Throughout its history, the harbour has seen numerous reclamation projects undertaken on both shores, many of which have caused controversy in recent years. Environmental concerns have been expressed about the effects of these expansions, in terms of water quality and loss of natural habitat. It has also been proposed that benefits of land reclamation may be less than the effects of decreased harbour width, affecting the number of vessels passing through the harbour. Nonetheless Victoria Harbour still retains its founding role as a port for thousands of international vessels each year.
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Located in the Tsim Sha Tsui area of Hong Kong, Kowloon Park is a peaceful, green oasis right in the heart of this incredibly busy part of the city. It covers an area of just under 33 acres, with a varied landscape connected by pathways snaking through preened shrubs and ancient banyan trees. Kowloon Park was officially opened in 1970, and in 1989 it was redeveloped at a cost of 300 million. The park is traditionally Chinese in style, and is home to a variety of rarely-seen birds, trees, and flowers, along with a myriad of activities and attractions. Scenic spots within Kowloon Park include Maze Garden, Color Garden, Chinese Garden, Roof Gardens, Banyan Court, and Bird Lake. For the more active types, there's a huge swimming pool, a sports center, and a mini-soccer pitch, along with a number of walking trails and children's playgrounds.
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Kowloon, on the mainland facing Hong Kong Island across Victoria Harbour, has a less formal, more domestic feel. Most Hong Kongers live in the crammed streets of Kowloon, and the focus for visitors is Nathan Road's hotels and shops on the waterfront at Tsim Sha Tsui. Most people flock to what is known as 'the Golden Mile,' the neon-lit lower end of Nathan Road, lined with shops and businesses. If you need time out from the bustle, head to the trees of Kowloon Park. Further north from Tsim Sha Tsui, you'll find the popular night markets of Temple Street and Tung Choi Street. Take the lift to the 28th floor of the legendary Peninsula Hotel for cocktails and views at Felix Bar, and browse the upmarket stores of deluxe shopping malls like Harbour City and Festival Walk.
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Riding a Star Ferry across Victoria Harbour from Kowloon to Hong Kong Island is a signature Hong Kong experience. The low-slung, double-decker, green and cream ferries are a Hong Kong emblem, dating back to 1888. Until the cross-harbor road tunnel and underground train link were built, the only way to cross between Kowloon and Hong Kong Island was by ferry. Take a trip by day to experience the harbor and see the buildings on both sides, then take another trip at night to see the buildings light up and enjoy the nightly Symphony of Lights. You can also cruise Victoria Harbour aboard a circular Star Ferry harbor tour, or book yourself onto an evening dinner cruise to sit back and drink in those twinkling views.
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The focus for shopping, eating and sightseeing on Hong Kong Island is Central and Causeway Bay. Away from Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island retains a surprising amount of greenery on the Peak and its mountainous interior, and its coastline is indented by a beguiling sequence of coves and harbors. Explore the streets and shopping plazas fanning out from Connaught Road in Central, Harcourt Road and Gloucester Road in Causeway Bay. Shop for antiques in Hollywood Road, browse the Graham Street and Western markets and shop till you drop in upmarket malls like Pacific Place and Times Square. At night the towering skyscrapers light up along the waterfront and at the famous Happy Valley Racecourse. Catch a wobbly double-decker tram from Des Voeux Road to Wan Chai, or ride the world's longest elevator past shops and houses.
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North Point Ferry Pier (Chinese: 北角碼頭) is a ferry pier in North Point, Hong Kong and it is near the site of the former North Point Estate (Chinese: 北角邨). It started operation in 1957. The pier has two berths, the east berth and the west berth.
Until 14 May 2016, the large open-air North Point Ferry Pier Bus Terminus was situated immediately inland of the pier, but that has now been relocated one block east, as 'North Point Ferry Pier Public Transport Interchange' under a new building, and a new building is being erected on the old bus station site.
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North Point is a district on Hong Kong Island's eastern side, projecting out towards Kowloon Bay across the river. It's situated between Causeway Bay and Quarry Bay.North Point is a traditional neighborhood with family-run eateries and bustling wet markets surviving side by side with a smattering of chain stores and modern gyms. Although the area has little in the way of typical tourist attractions, many visitors are drawn to North Point for its affordable shopping, old-style restaurants, and old-world atmosphere.The neighborhood is easily accessible too, with an MRT station and the tram or ?Ding Ding' both making it easy for visitors to reach. Those who get a good spot on the double-decker tram at the front of the top deck will see local life, such as the traditional markets, unfold before their eyes on the approach to North Point.
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