Hong Kong Orientation Guide

The Peak

Lesspopulatedthanotherareas,withlushgreensurroundings,quietwalks,andasummertime average temperature two degrees lower than the rest ofHongKong—and yetonlya10minute drive toCentral—it iseasy toseewhythePeakremainsoneof themoreprestigiousaddresses in Hong Kong. Typical residences are spacious detached homes, modern townhouses, or low-rise colonial-styleblocks,oftenwithbalconies,highceilingsandfireplaces.Mostresidencesonthe Peak enjoy exquisite views of Victoria Harbor or the outer islands of the South China Sea.

ThereareseveralpreschoolsonthePeak.Inaddition,thereareexcellentsupermarketsanda selectionofrestaurantsandshopsandalsothePeakSchoolandGermanSwissInternationalSchool.

Pokfulam

West of Central, on the northwest coastline of Hong Kong Island, is the community of Pokfulam. The University of Hong Kong is located here and thus many academics choose to live here. Less expensive than other South Island districts, Pokfulam offers the same tranquility with lush, expansive views. There is a wide variety of housing available from comfortable townhouses to spacious high-rises, with most apartments offering sea views over the Lamma Channel. Queen Mary Hospital, Hong Kong’s leading teaching hospital; junior and senior schools, including theKellettSchool,KennedyandtheWestIslandSchoolare locatedhere.NearbyHongKong CountryParkisideal forrecreationandpeaceful walks.Pokfulam is15minutestobothCentral and Aberdeen, and has some of the best public transportation available in Hong Kong.

Shouson Hill

Shouson Hill, perched on the south side of the Peak, shrouded in greenery and overlooking Aberdeen on one side and the Hong Kong Golf Club on the other, is one of the most peaceful areas inHongKong.Mostoftheresidentialblocksareeithercoloniallow-risesormodern townhouses with communal gardens. It is a 10minute drive to Central and to nearby DeepWater Bay and Repulse Bay. South Island School is located here.

Stanley—Chung Hom Kok

Stanleyis locatedonan isthmusoflandextending into theSouthChinaSea.Famousforits vibrant outdoormarket and itsbeaches,it is here that thousands gather towatch theannual Dragon Boat Races. The western side of the isthmus has retained some of its old-time fishing village charm, overlaid by street-side cafes, terraced dining, and open-air pubs. Buildings in Stanley aremostly low-rise,many with views to the sea and the outlying islands. Everything is within walking distance. Shopping facilities include Taste,a well-stocked supermarket to cater to all needs, located in the new Stanley Plaza. Public transportation into Central, which is 30 minutes away, is varied and frequent. By car, Stanley is 20 minutes to Central. Halfway between Stanley and Repulse Bay is the peninsula of Chung Hom Kok, which is about as close to a suburban existence as you’ll find anywhere in Hong Kong Island. With cul-de-sacs and dead-end roads,traffic is fairly light in this quiet neighborhood of large single-family dwellings, low-rise blocks and townhouses.

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