Written by South China Morning Post (Morning Studio)
Lifeguard services at public beaches in Hong Kong are usually available between April and October. Please refer to LCSD’s website for details. The public should not swim at beaches without lifeguard services to avoid accidents.
This former fishing village played an important part in Hong Kong’s history as the British government’s earliest administrative centre before it moved to Victoria City, now Central District. The picturesque seaside town, with its sandy beach, enticing daily market and popular waterside restaurants and bars, was named after Lord Stanley, Britain’s secretary, at the time of the territory’s 1841 cession. Evocative places such as Old Stanley Police Station, Stanley Post Office and Stanley Military Cemetery, and stylish landmarks of Murray House and Blake Pier — both relocated from Central — provide eye-catching photo opportunities and timeless reminders of old Hong Kong.
Many shops and supermarkets are available on Stanley Main Street and in Stanley Plaza.
Stanley Main Beach, which offers a safe environment for swimming, is a popular choice, particularly among families with young children.
Take your time to explore the daily market’s labyrinth of enticing stores and stalls selling a huge range of items from costume jewellery, affordable clothing and sportswear to toys, herbal teas, bric-a-brac souvenirs and even paintings by local artists. Check out the vibrantly patterned tableware — which includes plates, bowls and teapots — that comes in a range of colours and motifs, and is often on sale, especially if you’re looking to furnish your new apartment.
Iconic Murray House, situated on Stanley’s waterfront, stands prominent thanks to its historical architecture and what appear to be Roman columns greeting visitors at its entrance. Built in 1846, Murray House is one of the oldest Western-style buildings in Hong Kong. The building was originally located in Central and used as government offices and barracks for the British Army. It was dismantled in 1982 and reassembled in its new home in 2000.
Blake Pier also originally stood in Central on the waterfront at the end of Pedder Street, facing Des Voeux Road Central. Named after Sir Henry Blake, Hong Kong’s 12th governor, it once served as a landing place for new governors and British royal dignitaries visiting Hong Kong. Its elegant cast-iron roof was dismantled and moved to Morse Park in Kowloon before being rebuilt in 2007 atop a new pier alongside Murray House. Today, visitors tend to head to the pier to board a kaito service to Po Toi Island. The pier is also a nice place to watch the sunset and enjoy the sea breeze.
To unwind, take a relaxing stroll as you enjoy the sea views along Stanley Main Street — a popular shopping and dining destination right on the waterfront. The collection of restaurants and bars with tables looking out across Stanley Bay are particularly popular among both locals and visitors. They offer popular pub grub staples, such as fish and chips, burgers and steaks, and drinks, including local craft beers, wines and spirits.
From Central, take bus 6, 6x or 260 from Exchange Square (MTR Central Station Exit A / MTR Hong Kong Station Exit B1) to Stanley Village Bus Terminus.
From Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay, take minibus 40 or 40X to Stanley Village.
Take bus 6, 6X or 260 from Stanley Village Bus Terminus, or minibus 40 or 40X from Stanley Village to return to MTR Central and Hong Kong Stations or Causeway Bay, respectively.
Written by South China Morning Post (Morning Studio)
Lifeguard services at public beaches in Hong Kong are usually available between April and October. Please refer to LCSD’s website for details. The public should not swim at beaches without lifeguard services to avoid accidents.
This former fishing village played an important part in Hong Kong’s history as the British government’s earliest administrative centre before it moved to Victoria City, now Central District. The picturesque seaside town, with its sandy beach, enticing daily market and popular waterside restaurants and bars, was named after Lord Stanley, Britain’s secretary, at the time of the territory’s 1841 cession. Evocative places such as Old Stanley Police Station, Stanley Post Office and Stanley Military Cemetery, and stylish landmarks of Murray House and Blake Pier — both relocated from Central — provide eye-catching photo opportunities and timeless reminders of old Hong Kong.
Many shops and supermarkets are available on Stanley Main Street and in Stanley Plaza.
From Central, take bus 6, 6x or 260 from Exchange Square (MTR Central Station Exit A / MTR Hong Kong Station Exit B1) to Stanley Village Bus Terminus.
From Jardine’s Bazaar in Causeway Bay, take minibus 40 or 40X to Stanley Village.
Take bus 6, 6X or 260 from Stanley Village Bus Terminus, or minibus 40 or 40X from Stanley Village to return to MTR Central and Hong Kong Stations or Causeway Bay, respectively.