How To Explore In and Around Wan Chai: Discovering Wonders in Hong Kong
Published by Hector Dean,
Once known for being a red-light district in Hong Kong, Wan Chai has now shed its former reputation to become one of the most culturally diverse neighbourhoods in Hong Kong. With a unique blend of the traditional and the modern, this bustling city is now one of the most interesting places to visit. It even provides a gateway to explore more of the wonders of Hong Kong that lie in its surrounding neighbourhoods. If you plan on making your first visit to Hong Kong, here are some of the ways by which you can move in and around Wan Chai and discover the best that Hong Kong has to offer.
Wan Chai - Image via Flickr
Learn of the Ghostly Traditions in Wan Chai
Of the many things that make Wan Chai truly unique, its unusual connection with ghostly traditions is perhaps the most intriguing. If you are staying in any of the Hong Kong hotels like the Dorsett Wan Chai, you can take a guided tour of its local neighbourhoods to learn more about the blend of Western and Eastern ghost traditions that are still part of the town. Learn of the many spiritual beliefs in Hong Kong and listen to ghost stories and supernatural encounters involving an old haunted school and forgotten temples. You’ll also learn about how the local communities perceive death and spirits, and the important role of ancestral worshipping in their local culture.
Enjoy a Glimpse of Traditional Central
The cultures and traditions that we know of present-day Hong Kong were derived from a fusion of Western and Eastern influences. One of the best ways to learn about its development is to explore the nearby Central, Sheung Wan and Western districts and their culturally rich environs. Visit the iconic Old Mental Hospital located on High Street. Next, Visit the ‘Pak Shing Temple’ and ancestral hall that housed many Chinese immigrants during the 19th century. You can then make your way to Possession Point or Shui Hang Hau Street where the British first arrived in Hong Kong.
Take a Religious and Cultural Tour
As a multicultural city, Hong Kong features several cultural monuments and buildings that speak to the city’s religious diversity and its tremendous architectural traditions. The best way to explore them is to embark on a one-day religious and cultural tour to understand just how closely the city’s traditions seamlessly merge into its everyday life. Visit the Ohel Leah Synagogue, the Kowloon Mosque and Islamic Centre, St John’s Cathedral, the Khalsa Diwan Sikh Temple, and the Béthanie and Che Kung Temple, each of which speaks to the various religious practices and communities in Hong Kong.
Discover the Wonders of Luck and Good Fortune
The concept of luck holds a significant place in Chinese culture, and in addition to invoking divine intervention and blessings, the locals in Hong Kong have many ways of attracting good luck. Discover their local beliefs and customs by visiting the Wong Tai Sin Temple, a popular attraction for sightseeing in Hong Kong, where local worshippers flock to pray for good fortune. Then head to Statue Square where you’ll learn plenty of fun facts about Feng Shui. You can also take a tram ride to the Canal Road Flyover where you can learn about the quirky local tradition of ‘Petty Person Beating’.
Explore the Blend of the Old and New
One of the most striking features of Hong Kong is its contrasting blend of the old and the new. The best way to explore this unique dichotomy is to take a walking tour towards the downtown area where you’ll find traditional buildings that share space with modern office buildings. You can then venture into the back streets of the old city formerly known as Victoria back in 1841 at the start of modern Hong Kong. There are plenty of historical buildings to visit including St John’s Cathedral, the Governor’s House, the Former French Mission Building, Flagstaff House, the Old Central Police Station, the Court of Final Appeal, Hong Kong Park, and the Man Mo Temple.