11 best places to moon-gaze in Hong Kong this Mid-Autumn Festival
This is achieved by locating oneself at a vantage point with a clear view of the moon and gazing at it, preferably while munching on mooncakes.
Here are our favorite places to moon-gaze around Hong Kong this Mid-Autumn Festival, on September 22.
Getting high
Victoria Peak
Although the highest point on the Peak is used as a radio telecommunications facility, much of the view of Victoria Harbour and beyond can be seen from The Peak Tower or The Sky Terrace as the rooftop is open for free public access.
You will have an unobstructed view of Hong Kong as its skyscrapers will be at a distance and not towering over you. On a regular day, tourists, luvvy-duvvy couples and families of all sorts crowd The Peak -- Mid-Autumn Festival will be no exception. Bring sharp elbows to gain a good spot.
Getting there: Take the Peak Tram, or bus 15.
Fei Ngo Shan
This is a real getaway from the city. Located in Ma On Shan Country Park, Fei Ngo Shan is over 600 meters high. If you want an incredible natural view of Hong Kong, either drive up or do some solid trekking.
The backdrop is of Hong Kong's mountainous terrain -- there won't be any bright neon lights to compete with the moon. This is perfect for mountain fanatics who prefer a quiet experience.
Getting there: Drive up Fei Ngo Shan Road.
Rooftop bars
If you really want that on-top-of-the-world experience but can’t afford the time or energy to hike up a mountain, then rooftop bars are your best bet. Of course the view can be obstructed with skyscrapers and people milling around with drinks, but sometimes we prefer a drink over a hike.
On IFC 2’s rooftop there is Isola Bar & Grill along with RED, where you can enjoy a drink, chitchat with your friends and gaze at the moon (occasionally). Also check out the best harborview bars in Hong Kong.
More details on RED bar.
Victoria Park's open spaces.Lost in crowds
Cultural Center waterfront promenade
Although the harbor in Tsim Sha Tsui is always crowded with tourists, couples still try to make this a romantic spot by sharing a McDonald’s sundae whilst watching the ferries go by, determined to ignore all the other people around them.
The skyscrapers on Hong Kong Island are facing you rather than towering over you on rooftop bars. Tourists of different nationalities make up the chatter and noise around you for a very global-village feel as you admire the moon.
See directions for the Hong Kong Cultural Centre.
Victoria Park
The Central Lawn is usually a quiet green haven in the middle of the city, but it will be filled by people attending the Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival and those who have just finished watching the fire dragon dance in nearby Tai Hang. Eateries are in abundance near the park for pre and post-moon-gazing feasts.
Read more about Victoria Park and the Urban Mid-Autumn Lantern Carnival 2010.
Repulse Bay
The beaches of Hong Kong will be brimful of youngsters breaking curfew with moon-gazing as an excuse. Some like to engage in a spot of pyromania by placing a bunch of candles in a mooncake tinbox and setting them on fire.
This uniquely Hong Kong Mid-Autumn activity results in dramatic flames, which is dangerous -- and illegal -- but some kids do it anyway
See more of Hong Kong's best beaches and directions for Repulse Bay.
Verdant views
The Chinese University of Hong Kong
The Chinese University has one of Hong Kong's biggest and most picturesque campuses. Located along the East Rail Line, it is tranquil and easily accessible. The lake area at Chung Chi College (10 minutes walking distance from University Station) is one the best spots. Hang out with bookish students and soak up the air of academia while gazing at the moon. Maybe memorize a few lines of poetry to spout out at the right moment.
Chinese University of Hong Kong website.
Morse Park
Located 5 minutes from Lok Fu Station, Morse Park is named after Sir Arthur Morse who headed The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation during and after World War II. It consists of the only tropical palm garden in Hong Kong.
Gaze at the moon with locals jogging about around you, although you will have to search for a spot where the moon isn't blocked by the trees.
See directions for Morse Park.
The Cultural Centre's harborside promenade.Waterside
Gold Coast
Gold Coast provides a picturesque atmosphere for romantics to walk around the beach. You can sit and listen to the waves whilst moon watching.
The scenery definitely makes up for the inconvenience in getting there, though you can always opt to stay a night at the Hong Kong Gold Coast Hotel. Or you can barbecue with a bunch of friends at one of the barbecue sites along the beach.
There are stalls which sell marinated food, charcoal and barbecue forks so you don’t need to lug everything from home.
See directions for Gold Coast Piazza.
West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade
The near-360 degree view of Hong Kong's coastline makes the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade the best alternative to Tsim Sha Tsui. It's difficult to access -- by foot or bike -- which means only people who really want to be there will be there. For the Mid-Autumn Festival though, it might get a little more crowded than usual, especially with the on-going lantern exhibition "All About the Moon."
Read more about the West Kowloon Waterfront Promenade.
Out of this world
Tai Mei Tuk
Tai Mei Tuk's Plover Cove Reservoir has an otherworldly atmosphere when visited on a clear evening. Walk along the dam for the full experience: no lights, no buildings, no waves. Just a flat expanse of water on either side of the dam and a ripe, low-hanging moon.
Find out more about Tai Mei Tuk.
