The majority of Hong Kong’s must-see attractions are accessible to the disabled and wheelchair users. In some cases, travelers with disabilities may be forced to adapt to participate in certain experiences, but it is often possible with some advance planning. Use this guide to accessible tourist attractions in Hong Kong to make the most of what the city has to offer.
Victoria Peak
Victoria Peak offers one of the most stunning elevated views of a major city in the world. The panoramic mountaintop puts the second tallest skyline in the world at the feet of visitors. Travelers can reach the peak via the Peak Tram or by taxi/car. The Peak Tram, placed into service over 120 years ago, is not wheelchair accessible. Riders must be able to ascend/descend stairs in order to board the train. To make your way to the viewing platform with a wheelchair, take an accessible taxi up to Victoria Peak. If you do think you’ll be able to manage steps on the Peak Tram, For more information on the Peak Tram, click here to learn more.
Nearest MTR to tram: Central
Victoria Harbour & Star Ferry
Picturesque Victoria Harbour is only a short walk away from Central station on Hong Kong Island. Lining the Harbour waterfront are the docking piers where travelers can board touring ferries and hire private ships. The Star Ferry crosses the Harbour between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, offering views of the city’s towering skyline.
Stops are located at the central pier of Hong Kong Island, Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon and in Wan Chai also on Hong Kong Island. The Star Ferry is accessible to wheelchair users on the lower deck, but the boarding ramp may be steep depending on the station and time of day/water levels. A one-way adult ticket for access to the lower deck costs only $2.20 to $3.70 HKD, payable by cash or with the Octopus Card. For more information on the Star Ferry, visit www.starferry.com.hk.
Nearest MTR to pier: Central
Symphony of Lights & Avenue of Stars
An absolute must-see attraction in Hong Kong is the Symphony of Lights, the largest light and music show in the world. Lasting 14 minutes, the show employs laser beams and facade lighting on more than 40 buildings and skyscrapers to achieve a dramatic choreographed effect.
The best place to view the show, which runs daily at 8pm, is from the Avenue of Stars in Kowloon. The Avenue of Stars is modeled on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and pays tribute to the stars of the Hong Kong film industry. The show is free, but be prepared for photographers to offer you their services for a fee.
Nearest MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui
Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car & Big Buddha Statue
The Ngong Ping 360 Cable Car offers riders a 24-minute ride with incredible aerial views of Hong Kong city, Lantau Island, the international airport and the South China Sea. The cable car runs between the Tung Chung MTR station and Ngong Ping Village, the site of the Tian Tan “Big Buddha” and a Buddhist monastery. The cable car is wheelchair accessible, with level-entry boarding and plenty of space to accommodate large power wheelchairs inside the gondolas.
The cost of a round-trip journey on the Ngong Ping cable car is HK$210 (~$26.75 USD) in the standard cabin or HK$290 (~$37 USD) in the crystal cabin, which features a glass floor on the gondola. For the budget conscious, the 1+1 standard and crystal round trip ticket allows riders to take the standard cabin in one direction and experience the crystal cabin in the other – for a discounted rate of HK$265, or HK$233 (~$30 USD) if purchased online.
The Big Buddha statue sits at the top of 268 steps, so it can only be viewed from a distance by those who cannot ascend/descend the steps. The remainder of Ngong Ping Village is accessible, including the shops and restaurants. For more information on the cable car experience and the surrounding village, visit www.np360.com.hk.
Nearest MTR: Tung Chung
IFC Mall Rooftop
The IFC Mall sits directly above the MTR and Airport Express Central stations on Hong Kong Island, only blocks away from the Victoria Harbour waterfront. The mall’s rooftop offers a beautiful place to sit, relax, drink a bottle of wine or dine at one of the many restaurants.
Nearest MTR: Central
Temple Street Market
The Temple Street Market is the quintessential image of “Chinatown.” Flashing lights, street food and hawkers of every ware imaginable line the streets of this vibrant intersection of humanity. Opportunities exist to listen to live music, see fortune tellers and gamble on Chinese games. Crowds at the Temple Street Market can make navigation difficult for wheelchair users, but it is definitely worth a visit. It was here that I purchased my very first selfie stick, for the equivalent of about $1.50 USD. Strike a bargain, if you can!
Nearest MTR: Jordan or Yau Ma Tei
