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The Best Guide to the Hong Kong Skyscrapers Awesome Vantage Points!

The Best Guide to the Hong Kong Skyscrapers + Awesome Vantage Points! 

| Last Updated: October 2023

When you think of Hong Kong, we’re 99.9% sure you also think of the countless skyscrapers that crowd the city. 

In this article, we’ll take you on a deep dive to the dazzling world of Hong Kong’s towering concrete giants! Additionally, we also included vantage points that will leave you on cloud nine (literally!). 

Here at Happy Hongkonger, we have all the insider tips you need to make your trip to Hong Kong one of your best yet. Let’s get started! 

How many skyscrapers are there in Hong Kong? 

As of writing, there are 657 skyscrapers in Hong Kong. 

Included in this number are 6 that are considered supertalls, meaning they’re taller than 300 meters(this is rare). To paint you a picture, there are currently only 173 supertalls in the whole world! 

Why does Hong Kong have so many skyscrapers? 

There are various reasons why Hong Kong has so many skyscrapers. The main reasons are arguably the limited (horizontal) space for construction, the mountainous terrain, and the high cost of land. 

Limited Space and Mountainous Terrain 

The city sits on mountainous land, which means limited ground is available to accommodate our population. After all, building on mountainous land is more difficult than building on flat land, with only specific areas being viable for construction.

High Cost of Land

It’s no secret that the land in Hong Kong is expensive. That’s one of the reasons there’s a housing crisis here! 

While expanding horizontally would entail land purchase, expanding vertically does not. That’s why most developers build taller instead of wider.

Does Hong Kong have the most skyscrapers in the world? 

Of all the cities around the globe, Hong Kong has the most skyscrapers (553). There’s even a stark gap between Hong Kong and Shenzhen, the city that ranked second, with only 367 skyscrapers to date.  

What’s the tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong? 

The tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong is the International Commerce Center, which stands 484m tall. 

What are Hong Kong’s supertalls? 

Hong Kong’s supertalls are the International Commerce Center, Two International Financial Center, Central Plaza, Bank of China Tower, The Center, and the Nina Tower.

To know some fun and interesting tidbits about Hong Kong’s tallest buildings, scroll a bit further below. 

International Commerce Center

Standing 484 meters tall, the International Commerce Center is considered the tallest building in Hong Kong. To paint you a picture on how much of a behemoth the building is, it has 108 storeys, making it the only building to ever have more than 100 storeys in the city. 

Even compared to supertalls in other parts of the world, it ranks 13 in height, which is still impressive. 

Two International Financial Center

The Two International Financial Center is 415 meters tall. It has 88 storeys and is impressively typhoon-proof. It was erected in 2003 and has been operating since then. 

Central Plaza

Situated in a neighborhood known for its striking architectural marvels, Central Plaza is a giant that definitely stands out among the rest. With 78 storeys at 374 meters, it’s the 3rd-tallest building to ever grace the Hong Kong skyline. 

Bank of China Tower

Fourth on the list is the Bank of China Tower, which is considered one of the most identifiable landmarks even visitors would most likely recognize from our city. Aside from standing 315 meters with 72 storeys, it’s also known for its unique style and shape. 

The Center

The Center has 88 storeys within its 346-meter tall structure. While only ranking as the fifth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong, it’s one of the tallest skyscrapers made of steel (globally). 

Nina Tower

The last on the list is the Nina Tower. It used to stand 518 meters tall but was changed to 319.8 because of the obstruction it can cause with its proximity to the Chek Lap Kok Airport. It has 80-storeys and it functions as a hotel and an office. 

What are the famous Hong Kong skyscrapers? 

There are a lot of famous Hong Kong skyscrapers. The best-known ones are arguably Jardine House, HSBC Building, The Arch, and The Masterpiece. 

Want to know why they’re so popular? Check out our explanation below! 

Jardine House

Jardine House is perhaps one of the most distinct and uniquely designed buildings in Hong Kong. It garnered popularity because of its round windows. We like to joke around here at Happy Hongkonger that from afar, it looks a bit like a cheese grater. 

That said, it earned a rather funny nickname – The House of a Thousand Assholes because of its windows that look like holes. 

Don’t get us wrong though. While a lot of people like to poke fun at it, it’s widely recognizable as one of the best skyscrapers in the city. 

HSBC Building

One of the reasons the HSBC building is quite popular is the symbolism behind its design. For example, it provides an unhindered view of the Victoria Harbour. 

Because of it, a lot of people say it’s good feng shui. According to tradition, a building facing a body of water has a huge probability of prospering. 

The Arch

The Arch is a residential building with a remarkable structural design that is actually made up of two towers connected from the 69th floor to the top. It’s also well known for great views of the harbour. 

The Masterpiece

True to its name, The Masterpiece is what you get when an artist uses their brush to paint the city skyline. This skyscraper towers at 261 meters tall with a striking style that will make you look twice. 

At the lower floors is where you’ll find the famous K11 Art Mall, the Hyatt Regency Hotel on the basement, and the purely luxury apartments on the upper floors. 

Where can I see a clear view of the Hong Kong skyscrapers? 

The best places to view the Hong Kong skyscrapers are the Victoria Peak, the Sky Terrace 428, and the Avenue of Stars. 

See below for more details on each spot! 

1. Victoria Peak

Website: https://www.thepeak.com.hk/en

Victoria Peak is one of the most famous spots to view the iconic Hong Kong skyline among locals and visitors, especially if you like active adventures. 

A lot of people go to the top by hiking. That said, there are also easier ways to reach it like by tram, bus, and even taxi! 

Pro tip: 

We find that the best time to go to Victoria Peak is during late afternoon. Staying until nighttime is ideal to see the sparkling city lights down below! 

2. Sky Terrace 428 

Website: https://www.thepeak.com.hk/en/the-peak-experience/the-sky-terrace-428

Address: 1 Lugard Rd, The Peak, Hong Kong

Contact details: +852 2849 0668

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 9 PM
  • Saturday & Sunday – 8 AM to 9 PM 

If you want to go to the tallest spot to see the Hong Kong skyline, going to Sky Terrace 428 is the best way to go. 

It’s a platform 428 meters above sea level, which promises panoramic views hard to pass up on. There are also numerous shopping and dining options around, so feel free to look around. 

Pro tip:

Need to post your photos to Instagram ASAP? There’s free WiFi onboard so they have you covered! This is also helpful if you want to look up the next spot on your itinerary. 

3. Avenue of Stars 

Directions: https://goo.gl/maps/67QUGaryGxCv9cZr6

Address: Ave of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong

Contact details: +852 2918 1722

The Avenue of Stars is basically a homage to the iconic local stars that contributed a lot to Hong Kong cinema. It’s quite similar to Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, with stars like Jackie Chan and Chow Yun-Fat imprinting their handprints on their plaques. 

One of the most famous photo spots here is Bruce Lee’s statue! Along with it, you’ll get gorgeous views of the harbour with the iconic skyscrapers in the background. 

Pro tip:

People also go here to jog, cycle, and walk their dogs. If you want a scenic workout, try the Avenue of Stars! 

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