Aqua Luna
Hong Kong, China
This cinematic junk boat, complete with stiff fan sails, is the most stylish way to cruise Hong Kong’s mesmerising harbour.
Best for ages: 12+ | £23 | 45+ mins
Bucket list experience:
Boat tours of Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong, China
Credit Shutterstock.com/Sorbis
Last updated: 19 November, 2022
Hong Kong’s world-famous harbour sits in an arena of skyscrapers and verdant hills, offering a spectacular perspective on the city. Its deep waters and location on the South China Sea were key to Hong Kong’s establishment as a British colony in the mid-19th century.
A trip around or across the harbour offers the chance to contrast mainland China with the unique atmosphere and pace of Hong Kong island – for mere pennies.
The cheapest and simplest way in on the iconic Star Ferry – a standard ferry route that connects Hong Kong Island with Kowloon. The Star Ferry has been in operation since 1888, before which time passengers crossed the harbour in oar-powered sampans. The early Star Ferries were steamboats. The Star Ferry Company also operate a harbour tour in the double-decker Shining Star, a re-creation of these ferries that plied the harbour in the 1920s.
A more traditional, cultural option is a tour on a traditional red-sail junk. Or you can go luxury, and book in for one of the luxury dinner cruises, often with a buffet dinner and sometimes a live band on board.
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Destination Guide >Price from: £3
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 4+
When: All year around
Duration: 1+ hours
Getting there & doing it
The Star Ferry crosses to Kowloon from either Central No.7 pier, or the Star Ferry pier at Tsim Sha Tsui. You can also catch the ferry from Wanchai pier to Tsim Sha Tsui.
When to do it
The Star Ferry runs all year round, seven days a week, with ferry crossings every 10 minutes.
Hop on just before 8pm if you want to catch the Symphony of Lights show, as the ferry pauses mid-crossing to allow for better photography.
Star Company tours on the Shining Star and dinner tours can also be timed to watch the show.
Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity
Aqua Luna: Symphony of Lights Cruise in Hong Kong
Hong Kong SAR
Join this 45 minutes harbour night cruise and get relax in a stylish lounge beds. You can enjoy drinks and snacks while soaking up the sight...
H374 | Rating 4.36 / 5 [75 ratings]
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
The Upper House
Hong Kong, China[0.6 miles]
A sleek, high-end design hotel on Hong Kong Island, with superlative Victoria Harbour views and one of the city’s best cocktail bars.
Official star rating:
Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China[1 miles]
A regular on list of the world’s best hotels, the Mandarin Oriental sits at the heart of Hong Kong, both socially and geographically, and is the place to come for everything from afternoon tea to pre-dinner cocktails.
Official star rating:
The Murray
Hong Kong, China[1 miles]
A fabulous five-star hotel with spacious outdoor terraces – a rarity in Hong Kong – and perfectly placed for hitting the city’s top attractions. The Peak Tram is literally on the doorstep.
Official star rating:
Four Seasons Hong Kong
Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]
Experience the harbour high life at Hong Kong’s swankiest five-star favourite with exceptional dining and a spectacular infinity pool that appears to flow directly into the harbour.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Hong Kong
China
One of the world’s most extraordinary cities, where rippling mountains, a kaleidoscopic waterfront and futuristic architecture merge with fabulous food, sizzling nightlife and top shopping.
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Overview >Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Symphony of Lights
Hong Kong, China[0 miles]
A nightly light and sound show extravaganza, choreographed to classical music, that ripples along the Hong Kong and Kowloon waterfront every night at 8pm.
Best for ages: 4+ | Free | 10 minutes
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Overview >
Horse racing at Happy Valley
Hong Kong , China[1.7 miles]
Millions of dollars, thousands of spectators and thrilling entertainment – Hong Kong’s legendary racecourse is a cultural experience like no other.
Best for ages: 18+ | £1 | 2-3 hours
Chinese Opera
Hong Kong, China[2.2 miles]
Head to the landmark Xiqu Theatre to experience this uniquely Chinese performing art – either a full four-hour extravaganza or a shortened 90-minute version with dim sum.
Best for ages: 18+ | £25 | 1 or 4 hours
Victoria Peak
Hong Kong, China[2.4 miles]
Fantastic views and cooling breezes combine to make a visit to The Peak – Hong Kong’s highest point, accessible by funicular railway. A must do.
Best for ages: 4+ | £5
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Hong Kong Museum of Art
Hong Kong, China[1.3 miles]
Hong Kong’s premier art museum houses an outstanding collection of traditional and modern Chinese art, set against the spectacular backdrop of Victoria Harbour.
Best for ages: 18+ | £1
Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage & Arts
Hong Kong, China[1.5 miles]
A beautifully restored, British-era police station which is now a vibrant arts and heritage hub, packed with fascinating exhibitions and great places to eat and drink.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Experience
Man Mo Temple
Hong Kong, China[1.9 miles]
Hong Kong’s oldest temple is also its most atmospheric, with lavish interiors hung strung about with gigantic coils of beehive incense. A unique glimpse of the traditional side of the city.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Experience
Antique and souvenir shopping on Cat Street
Hong Kong, China[2 miles]
Formally known as Upper Lascar Road, Cat Street is the place to buy genuine antiques, as well as pretty souvenirs and artsy trinkets.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
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Overview >