Introduction
Central is the Manhattan of Hong Kong, home to many of its banks, financiers, real estate companies, and brokerages with Admiralty being a (relatively) new upstart neighbor with gleaming glass skyscrapers, many interconnected by elevated walkways. The huge projects accompanying the building of the new airport (Tsing Ma suspension bridge, West Kowloon Reclamation, Western Harbour Tunnel) also include, in Central, the Hong Kong Terminus of the Airport Express Line railway. Near its locale at Exchange Square (in the upper left of the map above), many new buildings are rising of which the most prominent will be Two International Finance Center. Upon its completion in 2003, it will be the tallest building in Hong Kong. Over in Admiralty, the Pacific Place office and shopping complex dominates with its enviable position at the border of Hong Kong park. Finally, rising up in the middle of all of this is the resplendent Bank of China building, a Hong Kong landmark.

Points of Interest
Star Ferry
The ferry service between Tsim Sha Tsui and Hong Kong Island began in 1898 and took 40 minutes to one hour. Now, the journey takes less than seven minutes with ferries running every ten minutes or less (during peak hours). A ticket is inexpensive at HK$1.70 for an adult and HK$1.20 for a child (3 to 12 years old). Add 10 cents for kids and 50 cents for adults if you want to ride in the air-conditioned upper deck. If you are over 65 (or under 3) and have a Hong Kong ID or a senior citizen card, you can ride for free. Hours of operation are 6:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m. The cigar-shaped boats look a bit different, but they're extremely safe and handle the often choppy harbor quite well. If it's going to be your first time on the ferry, stay out of the air-conditioning and take in the fresh breeze and magnificent views. A must-do in Hong Kong.

Peak Tram
Another obligatory attraction resides, well, partly in Central. The Peak Tram is a cable-pulled railway (funicular) running 1.4 kilometers from Central near Hong Kong Park up to the top of the high hills above the city, called The Peak. At The Peak is a huge, wok-shaped shopping and eating complex, not to mention a sprawling, gorgeous, panorama of Hong Kong, Kowloon and beyond. The fare is advertised at HK$20 but that's if you plan to stay up there! A round-trip ticket will cost HK$30. The Peak Tram runs every ten minutes from 7:00 a.m. to midnight. Sit on the right side on the way up for the best views!                 

Hong Kong Park
Opened to the public as recently as 1991, Hong Kong park is a true oasis among the tall buildings. With not so much of an Western-type emphasis on open playing fields, the park offers carved walkways, sculpted greenery, and attractive pools. Additonally, there is a Conservatory, an Aviary, a Squash Centre, and an indoor games hall. For inquiries, call 2521-5072.

Lan Kwai Fong
This is a very popular nighttime area with many trendy bars and nightclubs on a couple of rather steeply-graded streets. Though just off our map above, it's about a five minute walk from the Central MTR station. Ask your hotel's concierge for directions.

Shopping
Pacific Place
Pacific Place, one of Hong Kong's most popular malls, is the ideal place to go in this area. You'll find perfect gift ideas within its 130-plus outlets, including Marks & Spencer, Lane Crawford, Seibu and top designer labels. Pacific Place is connected to the Admiralty MTR Station.

Transportation
Airport Express Line
This modern railway connects Hong Kong Island and Kowloon with the new airport at Chek Lap Kok. Please click here for more information.

MTR Stations: Central and Admiralty
From Central you are close to everything including the Star Ferry and Lan Kwai Fong (see above). The Admiralty station is integrated with the Pacific Place One and Two hotel/office/shopping complex.