Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star! Bring the classic lullaby to life with a stargazing night in Hong Kong. Stargazing may seem like an impossible wish in our brightly-lit concrete jungle, however, with a little planning and some good weather, it is definitely achievable. Venture away from the high-rises on a cloudless clear day, then check out our top picks in Hong Kong for a dreamy, star-gazing night.
This park was designed specifically for star-lovers. One of the things we love about it is that it is equipped with typical Chinese as well as Western astronomical instruments dating from ancient times to our modern-day – making for a great history lesson for little ones, too! The Astropark is divided into 3 areas – an educational zone for day-time use, a naked-eye observation area, and a telescopic observation area for amateur astronomers so you could even make a full day out of your visit here.
The Astropark, Sai Kung, Hong Kong (located behind the Pak Tam Chung Barrier within High Island Reservoir). Click here for more information. From Sai Kung Town Centre, take a taxi. Or register at the Chong Hing Water Sports Centre to take the free shuttle bus. Open 24 hours/daily
If you’d rather stay in closer proximity to the city, but still get a chance of star-gazing then try the Victoria Peak Garden. A short walk away from the Peak Tram terminus will have you surrounded by winding paths, open green lawn spaces to picnic, and benches to relax. You’ll find stunning views of the city as well as the skies and stars above on clear days.
Victoria Peak Garden, Mount Austin Road, The Peak, Hong Kong, (Walk or hike up Mount Austin Road or take the 15B bus, public taxi, or peak tram).
Peak Tram, +852 2522 0922, www.thepeak.com.hk. Note, the Peak Tram is operating COVID-oriented hours right now so be sure to check their website. Currently, it is 7am-10pm (Monday-Sunday and Public Holidays). The Peak Tower is open 10am-10pm (Monday-Friday) and 8am-10pm (Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays)
The Peak Galleria, Facebook Page. Click here for more information.
Hiking The Morning Trail With Kids, Click here
VIDEO: Mount Austin Playground At The Peak, Click here
VIDEO: Victoria Peak Park, Click here
If you’re up for a little adventure, try hiking from High Island Reservoir to Long Ke Wan Beach. Set up camp and be prepared for soft, white sand between your toes while taking in expansive views of the starry night sky surrounded by volcanic formations that make up the Sai Kung Geopark. Or simply explore around High Island Reservoir, a short taxi ride from the Sai Kung Town Center, where you’ll find equally beautiful views of the clear skies far away from the light pollution of the city. Make sure to arrange for a cab ahead of time before heading back.
High Island Reservoir, Sai Kung, Hong Kong, (Take a taxi or bus no. 94 from Sai Kung Town Centre).
An outlying island located on the North-Eastern side of Hong Kong, Grass Island, also known as Tap Mun, is full of temples like the Tin Hau Temple, scenic trails, seafood restaurants, and plenty of cows! There are also camping facilities here which can serve clear star-gazing evenings away from the bright city lights. Make sure to come early to secure a good spot at the main campsite near Pebbles Beach.
Grass Island, Island in Hong Kong, Tap Mun Island Adventure - Day Tripper to Grass Island, (Take the Tsui Wah ferry to Grass Island from Mai Liu Shui Ferry Pier or Wong Shek Pier)
A quick 30-minute ferry ride away from Central will have you in the quaint and peaceful Lamma Island. You can hike along the Family Trail from either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan and visit one of the many cafes or seafood restaurants along the way. Make sure to check out the record stores and quirky shops in the Yue Shue Wan are, then head to Lo So Shing Beach with a beach mat, blanket, and some snacks for a cozy night of stargazing amidst the sounds of gentle waves hitting the shore. Be sure to check the ferry schedule beforehand, so that you don’t get stuck overnight.
Lamma Island, ferry time table, (How to get there: Take the ferry from Central pier 4 to either Yung Shue Wan or Sok Kwu Wan).
This area, in Clearwater Bay Country Park, is a great place for families with little ones too! In the day, you can catch friends and families having picnics, barbecues, flying kites, or strolling around easy paths like the Clearwater Bay Tree Walk surrounded by the lush greenery and striking sea views. While by evening, photography enthusiasts love this spot to capture the glittering night sky. Bring a star-map and make a game out of finding various constellations with your little ones in this picturesque place.
Tai Hang Tun, Clear Water Bay Country Park, Hong Kong
Combine a little exercise and star-gazing by biking through the Plover Cove, an area full of secret waterfalls, lush forests, and quietude. The bridge along the main dam of the reservoir is a popular spot for cyclists and will give you a little escape from the barbecue pits and restaurants nearby to escape into a world surrounded by the stars.
Plover Cove Reservoir, Plover Cove Country Park, New Territories, Hong Kong, How to get there.
A hidden treasure that has recently been gaining popularity for good reason – it boasts magnificent views of the sea and serenity away from the crowds and noise of the city. The coastal cliffs offer unending views of the sea and the sky far enough from light-pollution to make for some really spectacular skies. To enjoy the night sky, you may need to set up camp otherwise you’ll have to hike back before it gets too dark. If you decide to camp, be prepared for a hefty reward of breath-taking star-lit skies.
Photo Credit: Flickr Eddie Yip
Cape D’ Aguilar, (How to get there: Island Line MTR to Shau Kei Wan (Exit A3), Walk to the outdoor bus terminus, Take Bus 9 to Shek O via Dragon’s Back – make sure the bus is making a detour to Cape D’ Aguilar, Alight at the Cape D’ Aguilar Road bus stop, and follow paved road.)
Located in Cheung Chau, this 11-acre outdoor adventure playground has countless activities for the whole family to enjoy in the day. By nightfall, the farm becomes the perfect place to observe the stars and constellations. They offer glamping options such as with their Star Gazing Geodesic Domes. As the name implies, the dome is designed for stargazing all night – with transparent ceilings and nestled in nature – this will make your stargazing experience a truly breath-taking one!
Sai Yuen Farm, Saiyuen, Cheung Chau, DD CC Lot 12, Hong Kong, +852 2666 9556, [email protected], www.saiyuen.com
Unpredictable weather can sometimes derail our plans. But stargazing can still happen on the rainiest of days at the Hong Kong Space Museum! The museum is a perfect place to spend your day learning about space exploration through fun exhibitions discovering the weightless state in space or entering upside-down virtual space stations, as well as discover galaxies and constellations in the comfort of the planetarium.
Hong Kong Space Museum, 10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2721 0226, [email protected], hk.space.museum. Open Mon and Wed-Frid 1-9pm, Weekends/Public Holidays 10am-9pm, Closed Tuesdays
1. Check the weather beforehand and make sure you go on a cloudless, clear night.
2. Use a red flashlight when walking in the dark.
3. Download helpful apps, such as Stellarium or Starwalk.
4. Bring binoculars plus tripod before investing in a telescope.
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