6 lesser-known places to view Hong Kong's skyline

This golden complex is home to the HK outlet of Japan's famous Cup Noodles Museum and Taobao's very first physical furniture shop, but it often gets overlooked thanks to its popular neighbour Harbour City and gets merely referred to as "that building with the Christmas lights". What most people don't know, is that there's a spacious wooden deck on its promenade level with unobstructed views of the Kowloon waterfront. There are also a few benches and some plants around the deck for you to just enjoy a moment of peace and quiet.

Located next to Kerry Hotel, the Hung Hom Ferry Pier, the former Hung Hom bus terminus and waterfront promenade provide sweeping views of HK Island. The bus terminus, which stopped operating in January 2019, offers a calming view that stretches from Kai Tak to North Point and Causeway Bay. If you walk further along the Hung Hom Promenade in the direction of TST, you'll be greeted with a more familiar sight of the HKCEC and a snippet of Central. Note that the former bus terminus is now somewhat of a playground for kids with bikes and scooters, especially during the weekend. But if you head there in the evening, you're guaranteed a great view without the sounds of screaming children in the background.

Inside this garden stands a historic Signal Tower built by the Hong Kong Observatory in 1907 to house a time-ball apparatus used for signalling time. The tower ceased operations in 1933 and became a declared monument in 2015. Nowadays, it's a unique landmark where visitors can head up the tower via a narrow spiral staircase for scenic views of the surrounding area as well as Victoria Harbour. Those who don't want to go for the climb can settle in the garden instead, where there are benches and a pavilion with views of the harbour.

The fishing village of Lei Yue Mun is ideal for getting fresh seafood and experiencing authentic, local culture. Uninterrupted by the rapid modernisation of the city, Lei Yue Mun is the place to be for a slice of old Hong Kong that's not too far away from the city (it's only a 10-minute walk from Yau Tong MTR Station). On the coastal edge of Lei Yuen Mun, there's a green lighthouse that has been – and still is – in service for over 50 years. Perched atop a small rock island, the lighthouse and the surrounding beach give way to a sweeping view of the skyline. Continue down the coastline towards the Tin Hau Temple and Old Lei Yuen Mun Quarry for a short breezy walk by the waterfront.

Located along Fortress Hill's harbourfront, the East Coast Park Precinct features a 100-metre-long breakwater – the first in Hong Kong to open to the public within Victoria Harbour – where visitors can get a panoramic view of the harbour. The precinct can get a little busy at times, so try making your way to the East Coast Boardwalk on the right (towards North Point) to bask in the calmness of people fishing, walking their dogs, jogging, and enjoying the sea breeze.

Seamlessly connecting the waterfronts of Cha Kwo Ling and Kwun Tong, Cha Kwo Ling Promenade features a pavilion, landscaped areas, lawns, children's play facilities, fitness equipment, and much more. The promenade is also an inclusive park for pets, where the public can bring their furry companions for some outdoor fun.