Top Things to See
 Many people have the impression that Kowloon is little more than the world’s largest shopping centre, but in fact there is a lot more to this city than simply opening the purse strings. It’s true that Kowloon’s traditional markets are wonderful hubs of local activity, as are the handful of Chinese temples which anchor each part of town. Kowloon Park provides a green haven from the urban bustle, while Hong Kong Cultural Centre is Kowloon’s latest effort at diversifying itself culturally through two innovative museums. The Walled City Park offers a look at the origins of Kowloon and the waterfront Promenade has a picture-perfect view of Victoria Harbour and the majestic skyline of Hong Kong island. Of course you’ll go shopping, but there are plenty of other choices to fill in the gaps between spending sprees.
 Hong Kong Museum of History
One of the finest museums in Hong Kong can be found in Kowloon, right next to the equally interesting Science Museum. The four floors of this educational warehouse are filled with more than 500 exhibitions focusing on just about every topic imaginable. This museum doesn’t just present the long and colourful history of Hong Kong, but also uses interactive displays to present the mysteries of our world in a tangible manner. Snazzy and engaging, you’ll easily get sucked in to the fun and informative subjects on display and luckily, they’re all in English.
 Hong Kong Museum of Science
One of the most entertaining museums in Kowloon is the Science Museum. The creators of this information amusement park have packed more than 500 exhibits into the building which focus on some very interesting questions. The real bonus is that 60 per cent of the exhibits are interactive and hands-on, which helps seemingly impossible concepts such as quantum physics become more understandable. The blend of logic and magic brings the world of science to life.
 Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum
This is the site of Hong Kong’s oldest historical monument, a tomb from the Han Dynasty. Experts believe the tomb, built between 25 and 220 AD, was that of an imperial officer. In addition to the tomb, visitors can check out the artefacts which were found there such as bronze works, pieces of pottery and models of ancient buildings. If you have an interest in the very ancient past of Kowloon, then this is as old as it gets.
 Man Mo Temple
If there’s one temple that embodies the mysterious ambiance of Chinese spirituality, Man Mo is it. Hong Kong’s oldest temple is a pilgrimage site for devotees seeking to have their wishes fulfilled. Gigantic coils of incense are hung from the ceiling and can burn for up to three weeks. The entire temple is constantly filled with the pungent haze of hope, as people trickle in and out of the smoke searching for their dreams to come true.
 Star Ferry Pier
For over 100 years, this pier has been the entry point for travellers coming to Kowloon. This historical landmark was once surrounded by thousands of manpowered rickshaws waiting to chauffeur passengers to their destinations, but today only a few remain. Star Ferry Pier is in many ways the heart of Kowloon, with the massive shopping complex of Harbour City to one side and the old Victoria Clock Tower to the other. A number of Kowloon’s best museums are also within a minute walk of the pier, but perhaps its best feature is the fantastic view of Hong Kong’s skyline across the harbour.
Top Things to Do
 Go native in Yaumatei. One of the greatest aspects of Kowloon is its lively street life and Yaumatei is one of the most colourful. It’s easy to spend an entire afternoon wandering around this neighbourhood soaking in the ambiance. From old men playing Chinese chess in front of Tin Hau Temple, to the amazing jade market full of priceless treasures, every corner presents a new scene. After the sun sets, the night markets burst into life, especially along Temple Street, where you can have a Chinese fortune-teller look into your future.
 Visit Mong Kok. This bustling district has the dubious distinction of being the world’s most densely populated area. Despite efforts to modernise Mong Kok, it retains much of its old charm as a busy market area catering to everything under the sun. Mong Kok also has a reputation as one of the darker parts of Hong Kong, where triad gang members keep a low profile and gambling dens are hidden under karaoke hostess bars. Fortune-tellers will read your future, and Chinese opera singers occasionally fill the streets with their piercing voices. Dive in to this chaotic yet addictive scene and see what you can come up with.
 Take a trip to Kowloon Park and see the beautiful scenery which is just waiting to be enjoyed. There’s plenty to do here, especially if you want to take a refreshing dip in the swimming pool. There are dozens of different Chinese gardens to explore, as well as a lake, lotus ponds and even a meandering stream. It’s easy to forget that bustling Kowloon is just outside this leafy oasis.
 Take a trip to Wong Tai Sin and experience Chinese superstition at its finest. This is Hong Kong’s most important Taoist temple, a fact which is quickly confirmed by the hundreds of people shaking bamboo containers until a single stick falls out. The number on this stick is then interpreted by a soothsayer who will sort things out. It’s all very serious business, and you may want to try your hand at it, although you’ll need an interpreter for the interpreter. The temple grounds are also dotted with small buildings dedicated to various deities, as well as an immaculate traditional Chinese garden.
 Take a trip into space. A visit to the Hong Kong Space Museum will take you on a journey like never before.Not only does it contain Asia’s most advanced planetariums, but it also has a number of interactive exhibitions such as one which give visitors the sensation of weightlessness and another which simulates the multi-axis chair which astronauts train in. The Space Theatre shows Omnimax movies on a variety of subjects if you want to just sit back and relax.
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