable hostel in Causeway Bay that offers simple rooms and free Wi-Fi.
What to Buy in Eastern District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home
Eastern District is renowned for its traditional handicrafts, trendy fashion items, and other unique local products. Here are some souvenirs to bring home:
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Chinese Tea: There is no better way to explore Hong Kong culture than by enjoying a cup of authentic Chinese tea.
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Dim Sum Molds: A great way to recreate one of Hong Kong’s favorite snacks at home is by buying molds and make them at home.
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Feng Shui Items: Hong Kong is a Feng Shui hotspot, so why not buy some items to bring home to your loved ones?
Local Culture and Customs of Eastern District
Eastern District has a mixed culture with heavy influences from British and Chinese culture. It is important to respect local customs and practices while traveling through the district. Here are some local traditions to keep in mind:
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Bowing: It is customary to bow when greeting someone, especially elders or people of higher rank.
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Respecting Elders: In Chinese culture, elders have a high significance, and it is essential to show them respect and honor.
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Dining Etiquette: When dining in Eastern District, it is considered polite to wait until the host invites you to start eating.
Best Time to Visit Eastern District
Hong Kong has a subtropical climate, making it an ideal travel destination throughout the year. The best times to visit Eastern District are from October to December and March to May when the temperatures are mild, and humidity is low.
Do’s and Don’ts of Eastern District
Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when traveling to Eastern District:
Do:
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Respect local customs and traditions.
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Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
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Carry cash as many local shops and eateries only accept cash payments.
Don’t:
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Engage in public displays of affection, especially near religious sites.
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Touch or disturb any of the wild animals in the parks and reserves.
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Leave your valuables unattended.
Safety and Health
Hong Kong has a high standard of healthcare and maintains an excellent public health system. Here are some safety and health tips for your trip to Eastern District:
Safety in Eastern District
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Avoid carrying a lot of cash in public, especially in dimly-lit or secluded areas.
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Take extra precautions while walking at night or in unfamiliar areas.
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Be aware of pickpockets in crowded places.
Health in Eastern District
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Tap water in East Asia is non-potable, and it is essential to carry a water bottle and refill it from a local water dispenser.
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Chinese food can be heavy and contain high levels of salt, and you should exercise caution and avoid eating too much processed or stir-fried food.
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Ensure you have medical insurance before your trip to Eastern District.
Getting to Eastern District: Transportation Options and Logistics
Eastern District is conveniently located in the heart of Hong Kong Island and is easily accessible using different modes of transportation.
Airports Near Eastern District
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Hong Kong International Airport: The airport is 34 minutes away by taxi and approximately an hour by bus or subway.
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Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport: The airport is an hour away from Eastern District by taxi or subway.
Bus Stations Near Eastern District
- Causeway Bay Bus Terminus: This is the main bus terminus in Eastern District and offers several connections to different destinations in Hong Kong.
Other Options
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Subway: The MTR subway system in Hong Kong is easy to navigate and offers affordable and efficient transportation to any part of the city.
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Taxi: Taking a taxi is a convenient and comfortable way of getting around Eastern District.
How to Get Around in Eastern District
Eastern District is a small region and can be explored on foot. Taxis and buses are readily available and the MTR subway system is the easiest and most convenient way to get around the area.
Where to Go Next from Eastern District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions
Eastern District is surrounded by some exciting destinations that are worth exploring, including:
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North Point: This is a residential district and is home to several food markets and restaurants.
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Wan Chai: This district is just a few minutes away from Eastern District and is renowned for its nightlife scene.
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Central: This district is the financial center of Hong Kong and is home to several trendy restaurants, boutiques, and shops.
Conclusion
Eastern District is a vibrant and unique travel destination that is perfect for travelers looking for an adventure that combines natural beauty, culture, and history. Its enchanting islands, impressive buildings, and culinary delights have all been well-captured in this comprehensive guide. We hope it helps to make your trip to Hong Kong more memorable and enjoyable.