Causeway Bay is a major shopping and leisure area on Hong Kong Island. You’ll find modern restaurants and shopping malls that sell mid-range luxury brands. But it’s not just all about shopping. You can experience one of the city’s unique traditions and lifestyle, or find your new favorite books in the city’s biggest library and bookstore. Here are 15 things that you can do in Causeway Bay.
Retail Therapy & Outfit Hunting
You could see a mall, shop or restaurant in almost every corner of Causeway Bay. There are so many of them that a day may not be enough to explore all of them. If you have limited time, you may only be able to visit a few of them. So let’s explore some of the most popular shopping areas.
1. Times Square
Times Square Hong Kong is a shopping paradise and a magnet for tourists. As the district’s largest shopping mall, it houses over 230 stores offering a wide range of products. The mall also has Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Western restaurants, making it a gastronomic delight. On top of that, there are always happening exhibitions that can be fun to visit, especially with your friends or family. Times Square is easily accessible as it’s directly connected to the MTR Causeway Bay Station.
2. SOGO Department Store
If you love Japanese foods, be sure to visit SOGO Department Store’s, Hong Kong’s largest Japanese-style department store. In their basement is a spacious supermarket and eatery area that sell all kinds of Japanese and Asian foods and desserts. Other than that, you can find skincare, cosmetics, jewelry, and more in the department store.
3. Jardine Crescent Market
For a more traditional feel of Hong Kong, head to Jardine’s Crescent Market. The market is just a short walk south from south of SOGO. There, you can find local goods like accessories and clothes at bargain prices. Keep in mind that most of them are fixed-price, though you may be able to bargain with a few of the sellers.
Experience the Culture & History
Besides shopping, you can also experience unique traditions and visit historical landmarks in Causeway Bay. Let’s explore some of them.
4. Petty Person Beating
Ever felt like venting your frustrations at your boss or coworkers? In Causeway Bay, there’s a unique tradition for that – the Petty Person Beating or Bowrington Villain Hitting. Here, elderly women perform a ritual to drive away ill luck and attract good fortune by beating a piece of paper (representing the person causing your troubles) with an old shoe. Just provide them with the name and reasons, and watch your worries get beaten away. To go there, walk northwest from Times Square to the junction of Canal Road West and Hennessy Road under the flyover.
5. Ding Ding Tram
After you’re done with the villain hitting, you can go to the nearby Canal Road West tram station to ride The Ding Ding Tram. It is a moving monument and unique to Hong Kong Island. For just HK$3.00, you can hop on the double-deck trams. The tram’s slow pace is perfect for sightseeing and capturing photos, especially from the top deck. You can ride the tram to another area like Central or move around Causeway Bay.
6. Tin Hau Temple
If you ride the tram, you can stop at Lau Sin Street tram station (Or Tin Hau Station if you ride the MTR) to go to Tin Hau Temple. It is a declared monument that is dedicated to Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea. You can also find Bao Kung (Judge Bao) and the God of Wealth in the main halls.
7. Jardine Noonday Gun
Another unique thing that you can only find in Causeway Bay is the Jardine Noonday Gun. Since 1860, a guard from Jardine Matheson has fired this gun precisely at midday. Located at the waterfront of Gloucester Road it’s reachable by crossing a pedestrian bridge from Victoria Park or heading north from Times Square Mall.
8. Happy Valley Racecourse & Museum
Experience the thrill of horse racing at the Happy Valley Racecourse. Currently, the races are held every Wednesday night. You can also find the Hong Kong Racing Museum there to get a glimpse into the city’s horse racing history, race bonuses and famous racing horses and riders.
Eat Noodles, Dim Sum, & Hotpot
After a day of shopping and sightseeing, it’s time to treat yourself to the culinary delights of Causeway Bay.
9. Sister Wah
Sister Wah, first opened in 2003, is a local delight that you can only find in Causeway Bay at the moment. This Michelin-recommended eatery is renowned for its beef brisket noodles served in a clear soup. Other popular dishes include Dan Dan noodles and drunken chicken, and they are relatively affordable for its quality. However, there are only six tables there, so be prepared to queue early. The restaurant is located near Tin Hau MTR Station.
10. Din Tai Fung
For a taste of Taiwan, look no further than Din Tai Fung. This Michelin-recommended restaurant is famous for its xiao long bao (soup dumplings) that burst with flavor at every bite. Although a bit pricier, the expansive menu ensures everyone finds something to their liking. There are steamed shrimp, spicy vegetables, pork wontons and more. Currently, this is the only Din Tai Fung branch in Hong Kong Island (the other is in Tsim Sha Tsui, Tuen Mun, and Sha Tin), so be sure not to miss it.
11. Haidilao Hot Pot
If you’re looking for a more fun dining experience, head to Haidilao Hot Pot at Lee Theatre. You can see noodle performances and birthday celebrations or have yours celebrated. The restaurant offers various hot pot soup bases like tomato, mushroom, and chili. The staff are known for their politeness and friendly service as well. Similar to Din Tai Fung, this is their only branch in Hong Kong Island.
Stroll at the Harbour & Hong Kong Island’s Largest Park
While Causeway Bay is famed for its bustling shopping district, you can also take a break in the city’s harbor and lush park.
12. East Coast Park Precinct, Fortress Hill
East Coast Park Precinct is a pet-friendly public space where you can have a unique panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. The park’s distinctive feature is the uniquely shaped CWB East Vent Shaft, which is a large-scale art installation. To reach the park, head to Fortress Hill MTR Station and walk west towards the harbour.
13. Victoria Park
Victoria Park is the largest park on Hong Kong Island. Here, lush greenery, ample seating areas, and sports facilities provide a needed break from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can listen to the birds chirping while admiring the plants or do a bit of exercise.
There’s also a pedestrian bridge in the northwest area where you can cross to the Revitalised Typhoon Shelter Precinct. From there, you can walk to Jardine Noonday Gun as well.
Chill at the Library & Bookstores
If you’re a bookworm, you should like Causeway Bay as it’s home to some of the city’s best libraries and bookstores.
14. Hong Kong Central Library
Just south of Victoria Park is the Hong Kong Central Library, the largest public library in the city. The library has 10 floors with its own theme. There are internet connections, chargers, and water fountains, which are great if you need to cool down for a while. Another things you can do is to head to the upper floors to get a great view of Victoria Harbour.
If you’re traveling with kids aged 8 or below, you can also visit the Toy Library, a spacious read-and-play area on the second floor. Just remember to reserve a spot either in person or four days before your visit.
15. Eslite Bookstore at Hysan Place
This Taiwanese bookstore once earned the title of “World’s Coolest Bookstore” by CNN, and it’s not hard to see why. Spread across three stories in the Hysan Place shopping mall, it offers a vast selection of international books that cater to all tastes.