Popularising itself as Kowloon’s busiest districts, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the giant shopping bazaars of Hong Kong. Located at the south of Kowloon, Tsim Sha Tsui faces the Central. It is encircled by Victoria Harbour in the southern region and Austin Road towards its North. This place has museums, live street performances, shopping, dining, galleries and more.
If you are visiting Tsim Sha Tsui for the first time, start your tour with an evening ferry ride or simply stroll along the banks admiring the glittering Hong Kong skyline. Those who are movie-addicts should definitely plan their visit to the Avenue of Stars. You can spot the footprints of some of your famous movie stars.
Nathan Road is well-known as the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. Be it either weekdays or weekends, Nathan Road always tends to be crowded. St. Andrew’s Church is one of the historical religious landmarks marking its presence here. People love to spend their evenings here to explore the cultural delights of the amazing city of Hong Kong.
Amongst other attractions of Hong Kong are Star Ferry Pier, Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Chungking Mansions, The Peninsula Hotel, and Kowloon Park. Hong Kong Museum of Art and Chungking Mansions will help you to explore the cultural history of Hong Kong. These museums and mansions inject cultural aspects to the present glory of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Shopaholics can make their way straight to Harbour City Mall, Silvercord, DFS Galleria, 1881 Heritage, and The One. Right from entertainment to branded products, you will find everything here. Foodies can crawl around The Drunken Pot, Spring Dell, Shang Palace, Hutong, Scarlett, Felix, Whisk and some other dining points. You will get a blend of both local and international flavors here to perfectly calm your appetite.
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Essential Information
Location: Tsim Sha Tsui, South Kowloon, Hong Kong
Timings: Tsim Sha Tsui does not have any time restrictions to explore it.
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Places to visit in Tsim Sha Tsui
1. Nathan Road: Nathan Road forms the main street of Tsim Sha Tsui. You have many shopping malls, and restaurants lined up here. There are also some historical landmarks throughout this road. Followers of Jesus can visit St. Andrew’s Church – one of the oldest English protestant worship place to adore. If you are fortunate enough, you might even find some live street performances to entertain yourself during your evening stroll.
2. Kowloon Park: A well-known military barrack, Kowloon Park features both cartoon and comic stars from the land of China. Out of all its attractions, Avenue of Comic Stars is the prime one. Locals prefer to visit Kowloon Park for a relaxing evening stroll. It homes many beautiful plants, birds and aviary lake and is encircled by skyscrapers.
3. Victoria Harbour: Victoria Harbour gives you an excellent opportunity to admire the glittering skyline of Hong Kong city. What makes it more impressive is its night light show which is scheduled every day at 08:00 pm. There are a light and laser show which lasts for only 15 minutes but mesmerizes everyone. Victoria Harbour Hong Kong Night Tour, Flat 20% Off, Book Now!
4. Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens: This is the oldest zoological gardens across the world. There are many animals, birds, and plants within the garden. Somewhere inside, there’s a memorial arch which is entirely dedicated to the Chinese soldiers who were a part of both the world wars.
5. Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade: Stretching across a land cover of 1.6 km in length, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade has many ancient buildings to explore. Hong Kong Space Museum, Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui Clock Tower, and Hong Museum of Art are some of them.
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Things to do in Tsim Sha Tsui
1. Engage in watching birds at the Kowloon Park: Kowloon Park is located at a 5-minute walking distance from the K11 shopping mall. It is the best place to stroll as it is entirely covered with green plants. Flamingos, parrots, cockatoos are some bird species to spot here.
2. Strolling along Avenue of Stars: Avenue of Stars features the best scenic backdrop of Hong Kong city. Lying next to Victoria Harbour, this place features an iconic skyline to adore for long hours. Throughout the walkway, you can find movie memorabilia, celebrity handprints, and commemorative plaques.
3. Shopping at the K11, Art Mall: K11 is a massive six-storeyed building featuring some fantastic art exhibitions lined up throughout 365 days of the year. From fashion to lifestyle and beauty products, you have everything to buy here. Popularising itself as the world’s first art mall, K11 Art Mall perfectly integrates the essence of both art and nature.
4. Sailing in the iconic Star Ferry: Evening sightseeing at Tsim Sha Tsui merely is incredible when you cruise through an iconic Star Ferry. As you sail in between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, you will be witnessing some beautiful sights of the Hong Kong City harbour. It is best to opt for evening ferry service to see the city’s shine during the transitioning phase of solar light. Star Ferry Harbour Tour, Hong Kong @ Flat 22% Off.
5. Satiate your tummy with delicious Korean food at Kimberley: Kimberley Street is well-known for its countless Korean restaurants where you can sit and dine. Korean barbecue and authentic japchae are well-known servings to invest in here.
6. Witness the magical world of Hong Kong Cultural Centre: Being a multi-purpose performance facility centre, Hong Kong Cultural Centre hosts a lot of dances, operas, and live musical performances. Its primary concert hall can accommodate around 2000 people at one go.
7. Quench your thirst with an Aqua Spirit cocktail: Located on the streets of Peking Road Shopping Arcade, Aqua Spirit presents some astonishing views of both Victoria Harbour and skyline of Hong Kong. It has got some moody lighting, sophisticated décor where you can sit and enjoy your favorite cocktail.
Besides the things mentioned above, Nathan Road, Star Ferry Pier, Hong Kong Museum of Art, Chungking Mansions, and The Peninsula Hotel are some additional points to explore in Tsim Sha Tsui.
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Malls and shopping Street in Tsim Sha Tsui
Here are some shopping points to explore in Tsim Sha Tsui -
1. Harbour City: Harbour City is the one-stop destination for all your fashion, beauty, gourmet, art, culture, and home accessories shopping. The shopping and dining options here are meant to cater to all your personal requirements. Although they may sound expensive, the quality is really worth what you invest in.
2. 1881 Heritage: 1881 Heritage at Tsim Sha Tsui features elegant dining options, luxury shops, and hip bars. There’s also a heritage hall where you can explore its historical findings. Besides routine shopping and dining activities, make sure that you stay up-to-date with their seasonal and unusual happenings.
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3. iSquare: iSquare is a 31 story shopping complex wherein you will find all major and minor, local, and international brands for all your essential needs. Watches, jewellery, fashion accessories, lifestyle, entertainment, healthcare products, are some of the central attractions here.
4. The One: This is an all-in-one retail complex where you can expect a complete family entertainment under one roof. Movies, exhibitions and The One Club are chief attractions of this place.
5. Silvercord: Silvercord is a 6-story shopping centre featuring food courts, shops, and restaurants.
6. China Hong Kong City: This is a modern style shopping point with spectacular park and harbor views. Internationally renowned sporting and fashion brands, electronic products, personal care products, top pharmacies, and dried grocery store club to represent this massive shopping centre. Do try The Food Garden for a quality family food time. It overlooks Victoria Harbour and hence makes an excellent dinner venue with some stunning views.
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Places to Eat in Tsim Sha Tsui
Eating at Tsim Sha Tsui is a phenomenal experience as you get to choose from a wide array of international fine dining options. Here are some must-try food points at the Tsim Sha Tsui -
1. The Drunken Pot: The Drunken Pot accounts as the first choice for dining in Tsim Sha Tsui. You have a plethora of soup flavors to try here. Soup dumplings, baby chickens, sliced Angus beef are some extraordinary delicacies to try here.
2. Spring Deer: If you want to try something different, head towards Spring Deer. You’ll get a Cantonese style tender cooked duck which accounts as their signature dish. For ages, Spring Deer is known to serve some finest quality Peking duck preparations in entire Hong Kong.
3. Shang Palace: Yet another excellent Cantonese eatery in Tsim Sha Tsui is Shang Palace. Wagyu beef fried rice is a meticulous delicacy to try here.
4. Hutong: Hutong presents a perfect blend of flavors from Sichuan and Northern China. Red lanterns and antique entry doors make the ambience of Hutong an adorable one. People visit here to taste their Sichuanese food preparations.
5. Scarlett: If you are looking for some French wines, Scarlett is the option for you. Plan your family lunch here as the menu is quite cheap with a wide selection of both cuisines and wines.
6. Felix: The Peninsula Hotel, Felix offers a pleasant ambience and tasty foodstuffs in Tsim Sha Tsui. This eatery is known for its seasonal European food preparations. There’s an American bar upstairs where you can enjoy your favorite drink.
Besides those mentioned above, Wooloomooloo Prime, Whisk, Epure, BLT Steak are some other dining options to explore.
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Hotels near Tsim Sha Tsui
Here are some hotels near Tsim Sha Tsui to accommodate yourself during your tour -
1. Kowloon Shangri-La, Hong Kong: Featuring elegant comforts, Kowloon Shangri-La is an excellent option to accommodate yourself during your Tsim Sha Tsui visit. This luxurious hotel features around 688 rooms, 7 restaurants, lounge, bar, deli. Its waterfront location makes it a perfect weekend retreat for your family.
2. Royal Garden, Hong Kong: As the name suggests, your stay here is truly going to be a royal one. This hotel marks its presence in the list of top 5 luxurious hotels of Hong Kong. There are around 450 refurbished modern rooms and 54 luxurious suites here. Besides a sophisticated stay, Royal Gardens, Hong Kong is also known for its high-quality cuisines and top-notch hospitality services.
3. Hotel Icon: Ranked at the top of the table amongst other harbor view hotels, Hotel Icon homes to some stylish and spacious rooms. Rooftop pool, panoramic harbor views, in-house spa centre, and a sophisticated health club are amongst other attractions here.
4. Royal Pacific Hotel: Featuring astonishing views of the Victoria harbor, Royal Pacific Hotel, is a perfect blend of both comfort and connectivity. Here, you have 673 well-facilitated guest rooms to choose from. 24/7 fitness centre, club lounge, and a business centre make it worthy for your stay.
5. Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts: Intercontinental Hotels & Resorts in Hong Kong is recognized as one of the best hotels in the world. Located along the Kowloon waterfront, rooms here offer some spectacular views of the surrounding scenic beauty. You have classic rooms, executive rooms, and suites to choose here for your comfortable stay. Harbourside, the Lobby Lounge, Rech by Alain Ducasse, Yan Toh Heen are some of the exotic dining options available here. Shoeshine, Turndown service, private limousine, and business centre service are some other services to explore here.
6. The Langham, Hong Kong: The Langham of Hong Kong offers you around 471 spacious rooms and 27 private suites for a comfortable stay. Tang Court, Bostonian Seafood & Grill, Main St. Deli, Palm Court, Artesian, The Food Gallery, Afternoon Tea with Wedgwood, Langham Supper Club are some of the best dining options available here for your stay.
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Best Time to Visit Tsim Sha Tsui
The best time to visit Tsim Sha Tsui is during its dry weather as the temperatures will be comfortable and you need not struggle during your visit. So, plan your Tsim Sha Tsui visit anywhere between November to April. Once you reach here, do step out on the Tsim Sha Tsui streets during the late afternoon or early evening. Sailing in the ferries here offers some beautiful evening views of the harbourfront to capture with your DSLRs.
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How to reach Tsim Sha Tsui from Airport?
There are seven options available before you to travel from Hong Kong Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui -
By Subway: Airport Express (MTR) runs between Hong Kong International Airport and Kowloon MTR station. From Kowloon MTR station, Tsim Sha Tsui is at a walkable distance. Your subway ride will cost you around 800 to 1000 INR per head.
By Bus: Cityflyer provides regular bus services from Airport Ground Transportation Centre to the Prudential Centre. From Prudential Centre, you can easily make your way to the Tsim Sha Tsui by walking. Your A21 bus ride will cost you around 300 to 420 INR per head.
By Taxi: If your group is big enough, it is always wise to prefer taxi ride from the Hong Kong International Airport. Your taxi ride shall cost you anything in between 3000 to 4000 INR per trip.
By Direct Drive: If you opt for a direct drive from Hong Kong International Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui, you will have to pay an approximate fuel cost of 400 to 600 INR per head. Tsim Sha Tsui is located at a distance of around 32.8 km from Hong Kong International Airport.
By Towncar: Jayride provides Towncar transfers from Hong Kong International Airport to Tsim Sha Tsui at an average cost of around 5000 to 7500 INR.
By Shuttle: You can opt Jayride’s shuttle service to travel between Hong Kong International Airport and Tsim Sha Tsui at 3000 INR per head.
By Uber: Lastly, you have Uber services that run between Hong Kong International Airport and Tsim Sha Tsui at 2000 to 2500 INR per trip.
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FAQ’s
Q1. What does Tsim Sha Tsui mean?
Tsim Sha Tsui means sharp sandy point. It is derived in this manner – ‘Tsim’ represents sharp or pointy, ‘Sha’ represents sand, and ‘Tsui’ represents the mouth. So, you can say, that the name Tsim Sha Tsui on an average speaks about the geography of the region.
Q2. Is Public toilet facility available in Tsim Sha Tsui?
There are no public toilet facilities available in Tsim Sha Tsui. However, they are available at all MTR stations, in shopping malls, and attractions of Tsim Sha Tsui.
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Q3. What is Tsim Sha Tsui famous for?
Tsim Sha Tsui is well-known for featuring an iconic view of the Hong Kong city’s harbour. In addition to Victoria Harbour, Tsim Sha Tsui homes to a lot of gorgeous attractions. Kowloon Park, Avenue of Stars, K11 Mall, Star Ferry, Kimberley Road, Hong Kong Cultural Centre are some other key attractions of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Q4. What is the history of Tsim Sha Tsui?
This region marks its presence from the times of the Ming Dynasty. In those days, Tsim Sha Tsui comprised of only small villages and seafronts. More or less, it was one of the incense exporters. Thereby, it came to be known as Fragrant Harbour. It rose to prominence as a major trade route in the early half of the 19th century. In the same period, it was a major residential place for all the European settlers. Since 1st October 1910, Tsim Sha Tsui became a major tour and trading point of Hong Kong with the railway establishment between Kowloon to Canton Railway.
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Q5. Why is it named Tsim Sha Tsui?
Tsim Sha Tsui’s present name is highly inspired by its shape. Tsim Sha Tsui translates to the sharp sandy point. However, there, is no proven evidence behind the reason why and how it received its present recognition.
Q6. How long will it take to reach Tsim Sha Tsui from Central Hong Kong MTR?
Central Hong Station is at a distance of 13 minutes drive via Route 3. However, if you opt for Route 4 and Route 1, you will reach your destination within 25 minutes.
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Q7. Why Tsim Sha Tsui is the must place to visit?
Tsim Sha Tsui offers the best iconic view of Hong Kong’s city harbor. This shopping district homes to a wide array of shopping points. Right from designer boutiques to bric-a-brac stores, Tsim Sha Tsui has it all. Besides, Tsim Sha Tsui district of Kowloon features galleries, museums and occasional live performances of many great artists. Admiring the beauty of glittering skyline by sailing through the junk boats along Victoria Bay makes Tsim Sha Tsui a must-visit place for all the first-time visitors.
Q8. Is it a night Market?
Tsim Sha Tsui is a nightlife shopping district of Kowloon with many eclectic local shops and eateries for visitors to enjoy their leisure time. The night light show on Nathan Road is worthy to watch. Occasionally, you might come across live street performances by many artists. Victoria Harbour’s beauty itself is praiseworthy during the night-time.
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