Top 10 Interesting Facts about Causeway Bay,Hong Kong

Sunset at Causeway bay Hong kong by Bernard Spragg- Wikimedia Commons

Top 10 Interesting Facts about Causeway Bay,Hong Kong

Hong Kong’s famed Causeway Bay is home to many different things. The store has more than 600 shops, the busiest and largest in the world. Yet, for many people, their image of Hong Kong is limited to a city packed with eye-catching skyscrapers and steeply-climbed hills.

But scratch the surface, and you will find an intriguing cosmopolitan metropolis with a vibrant culture, fine-dining scene, and countless hidden gems. While tourists rarely visit Causeway Bay, there are plenty of activities and fascinating places to visit. Below are ten interesting facts about Causeway Bay, Hong Kong.

1.Causeway Bay was Once a Fishing Village Outside the City Walls of Hong Kong

Boatman at the Causeway Bay by Bernard Spragg –Wikimedia Commons

Causeway Bay was once a fishing village outside the city walls of Hong Kong. The village got its name from an old causeway linking Blackhead Point and So Kwun District, where most of the fishermen lived. The Causeway was gradually constructed to link the village to the rest of Hong Kong. Even now, parts of it can be found near Avenue Road and along Lai Chi Kok Road.

In 1835, a Hong Kong merchant called Wing Yip So bought the first piece of land. He then sold off a 3,000 square meter plot of land to Hong Kong traders. Shortly after, more plots were sold to different merchants, and Taikwun Street was laid in the latter half of the century.

2.How Causeway Bay Developed

By the 1960s, Causeway Bay was so crowded that street hawkers would compete to sell their wares in front of every building. In 1978, the District Board of Hong Kong announced plans to redevelop Causeway Bay into a commercial hub, but they failed to carry out any development work on the area.

A decade later, several buildings were demolished because they were considered unsightly or too old-fashioned.Many of the redeveloped buildings were built as high as 23 floors. Several new malls were also constructed around the Bay, making it one of the main commercial areas in Hong Kong.

3.Causeway Bay is a Major Shopping District in Hong Kong

Causeway Bay is a major shopping district in Hong Kong. It has more than 5,000 shops selling goods from around the world. The main shopping area is along Lockhart Road and Tung Choi Street, while more shops can be found near Times Square on First and Second Road.The district is also a popular tourist spot. Times Square and its surrounding streets are always busy with visitors.

Shoppers on a tight budget can find lots of bargain-priced items at Goldfish Market, the area’s largest street market. It is also famous for its many restaurants and bars, including the Michelin-starred French fine dining restaurant L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon. For shoppers looking for luxury goods or electronics products, the northern end of Lockhart Road is the place to be.

4.Causeway Bay Residents can Easily Access Four of the Most Popular Shopping Areas in Hong Kong

Causeway Bay residents can easily access four of the most popular shopping areas in Hong Kong: Times Square, Harbour City, Elements, and City gate Outlets. Explore our malls for the best architecture, entertainment, and luxurious treats worldwide. You may also find it convenient to get around running errands via public transportation since it is near one MTR station and two tram routes at Central Piers.

5.Causeway Bay is one of the Most Crowded Areas in Hong Kong

Housing at Causeway Bay Hong Kong by Rob Young –Wikimedia Commons

Because of its proximity to the World Trade Centre, Causeway Bay is one of the most crowded areas in Hong Kong. As a result, the district has a population density of 18,000 people per square kilometer.

The government has introduced some traffic control strategies to cope with the huge volume of traffic moving through the area. The main roads in Causeway Bay are closed to all vehicles except buses on Sundays. On other days, cars are allowed only from 5:30 pm to midnight. There is also a one-way traffic system in place.

The double-decked Gloucester Road Flyover was also built to ease congestion during peak hours. It is now one of the busiest flyovers in Hong Kong.

6.The Tallest Building in the Territory, 8 Finance Centre, is Located Here

The tallest structure on Hong Kong Island is the TVB Clock tower, popular as the South China Television Tower. It is a landmark located between Causeway Bay and Happy Valley. To be more precise, Happy Valley refers to an area beside the northern end of Jordan Park, which connects with Causeway Bay Street.

The Happy Valley Racecourse, which serves as a racing and entertainment venue, is also located here. You can go horseback riding here or experience the thrills of horse racing.

7.An Old Fort Once Stood Where Wan Chai Sports Ground is Today

In the early 18th century, a military fort was built over Hong Kong Island’s southeast part to guard against Kowloon’s invasion. It was later named the Barrier and became a brick and granite fortress in 1847.

Within the fortress were two gun batteries and troops’ barracks. The Barrier was demolished in 1856, but the site remained earmarked for later use. The area eventually became Causeway Bay.

8.Causeway Bay Area Has Abundant Hotels, Boutiques, and Temples for Tourists to Choose From

Sogo Causeway Bay Hong Kong by Mk2010 – Wikimedia Commons

The area is abundant in hotels for tourists to choose from. And it’s not just the luxury hotels that catch the eye of travelers. If you’re looking for a more affordable stay, check out the Sky City Marriott Hotel, the Novotel Pacific Place, and the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong.

In addition, the area is filled with temples, including the Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s major tourist spots. Causeway Bay is also known as a fashion district for its plethora of luxury boutiques.

9.The Area was Named After the Quarry Bay

Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter, Hong Kong- Wikimedia Commons

The area was named after Quarry Bay, originally called Paik Wan, until the 1930s when it changed to Causeway Bay, probably because of the many ships that pass by here every day. There are more than 2,000 stores in Causeway Bay, and the number is growing. The largest is G and P Plaza, with a total floor space of 1,200,000 square feet, or 120 times bigger than the average size.

10.The Biggest Shop in Causeway Bay is Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Company

The biggest shop in Causeway Bay is Chow Sang Sang Jewellery Company, located at 1003-1005 Fa Yuen Street and Causeway Bay Road. The company has been in business for over four decades and is a Hong Kong jewelry enterprise worth $1 billion.