Eastern Hong Kong Island

Understand

Wan Chai and Causeway bay are the main tourism destinations along the eastern shore of the north coast of Hong Kong island. Inland, Happy Valley with its world famous racecourse is a major tourism attraction.

Wan Chai (灣仔)

Wan Chai is much more than a couple of blocks of girlie-bars populated by drunken American sailors; after all, the World of Suzie Wong was just a work of fiction set in Wan Chai during a bygone age. Located between Causeway Bay and Admiralty, Wanchai has an inner-city feel that makes it an interesting but safe area to walk around at any time. Wan Chai has traditional street markets that, unlike many other neighbourhoods, are still outdoors. In the so-called wet-markets, butchers hang animal carcasses on large hooks that overshadow pavements and fishmongers have stalls with live fish that do their best to escape. Between Johnston Road and Queen's Road East are numerous alleys that are worth exploring if you are looking for traditional family-run shops selling anything from tropical fish to cheap clothing.

Causeway Bay (銅鑼灣)

A shopping district that is home to large department stores, such as Sogo. Causeway Bay is crowded most of the time but here you can eat and shop until very late. Some major supermarkets and eateries stay open 24 hours. Times Square in Causeway Bay is a major focal point, especially at the 'calendar' New Year when you will be wise to stay away if you hate crowds. The area is also popular among Hong Kong's youth and is a good place to check out the latest fashion trends.

Happy Valley (跑馬地)

Nestled behind the Happy Valley Racecourse, away from the MTR line, this district has a more laid-back feel than nearby Wan Chai and Causeway Bay. Happy Valley was not always the happiest place to be. When the first British troops were stationed in Happy Valley the death rate from malaria was so high that, with typical British sarcasm, the place was dubbed Happy Valley. It is a popular residential area, especially among expats. There is a tram line circling the racecourse that serves the district. This area is also home to the beautiful and historic Hong Kong Cemetery.

The area further east, along the north shore is officially known as the Eastern District 東區. From west to east, it constitutes the urban areas of Tin Hau 天后, North Point 北角, Quarry Bay 鰂魚涌, Sai Wan Ho 西灣河, Shau Kei Wan 筲箕灣, Siu Sai Wan 小西灣 and Chai Wan 柴灣. If you are only in Hong Kong for a short time then you can safely ignore this corner of the island unless you intend going to the Museum of Coastal Defence.