Kowloon

Kowloon is the southern-most reach of the mainland in Hong Kong surrounded to the south, east and west by the harbour. Kowloon (the name meaning “Nine Dragons” in Cantonese) is the heart of the REAL Hong Kong – Where real people live and work.

There are a number of markets in Kowloon that really add a vitality to the area.

The fish market ( Mong Kok) is for pets NOT food. It is amazing to see the bags of every kind of fish you can think of for sale. The market also sells other pets and pet supplies as well.

Essentially limited to clothing the “Ladies Market” ( Mong Kok) is not specifically women's clothing. Also extremely busy.

Fantastic array of exotic flowers and other plants are available at the Flower Market ( Prince Edward). Be sure to go down the back alleys to see the more unusual specimens…

Recently relocated, the Bird Garden ( Prince Edward) is a refreshing haven from the hectic life of Kowloon with bird cages and crickets galore under the trees of the garden. Worth it just to have a seat and enjoy the sights.

Located just north of Kowloon Park the Temple Street night market ( Jordan; Temple Street between Jordan Road and Kansu Street; 4 pm to midnight) offers pretty much everything you can think of – Jade, clothing, souvenirs, food, Chinese opera, sexual aids, tea, etc. This is most famous of all of the Hong Kong markets.

The market can be very busy so be careful when visiting.

Kowloon Park ( Tsim Sha Tsui) is located quite close to the harbour to the west of Nathan Road. It is home to a small zoo (basically a number of exotic birds) and a lot of people escaping from the city all around. Well worth a visit.

Nathan Road is the main road running north and south through Kowloon. There are many shops and places to eat here – Very much the heart of Kowloon.

• Hong Kong Science Museum ( Tsim Sha Tsui) - Really good museum (VERY large) with a lot of interactive exhibits. Even the building is impressive. You would need a good three or four hours here to see any amount of it (check out the great mechanical sculpture in the main atrium and the nifty Chinese appliances in the food display area).
• Hong Kong Space Museum ( Tsim Sha Tsui) - Catering mostly for tourists, this exhibit is not terribly impressive – skip it and go next door to the Museum of Art or down the street to Science Museum.
• Hong Kong Museum of Art ( Tsim Sha Tsui) - Fantastic (and exhaustive) display of Chinese art and calligraphy. Many hours can be spent here.