Wanchai in Hong Kong
Wanchai Facts
Wan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often referred to as Wan Chai North.
Chinese Name: 湾仔
Type: The World of Suzie Wong, karaoke bars and neon lights
Address: Hong Kong, Wan Chai, Stone Nullah Ln, 72A
Best Seasons: All year round
Recommended Visiting Hours: about 2-5 hours
Opening Hours: All day
Ticket: Free
Why is Wanchai so Special?
- The area – home to bars, brothels and nightclubs but also business and cultural venues – has been targeted for art and creative development
- District is first to be showcased by a project that aims to capitalise on the living culture of Hong Kong for ‘creative tourism’
What does Wan Chai mean?
Where is Wanchai?
Wan Chai is a metropolitan area situated at the western part of the Wan Chai District on the northern shore of Hong Kong Island, in Hong Kong. Its other boundaries are Canal Road to the east, Arsenal Street to the west and Bowen Road to the south. The area north of Gloucester Road is often referred to as Wan Chai North. Wan Chai is one of the busiest commercial areas in Hong Kong with offices of many small and medium-sized companies. Wan Chai North features office towers, parks, hotels and an international conference and exhibition centre.
What to Do in Wanchai
Shop at a street market
There are plenty of market stalls dotted around the area, but Wan Chai’s ‘toy street’ has the largest concentration of stalls and shops. Selling everything from live turtles, flowers and toys, to vegetables, meat and live seafood, the market streets are full of character and offer a fascinating glimpse into life in this bustling neighbourhood.
Take in the view from Wooloomooloo’s rooftop bar
Take the lift right to the top floor of Wooloomooloo and, after a small flight of stairs, you’ll reach the restaurant’s open-air terrace. The harbour view is partially obscured by other highrises but it’s still breathtaking. You can see out the other way over Happy Valley Racecourse and the hills beyond. The location, right in the heart of the neighbourhood, gives you the vantage point of the daily hustle and bustle in Wan Chai.
A night out to remember (or not) at Ophelia
Not for the fainthearted, Ophelia is one of Hong Kong’s most outrageous bars. From the live mermaids suspended above the bar to the drag shows and much more in between… it’s better if you find out for yourself – you’ve been warned.
Wan Chai Computer Centre
If you’re after digital retail therapy, Wan Chai Computer Centre has everything you could imagine. There are cables and adaptors for devices we didn’t even know existed, and every type of laptop, camera, monitor, phone or tablet you could need. If you’re looking for bargains but don’t want to make the trip over to Mong Kok’s markets, this is one the best places on the island to indulge your inner nerd.
Listen to live music at The Wanch
Not to be missed, this Hong Kong institution is the best place to head to for cheap drinks and live music every night of the week. They’re champions of local bands and bringers of mirth for all who enter. Our best advice is to turn up with an open mind and see what happens.
Recommended Hong Kong Tour
- 4 Days Hong Kong Discovery Tour
- 3 Days Hong Kong Disneyland Tour for Family
- 2 Days Hong Kong Highlights Tour
- 2 Days Hong Kong & Macau Highlights Tour
- 3 Days Hong Kong In-depth Tour with Walking Experience
How to Get to Wanchai
Travel with ChinaDragonTours (top recommended)
If you want to get out of the traffic and hassle of navigation, you can book a private tour package that includes visiting, dining and transfer from us. Our local guide and driver will escort you to Wanchai in Hong Kong in the fastest and most convenient way and take care of all the details. You just have to focus on the visiting.
Independent Traveler
Most buses travel in Wan Chai from Admiralty to Causeway Bay via Hennessy Road or, in the opposite direction, Johnston Road and Gloucester Road.
- Bus routes:
- New World First Bus: 2, 2A, 2X, 8, 8P, 15, 18, 18P, 19, 23, 23A, 23B, 25, 26, 38, 42, 63, 66, 81, 720, M722
- Citybus: 1, 5, 5B, 6, 6X, 8X, 10, 11, 37A, 37B, 40, 40M, 70, 72, 72A, 76, 77, 85, 90, 92, 96, 97, 260, 592, 780, 788, 789, to and from airport via WHC: A11, A12, E11
- Tunnel buses routes:
- Cross-Harbour Tunnel: 101, 102, 103, 104, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 115, 116, 117, 170, 171, 182
- Eastern Harbour Crossing: 601, 603, 619, 671, 680, 681, 690, 692
- Western Harbour Crossing: 905, 914, 960, 961, 962, 968, 969
Useful Travel Tips
- Where to Stay in Hong Kong
JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong: Our Hong Kong go to hotel is the JW Marriott and the Harbour views are a bonus. Adjacent to the fab Pacific Place shopping mall with access to Admiralty MTR station making sightseeing and transport seamless – Click here for latest prices
The Upper House: Another great luxury Hong Kong hotel is the Upper House with it’s amazing views, luxurious rooms and great location – Click here for latest prices
Hotel Stage: a Kowloon fave and a fab boutique option with reasonably priced rooms – Click here for latest prices
Ovolo: a short walk from the Hong Kong mid level escalators it’s compact and efficient and perfect for exploring the city – Click here for latest prices - Taxi is one of the most popular ways to and from the Hong Kong International Airport. It is fast, comfortable and offers point-to-point travel. The taxi rank is located outside the Arrival Hall on the left side. Follow the direction signs. The estimated fare is HK$220-230 plus HK$5 for each piece of luggage stored inside the baggage compartment, and each piece of luggage with total dimensions (length + width + height) exceeding 140cm stored inside the cabin. The journey time is about 30-40 minutes. The fare and time depend on traffic conditions. Hong Kong taxi drivers know all the major hotels, but it is a good idea to note the address of your hotel or destination point on a piece of paper.
- Also, visitors to Hong Kong may take the Airport Express train. The journey to Kowloon station costs HK$90 and takes 21 minutes. The trains run every 10 minutes from 5:50am to 1:15am daily. There are discounts up to 40% for those who travel in a group or family. HK$140 for a group of 2, HK$190 for a group of 3 and HK$220 for a group of 4. Then take a taxi or Free Airport Express Shuttle Bus to your hotel or destination point.
