Route 25 - Connaught Road Central (Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal)－Connaught Road West －Hong Kong City Hall Flashcards
Route 25 - Points to Mention:
(Connaught Road Central (Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal)－Connaught Road West －Hong Kong City Hall)
This section ends at HK City Hall
3 sites + 6 related topices - 10 minutes
- HK-Macau Ferry Terminal (left)
- HK - Zhuhai- Macao Bridge
- HK Airport Express Railway Station (left)
- HK Airport and HK Infrastructure
- Central (front)
- Commerce, Finance and Hotel Industry
- Exchange Square (left)
- International Finance Centre (left)
- Tour conclusion
HK-Macau Ferry Terminal (left)
We’re now passing by the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal
1. Location:
* Located at 200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Island
* Part of the Shun Tak Centre
* Directly connected to Sheung Wan MTR Station (Exit D)
2. Shun Tak Centre:
* Comprises two red commercial buildings (East and West Towers)
* Opened in 1985 (East Tower) and 1986 (West Tower)
* Includes a shopping centre on the lower floors
3. Terminal Overview:
* Government-managed cross-border ferry terminal
* Located within the Shun Tak Centre
4. High-speed ferries to:
* Macau (Outer Harbour-red and Taipa-blue)
* Mainland ports (Zhuhai, Shenzhen Airport, Shekou)
Travel time by ferry: approximately 1 hour
5. Helicopter Services:
* Dual helipad and waiting lounge on-site
* Flights between Hong Kong and Macau
* Flight duration: approximately 15 minutes
6. Facilities:
* Immigration and customs clearance
* Ticketing counters
* Waiting areas
* Shops and restaurants
* Car park
HK - Zhuhai- Macao Bridge
Now traveling to Macau isn’t limited to taking ferries from the Ferry Terminal.
1. Overview:
* The Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macau Bridge (HZMB) is a large-scale cross-boundary bridge–tunnel system connecting Hong Kong, Zhuhai (mainland China), and Macau.
* Opened on October 24, 2018.
* Total length: 55 km, making it one of the longest sea-crossing bridges in the world.
2. Components:
* Includes bridges, an undersea tunnel, and artificial islands.
* The main section is located in mainland Chinese waters.
3. Travel Times:
Reduces travel time:
* Between Hong Kong and Zhuhai: from 4 hours to about 45 minutes.
* Between Hong Kong and Macau: to about 30–40 minutes by road.
4. Hong Kong Port (HKP):
* Located at Lantau Island, near the airport.
* Houses immigration facilities, tour coach pick-up areas, and shuttle bus services.
5. Transportation Options:
* HZMB Shuttle Bus:
24-hour cross-boundary service between Hong Kong Port, Macau Port, and Zhuhai Port.
Approximate travel time: 30–40 minutes.
- Cross-boundary coaches and private hire vehicles require permits.
6. Significance:
* Enhances connectivity between the Greater Bay Area cities.
* Facilitates tourism, trade, and economic integration.
HK Airport Express Railway Station (left)
1. Airport Express Services:
* Provides direct train service to Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA)
* Travel time to airport: approximately 24 minutes for 35 km
* Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours
* from 5:50 am to 0:48 am
2. In-Town Check-In:
* Offers In-Town Check-In (ITCI) services for Cathay Airlines (before Covid: basically all Airlines)
* Passengers can check in luggage and obtain boarding passes 1 day to 90 minutes before flight departure
3. Accessibility:
* Linked via footbridges and underground walkways to Central MTR Station (Island Line & Tsuen Wan Line) and to Hong Kong Station (Tung Chung Line)
* Linked to the IFC Mall, ferry piers, and central business district
* Easy access to buses, taxis, and hotel shuttles
Enhances convenient airport access from the heart of Hong Kong Island
HK Airport and HK Infrastructure
Speaking of traveling abroad, Hong Kong Airport and its facilities play a crucial role.
1. General Information:
* Located on Chek Lap Kok Island, off Lantau Island
* Opened in 1998, replacing the old Kai Tak Airport (Kai Tak was located in Kowloon City, surrounded by high-rise buildings and mountains.The approach path for landing was complex and dangerous, requiring pilots to make sharp turns at low altitude. It was known as one of the most challenging airports in the world for take-offs and landings.
Kai Tak was in a densely populated urban area, with no room for runway or terminal expansion. It could not handle the growing number of passengers and cargo traffic as Hong Kong became a global hub. By the 1990s, Kai Tak was overcrowded and nearing its maximum operational capacity.)
* One of the busiest airports in the world for international passenger and cargo traffic
2. Terminals:
* Terminal 1: Main terminal for international departures and arrivals
* Terminal 2: Reopened in phases; supports check-in and entertainment facilities
* SkyPier: Ferry terminal for cross-boundary sea travel to/from the Pearl River Delta
3. Operations:
Since the third runway opened in 2022, it is estimated that the airport is able to handle a maximum of 620,000 flights per year (102 per hour, or about one flight every 36 seconds).
Central (front)
Now we’re in Central district. When Hong Kong became a colony in 1841, the current “Central” area was called “Victoria City,” developing from a small fishing village into a transit port.
1. Location:
* Located in Central and part of Admiralty on Hong Kong Island
* Lies between Victoria Harbour and the Mid-Levels
2. Functions:
* Central Business District: Main hub for finance, commerce, legal services, and government
* Headquarters of major international banks, corporations, and the Hong Kong SAR Government
3. Historical Facts:
* Established during British colonial rule in the mid-1800s as the administrative and commercial center
* Statue Square was once the heart of colonial Central, with statues of British royalty
* The HSBC Headquarters has stood on the same site since 1865, evolving through several buildings
* The Former Legislative Council Building (now the Court of Final Appeal) opened in 1912, built in neoclassical style
* Government Hill has been home to senior colonial and now SAR government offices since the 19th century.
* The Cenotaph is Hong Kong’s first memorial built to commemorate World War casualties, unveiled in 1923 by then-Governor Sir Reginald Edward Stubbs.
* The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong was built in early 1963. The hotel combines modern luxury with Oriental traditions and has consistently been rated as one of the world’s top hotels
* The Hong Kong Club Building is currently in its third generation, in its second location. Prior to its redevelopment during the 1980s, the Hong Kong Club Building was famous for being one of the last examples of Victorian architecture in Hong Kong. The Hong Kong club occupies 8 floors.
4. Transport:
* Served by Central MTR Station, Hong Kong Station (Airport Express), and Admiralty Station
* Accessible by trams, buses, minibuses, Star Ferry, and Mid-Levels Escalator
* Connected via elevated pedestrian footbridge system
5. Shopping & Dining:
* Home to luxury malls like LANDMARK, IFC Mall, and Prince’s Building
* Fine dining, historic tea houses, and rooftop bars
6. Tour Guide Notes:
* Ideal for walking tours blending colonial heritage and modern architecture
* Emphasize the role of Central in Hong Kong’s economic rise and East-meets-West identity
Commerce, Finance and Hotel Industry
1. Commerce:
* Major global trading and logistics hub
* Free port with low taxation and no tariffs on imports/exports
* Strong retail sector with major shopping districts (Central, Causeway Bay, Tsim Sha Tsui)
2. Finance:
* One of the world’s top financial centers
* Home to the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX)
* Headquarters for global banks, insurance firms, and investment companies
3. Hotel Industry:
* Wide range from luxury (e.g. The Peninsula, Four Seasons) to budget options.
* Concentrated in areas like Tsim Sha Tsui, Central, Wan Chai, and near the airport.
* Supports tourism, business travel, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, Exhibitions) events.
Exchange Square (left)
1. Location:
* Located in Central, Hong Kong Island
* Part of Hong Kong’s financial district
2. Key Features:
* Securities trading center of Hong Kong.
* Houses the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX).
* Major office buildings for financial and banking sectors.
* Also hosts foreign consulates (e.g. Poland, Czech Republic, Japan, Canada).
3. Architectural Significance:
* Award-winning design, recognized for its modern and functional structure.
* Three Exchange Square towers, interconnected by open plazas and walkways.
* Completed in 1988.
4. Transport and Accessibility:
* Airport Express station at Hong Kong Station nearby.
* Public bus and minibus terminals on the ground level.
* Part of Central’s elevated walkway network, connecting to nearby commercial buildings
5. Significance:
* A key hub in Hong Kong’s financial landscape.
* Serves as a global business center with international offices and consular presence.
International Finance Centre (left)
1. Location:
* Located at Central’s waterfront, along Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong Island.
* Directly connected to Hong Kong Station (Airport Express)
2. Key Features:
Comprises two towers:
* IFC One: Office building housing major global financial institutions. Opened in July 1998
* IFC Two: The second tallest building in Hong Kong, at 415 meters (1,362 feet), housing offices and the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong. Opened in 2003
* Total floor area of 4.47 million square feet, combining office, retail, and leisure spaces
3. Architecture:
* Designed by renowned architect Cesar Pelli, showcasing modern, iconic architecture.
* IFC Two stands as a significant landmark on Hong Kong Island, offering stunning Victoria Harbour views
4. Retail & Dining:
* IFC Mall with over 200 international branded stores and unique concept stores
* A high-end shopping destination, providing luxury retail and dining experiences
5. Hotel & Services:
* Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong within the IFC complex, offering premium services for both business and leisure travelers.
* Features three Michelin-starred Lung King Heen, two Michelin-starred Caprice, a luxury spa, and banquet halls,
* Four Seasons Place offers serviced apartments for extended stays
6. Significance:
* A premier business and leisure destination in Hong Kong.
* Serves as a global financial hub, attracting top-tier financial institutions.
* A prominent landmark in Hong Kong’s skyline and commercial district
7. Transport & Accessibility:
* Excellent transport links: MTR Central, Airport Express, ferries, and Central Pier.
* Part of the Central Elevated Walkway Network, connecting to nearby commercial buildings
Tour Conclusion
- Well, that brings us to the end of our tour around beautiful Hong Kong Island. I hope you’ve enjoyed the sights, sounds, and history we’ve experienced today, from the bustling streets of Central to the tranquil views at Victoria Peak.
- We’ve seen how Hong Kong blends East and West, where modern skyscrapers stand alongside colonial-era buildings, and where traditional markets sit right next to high-end shopping malls. The views of Victoria Harbour are undoubtedly some of the best in the world, and I hope you’ve taken some fantastic photos!
- As we wrap up, I want to remind you that Hong Kong is not just about its skyline, but also about its rich culture, fascinating history, and incredible food. Whether you’re here for business or pleasure, there’s always something exciting to discover.
- If you have any questions or need recommendations for dining, shopping, or things to do, feel free to ask me before you leave. I’d be happy to help.
- Thank you for joining me today, and I hope you continue to explore this vibrant city. Have a great day ahead, and we look forward to seeing you again soon. Safe travels!”
