7 Weird attractions to visit in Hong Kong

Claiming the title of being the longest outdoor covered escalator in the world is a tremendous feat. Though, if we're being picky, it's actually just a load of small escalators connected by walkways. Do we understand why people make a point of riding it just for the sake of doing so? No. But it's something to be proud of nonetheless. After all, it's one of the city's most famous filming locations thanks to Wong Kar Wai's 1994 masterpiece, Chungking Express.

There's nothing too exciting that goes on in Dragon Centre. It's a labyrinth of tiny boutiques, low-end brands, eateries and snack stores made for local youth and families alike. So no, it's not weird – except for the fact that there's a rollercoaster inside the mall. In fact, it's Hong Kong's first and only indoor rollercoaster. Sadly, it's now defunct due to safety reasons, but there are still regular checkups done to ensure the entire structure is still safe. So if you're lucky, you might be able to catch the rollercoaster going around for a quick spin.

The main draw to this museum is its collection of tea ware ranging from the Tang dynasty to the 20th century. Even if tea is a significant aspect of Hong Kong culture, surely the vessels in which it’s served only have so many legs in terms of museum viability? Sorry, teapot lovers. Though for history buffs, there’s the appeal of the museum being housed inside an old colonial building. We imagine that’s slightly more interesting than the tea ware.

Let's face it, it's kind of weird. We have nothing against the stars and celebrities whose wax figures are on display, nor do we judge anyone who wants to visit (I mean, that's probably the closest we'll ever get to meeting the Royal Family); but for some of us, especially those who have watched House of Wax, it's bloody terrifying walking into a room filled with countless wax figures staring blankly into space. 

Sitting underneath Tsing Ma Bridge in Ma Wan is said to be the world’s first full-sized replica of Noah’s Ark. The theme park first opened its doors in 2009 and features 67 pairs of life-sized animal sculptures, an Adventureland with zip-lines and all, a collection of ark models and many other facilities catered for kids. There seem to be some mixed reviews about this place – some say it's a clean and pleasant environment for a family day out, while others complain about the lack of things to see and do. However you feel about this place, it's an odd attraction for sure.

A cannon in Causeway Bay fired once a day at noon by employees of Jardine Matheson. The tradition arose out of the company’s tendency to fire the cannon every time their boss reached Hong Kong’s shores. This is an honour normally reserved for military bigwigs and so it left one particular Royal Naval Officer pretty unhappy. He declared that they must henceforth fire it every single day, forever, as a punishment. The tradition has stuck to this day. Whether it’s just a marketing ploy or a genuine historical tale, it's pretty cool to see a one-shot salvo go off in front of your very eyes.

A shopping mall in the shape of a cruise ship – definitely not your everyday sight. Whampoa was once a dockyard but a luxury cruise ship isn't exactly an accurate representation of its former landscape (guess cargo ships just aren't as sexy?) Once you go inside, it is, unfortunately, a bit of a let-down with average shops and nothing nautical-themed at all. That being said, we actually like this one and it’s jarring enough, especially when seen from a bird’s-eye perspective, that you just can't help but venture inside.