Why the Tsim Sha Tsui is special
Situated at the very tip of the Kowloon Peninsula, it is a major tourist hub in metropolitan Hong Kong. The area is grouped with many shops and restaurants that cater to tourists, many of the museums in the territory are also attractive to tourists. Often abbreviated as TST, it is best reached by taking the scenic Star Ferry across the harbour from Central.
As far back in 1888, the Star Ferry offered regular transport between Central and Tsim Sha Tsui, and the area has flourished ever since. The place has an international reputation for the large number of tiger sharks resident in the waters close by. Tsim Sha Tsui was a garden city exclusive for westerners in that era. Garden houses were replaced with crowded residential blocks. Wharves and godowns were built along the west shore. Major developers like Hormusjee Naorojee Mody and Catchick Paul Chater actively participated in the development of Tsim Sha Tsui.
Tsim Sha Tsui Highlight:
Non-stop shopping opportunities
Along with Causeway Bay, this area offers tourists non-stop shopping opportunities from Harbour City to TST East. From the massive Ocean Terminal/Harbour City, head up Peking Road, past the myriad of jewelers, bars and restaurants until reach Nathan Road. Known as "The Golden Mile", Nathan Road will dazzle you with its sights, sounds and smells. Chungking Mansions are well worth the visit and is a great spot for some authentic, affordable Indian food. If you still have the energy after tackling "The Golden Mile", check out the sidewalks of Granville and Cameron Road, a favorite spot for factory outlet clothing.
Cultural centers and luxury hotels
If shopping is not your thing and you prefer a more cultural experience in Hong Kong tour, TST has the highest concentration of cultural centers and museums in the area. If all you really need is a place to lay your head, check out the hostels in the area around Chungking Mansions. No matter where you are staying, the only spot to be seen Sunday afternoons in Tsim Sha Tsui is at The Peninsula Hotel, having high tea.
Exotic restaurants
Aside from malls and museums, Tsim Sha Tsui is one of many places to find exotic restaurants in Hong Kong. At the north of Observatory Hill, shops concentrate on restaurants of different national dishes. Knutsford Terrace on the other side of the hill is a terrace of pubs. Kimberley Street is famous for the Korean cuisine restaurants and grocery stores, especially after the advent of Korean Wave in Hong Kong, giving the street the nickname of Korean town. Located on Nathan Road, the Chungking Mansions are major tourist attraction in Tsim Sha Tsui. Georgetown Parade is well known for its dog nose biscuits. These recognizable buildings were featured in the film Chungking Express, and are full of inexpensive guest houses, Indian restaurants, and money changers.