Hong Kong’s skyscrapers are a sight to behold. Defined as high-rise buildings rising over 100 metres, from the towering International Commerce Centre to the sleek Bank of China Tower, these buildings are not only impressive feats of engineering but also works of art. In this article, we’ll take you on a tour of some of the most remarkable skyscrapers in Hong Kong, and explore what makes each of them unique.
International Commerce Centre
Located in the West Kowloon district, the International Commerce Centre (ICC) is the tallest building in Hong Kong and the 13th tallest building in the world, standing at 484 meters. This impressive skyscraper offers a variety of facilities, including a shopping mall, a hotel, and office spaces for leading international firms like S&P Global. Visitors can take an elevator to the sky100 Hong Kong Observation Deck on the 100th floor to enjoy breathtaking views of the city, or the 118th floor to visit the Ritz-Carlton’s bar Ozone, the highest bar in the world.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station and follow the signs to the ICC directly above the station.
Bank of China Tower
Designed by the world-renowned architect I.M. Pei, the Bank of China Tower is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Hong Kong. Standing at 367 meters in the heart of Central financial district, this sleek and angular tower housing the headquarters of the Bank of China offers visitors the chance to tour its public areas. It was the tallest building in the city from 1989 to 1992, and is now the fourth tallest building.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Central Station, leave from Exit J2, and walk about 7 minutes to the Bank of China Tower.
The Center
Standing at 346 meters tall, The Center is another impressive addition to Hong Kong’s skyline. This 73-storey skyscraper, located in the bustling district of Central, is home to various businesses. It’s among the tallest steel structures on Earth. One of the building’s main features is its neon light show, which illuminates the façade of the tower and can be seen from various parts of the city.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Sheung Wan Station, leave from Exit E1, and walk approximately five minutes to The Center.
Two International Finance Centre
The Two International Finance Centre (IFC) is an iconic building in Hong Kong’s financial district. Completed in 2003, the IFC consists of two towers, one of which stands at 415 meters tall, making it the second-tallest building in the city. The Hong Kong skyscraper is home to a shopping mall, a cinema, restaurants, and some of the most sought-after office space in the city. Visitors can take an elevator to the unofficial viewing spot, Hong Kong Monetary Authority Information Centre on the 55th floor, to enjoy stunning views of the harbour.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Hong Kong Station and follow the signs to the IFC above.
Central Plaza
Central Plaza is a distinctive skyscraper in Hong Kong located in the Wan Chai district. Completed in 1992, this 78-storey building stands at 374 meters tall and is notable for being the third tallest building in Hong Kong. Central Plaza is home to various businesses and the highest church in the world, and visitors can take a high-speed elevator to the 46th-floor Sky Lobby for 360-degree panoramic views of the city.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station, leave from Exit A1, and walk five minutes to Central Plaza.
The Hopewell Centre
The Hopewell Centre, located in the bustling district of Wan Chai, was completed in 1980 and stands at 216 meters tall. Although it is not as tall as some of the other buildings on this list, the Hopewell Centre is notable for its cylindrical shape, which is especially striking when viewed from inside. Visitors can take an elevator to the 62nd floor, where Hong Kong’s highest revolving restaurant is, which offers stunning views of Victoria Harbour and the buildings below.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Wan Chai Station, leave from Exit A3, and walk about four minutes to The Hopewell Centre.
Jardine House
Jardine House, formerly known as Connaught Centre, is a 52-storey skyscraper located in the heart of Hong Kong’s financial district. Completed in 1972, the building stands at 178 meters tall and was once the tallest building in Asia. Jardine House is notable for its distinctive circular windows and for featuring in numerous films, including the iconic chase scene in the movie “The World of Suzie Wong.”
How to get there: Take the MTR to Central Station, leave from Exit A, and walk four minutes to Jardine House.
Nina Tower
Nina Tower is a stunning twin tower complex in Hong Kong located in the Tsuen Wan district completed in 2006. The tallest of the two, Nina Tower I, is an 80-storey building standing at 319 meters tall. It is notable for its unique shape and sleek design. The building is home to a shopping mall and the luxury Nina Hotel.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan Station and follow signs to Nina Tower via a covered walkway about five minutes away.
One Island East
One Island East is a 70-storey skyscraper located in the Quarry Bay district of Hong Kong. Completed in 2008, it stands at 308 meters tall and is notable for attracting large firms like Swire Properties and the Securities and Futures Commission to its commercial space. A notable Grade A office tower, One Island East is a striking modern development among the many older buildings of the area, housing cafés, restaurants, and various businesses.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Quarry Bay Station, leave from Exit B, and walk to One Island East about six minutes away.
Cheung Kong Center
The Cheung Kong Centre is a 63-storey skyscraper located in the Central district of Hong Kong. Completed in 1999, this building stands at 283 meters tall and is notable for being the headquarters of major conglomerate, Cheung Kong Holdings, as well as having a private residence for Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-shing on the uppermost floor.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Central Station, leave from Exit J1, and walk about four minutes to the Cheung Kong Centre.
Victoria Dockside
Victoria Dockside is a mixed-use development located in the Tsim Sha Tsui district of Hong Kong. This impressive project includes three skyscrapers: the K11 Atelier, the Rosewood Hong Kong hotel, and the Victoria Dockside tower. Completed in 2019, the Victoria Dockside tower stands at 490 meters tall and is the fourth tallest skyscraper in Hong Kong. Besides housing a five-star hotel, the building complex is home to luxury apartments and office space, as well as a rooftop bar with stunning views of the city.
How to get there: Take the MTR to East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, leave from Exit E, and walk through the pedestrian tunnel to Victoria Dockside one minute away.
The Cullinan
The Cullinan is a 68-storey skyscraper located in the West Kowloon district of Hong Kong. Completed in 2008, this building stands at 270 meters tall. It was named after the Cullinan Diamond unearthed in South Africa in 1905, the largest gemstone-quality diamond rough ever discovered. The Cullinan I has luxury private apartments and office space.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station and follow signs to The Cullinan I.
The Arch
The Arch is a 62-storey skyscraper also located in the West Kowloon district. Completed in 2005, this building stands at 235 meters tall and is notable for its unique arch shape called a ‘dragon gate’, a principle of feng shui where positive energy is allowed to flow from the mountains to the ocean. The Arch is home to private residences, as well as a variety of shops and restaurants. Visitors can take an elevator to the communal Sky Garden on the 62nd floor.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Kowloon Station, leave from Exit B, and walk three minutes to The Arch.
The Masterpiece
The Masterpiece is a 64-storey skyscraper located in Tsim Sha Tsui. Completed in 2009, this building stands at 261 meters tall. The Masterpiece is home to premium shopping centre K11 Art Mall on the lower floors and basement, the Hyatt Regency hotel, and premium luxury apartments on the floors above.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Tsim Sha Tsui Station, leave from Exit N2, and walk to The Masterpiece two minutes away.
One Taikoo Place
One Taikoo Place is a 48-storey skyscraper located in Quarry Bay, on the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. Completed in 2018, this building stands at 268 meters tall and is notable for being among the newest Grade A office buildings in the area. One Taikoo Place is among the latest urban developments which have seen Quarry Bay district become increasingly gentrified.
How to get there: Take the MTR to Quarry Bay Station, leave from Exit B, and walk four minutes to One Taikoo Place.
Header image credits: Leung Cho Pan via Canva
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