Star Ferry: Where Empires Meet

The Star Ferry has crossed Victoria Harbour since 1888. It passes the Convention Centre where the handover happened. For HK$5, you can ride where colonials and Chinese met - and still meet - between two shores.

What to do there

3 things to do

1. 1 Board from Tsim Sha Tsui Adventure · Price: low

   Take the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui pier to Central (HK$3.70 lower deck, HK$5.20 upper deck). The green-and-white ferries have crossed Victoria Harbour since 1888 - before the Peak Tram, before electricity in Hong Kong. Stand on the upper deck for the best view. Ferries run every 6-12 minutes.

   Backup: If the TST pier is closed for maintenance, take the Wan Chai route instead (same ferries, slightly different angle).

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2. 2 Spot the Convention Centre History · Free

   Look right (east) as you cross. The curved building extending into the harbor is HKCEC - where the handover ceremony happened at midnight on July 1, 1997. Prince Charles, Tony Blair, and 4,000 guests watched the Union Jack lowered there. You're crossing the same waters the Royal Yacht Britannia sailed through as it carried Charles and Patten away at 1 AM.

   Backup: For better photos, sit on the starboard (right) side of the ferry.

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3. 3 Return Trip at Night Adventure · Price: low · Optional

   Take the return trip after dark (ferries run until 11:30 PM). The skyline light show "A Symphony of Lights" happens at 8 PM nightly (free, best viewed from TST promenade before boarding). Bring a miniature champagne bottle for the 7-minute crossing. Toast the glittering skyline - proof that some things survive any empire.

   Backup: If weather is bad, the IFC rooftop bar offers similar views with champagne by the glass.

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