The Clock Tower - Sightseeing in Hong Kong

Hong Kong Clock Tower

The Clock Tower is an iconic Hong Kong landmark. It is all that remains of the Kowloon Station. The tower is located near Victoria Harbour and has been a declared monument since 1990.

Although officially a part of China, Hong Kong functions quite autonomously and is a lot more westernised than mainland China. This makes it the ideal place to start an exploration of the Orient- Western enough to feel familiar, yet unlike western city in the world. Although Hong Kong's cultural roots are firmly anchored in the exotic East, the cosmopolitan city does not overwhelm. Instead it eases visitors into a vibrant world of colours and sounds. Where opposites collide and meld, opening avenues for endless adventure and excitement.

Tourists wanting to get a feel for the history of Hong Kong can try visiting the Clock Tower in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon. Erected in 1915, the granite and red brick building is about 44 metres in height, and is a graceful structure, adding to the elegance of the Hong Kong skyline. Originally the tower only had one clock face, but three more were added later on, and by 1929 all four clocks were working in synchronism. Historians believe that the clocks have been running ever since, except for a brief period during World War II. Although the tower still stands, the Kowloon- Canton Railway Terminal that it was once a part of is long gone.

What stands in place of the railway station is the Hong Kong Cultural Centre, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Space Museum. All of them slick buildings with futuristic architectural features, together forming an interesting and unusual backdrop to the tower. After viewing the tower, tourists can spend some time visiting these nearby attractions. The juxtaposition of the old and new is common in Hong Kong, and adds to its image of a historic place with grand ambitions for the future.

Travellers on the lookout for a luxury hotel in Hong Kong in the area can give the Langham Hong Kong a try. This Hong Kong hotel combines excellent service, choice location and elegant interiors to give guests an amazing vacation stay. It is located in the centre of the Tsimshatsui shopping and tourism district, and brings guests closer to the heart of Hong Kong.