Southern District Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Southern District, Hong Kong with this comprehensive travel guide featuring top attractions, activities, food options, and more.


Introduction to Southern District

Southern District is one of the 18 administrative districts of Hong Kong. It covers the southern part of Hong Kong Island, including famous tourist attractions like Aberdeen, Repulse Bay, and Stanley. The district is famous for its scenic coastline, pristine beaches, and cultural heritage sites.

In this travel guide, we will explore the best things to see, do, and experience in Southern District, Hong Kong. We will cover top attractions, activities, food options, and more. So, let’s dive in!

List of Places to Visit in Southern District

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Southern District has something for everyone. Here are some of the top places to visit in the area:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence: This museum displays the history of Hong Kong’s coastal defenses and the role they played in protecting the city.
  • Aberdeen Fishing Village: This traditional fishing village is home to hundreds of fishermen and their families. Visitors can take a sampan ride through the floating village and enjoy fresh seafood.
  • Tin Hau Temple: Located in Stanley, this temple is dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea. It is one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong, dating back to the 18th century.

Natural Attractions of Southern District: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Repulse Bay Beach: This stunning beach is one of the most popular in Hong Kong. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the scenic views of the ocean.
  • Stanley Market: Located in the heart of Stanley, this bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local goods.
  • Dragon’s Back Hike: This scenic hike offers stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Southern District

Southern District is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in the area:

  • The Hong Kong Trail: This 50-kilometer trail starts in Victoria Peak and passes through Southern District’s scenic coastline, beaches, and mountains.
  • The Dragon’s Back: This 8.5-kilometer hike offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding mountains. It is one of the most popular hikes in Hong Kong.
  • Stanley Promenade: This scenic route offers beautiful views of the ocean and the Stanley Bay waterfront. It is a great place to walk, jog, or bike.

Best Things to Do in Southern District: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best things to do in Southern District:

  • Take a sampan ride in Aberdeen: Experience the traditional way of life in this floating village.
  • Visit the beaches: Southern District has some of the best beaches in Hong Kong, including Repulse Bay Beach and Stanley Beach.
  • Shop at Stanley Market: This bustling market is a great place to shop for souvenirs and local goods.
  • Explore the temples: Southern District is home to many historic temples, including the Tin Hau Temple in Stanley.
  • Experience the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong: This popular nightlife district is just a short cab ride away from Southern District.

Week-Long Itinerary for Southern District

Here is a sample week-long itinerary for visiting Southern District:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and enjoy a sampan ride in Aberdeen.
Day 2 Go to Repulse Bay Beach and Stanley Beach. Take a hike on the Dragon’s Back.
Day 3 Explore the Tin Hau Temple in Stanley and shop at Stanley Market.
Day 4 Take a day trip to Lamma Island, known for its seafood and beautiful beaches.
Day 5 Visit Ocean Park, one of Hong Kong’s most popular amusement parks.
Day 6 Go for a walk or bike ride on the Stanley Promenade. Experience the nightlife in Lan Kwai Fong.
Day 7 Take a day trip to Macau, known for its Portuguese heritage and casinos.

Food and Drink Scene of Southern District

Southern District has a diverse food and drinks scene, offering something for everyone. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Dim sum: Southern District is home to some of the best dim sum restaurants in Hong Kong, including Lei Garden in Aberdeen.
  • Seafood: Southern District is famous for its fresh seafood, with restaurants lining the waterfront in Aberdeen and Stanley.
  • Pineapple bun: This sweet bun is a Hong Kong specialty and can be found in many bakeries in Southern District.

Local Beverages

  • Milk tea: This popular drink is a Hong Kong staple and can be found in many cafes and restaurants.
  • Yin Yang: A mixture of coffee and milk tea, this popular beverage is a must-try.

Where to Stay in Southern District: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Southern District has many accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget hostels. Here are some of the top options:

  • The Repulse Bay: This luxury hotel offers stunning views of Repulse Bay Beach and the surrounding mountains.
  • Jumbo Kingdom: This iconic floating restaurant also offers guestrooms and suites with stunning ocean views.
  • Mini Hotel Causeway Bay: This budget option offers clean and modern rooms at affordable prices.

What to Buy in Southern District: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs to buy in Southern District:

  • Chinese tea: Southern District has many tea shops selling a variety of Chinese teas, including the famous Hong Kong milk tea.
  • Silk products: Stanley Market is a great place to shop for silk products, including scarves and accessories.
  • Jade jewelry: Jade is a popular gemstone in Hong Kong, and there are many stores selling jade products in Southern District.

Local Culture and Customs of Southern District

Hong Kong has a rich culture, influenced by both Chinese and Western traditions. Here are some of the essential things to know about the local culture in Southern District:

  • Language: The official languages are Chinese and English, with Cantonese being the most common Chinese dialect.
  • Currency: The local currency is the Hong Kong dollar (HKD).
  • Etiquette: It is customary to greet people with a slight bow or nod of the head. Tipping is also expected in restaurants and cafes.

Best Time to Visit Southern District

The best time to visit Southern District is from October to December, when the weather is mild and pleasant. The summer months from June to August can be hot and humid.

Do’s and Don’ts of Southern District

Here are some essential do’s and don’ts when visiting Southern District:

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions: Hong Kong has a rich culture, and it’s essential to be respectful of local customs and traditions.
  • Carry cash: Many small shops and restaurants in Southern District only accept cash.
  • Use public transportation: Hong Kong has an extensive public transportation system, including buses, trains, and ferries.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter: Hong Kong has strict laws against littering, and offenders can face hefty fines.
  • Don’t speak loudly in public: Hong Kong people value privacy, and it’s considered impolite to speak loudly in public places.
  • Don’t forget to tip: Tipping is customary in restaurants and cafes, and it’s essential to leave a small tip for good service.

Safety and Health

Safety in Southern District

Hong Kong is generally a safe place to visit, with a low crime rate. However, visitors should take the usual precautions, such as not leaving valuables unattended and being aware of pickpockets. Southern District is also prone to typhoons and heavy rainfall during the summer months, so visitors should check the weather forecast before planning any outdoor activities.

Health in Southern District

Hong Kong has an excellent healthcare system, with many public and private hospitals and clinics. Visitors should have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Getting to Southern District: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Southern District

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG) is the closest airport to Southern District. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi, bus, or train to Southern District.

Bus Stations Near Southern District

Southern District is well-connected by buses, with many buses running to and from the area. Some of the major bus stations in Southern District include Aberdeen Bus Terminus and Stanley Bus Terminal.

Other Options

Visitors can also take the MTR (Mass Transit Railway), Hong Kong’s efficient subway system, to Southern District. The nearest MTR stations are Ocean Park Station and Wong Chuk Hang Station.

How to Get Around in Southern District

Southern District is easy to navigate, with many transportation options available. Visitors can take buses, taxis, ferries, and the MTR to get around the area.

Where to Go Next from Southern District: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Southern District is well-connected to other popular destinations in Hong Kong. Here are some of the places to visit near Southern District:

  • Central District: Located just a short subway ride away, Central District is Hong Kong’s financial and business center.
  • Lamma Island: This nearby island is known for its seafood and beautiful beaches.
  • Macau: Visitors can take a ferry from Hong Kong to Macau, known for its Portuguese heritage and casinos.

Conclusion

Southern District is a gem in Hong Kong’s crown, with its stunning coastline, cultural heritage sites, and outdoor adventures. We hope this travel guide has given you a comprehensive overview of the best things to see, do, and experience in Southern District. Happy travels!

View from Dragon's Back trail View from Dragon's Back trail The other side of Hong Kong Island: surfers at Big Wave Bay The other side of Hong Kong Island: surfers at Big Wave Bay