Distance: 3.1 km
Perched on the south side of Hong Kong Island, historic Stanley draws locals and visitors alike with its bustling village-y atmos. Chances are you’ve been to the market and wandered along the Promenade, perhaps you’ve also attended the notorious Dragon Boat Festival or festive Christmas Market. Events and shopping aside, there’s plenty more to enjoy about this charming seaside town, walk this way.
Start your Stanley stroll at A. Stanley Ma Hang Park, a lush coastal enclave affording sweeping ocean views.The steeply stepped park is home to several historic points of interest including the C.19th Pak Tai Temple (dedicated to fishermen) and Kwun Yum Temple plus an ancient well.
Stanley Ma Hang Park: 57 Stanley Main St, Ma Hang, 6am-10pm daily
Down you go to B. Murray House, a grand, architectural landmark that dominates the Waterfront. This elegant colonial-era building originally occupied the site of the Bank of China Building in Central and was reconstructed brick-by-brick from its original location in the early noughties. Pop upstairs to amble beneath the elegant colonnaded verandahs.
96 Stanley Main St, stanleyplaza.com, open daily
C. Blake Pier, jutting into the sea beside Murray House, is another Central transplant relocated in 2007. Amble along for views of the town and waterfront – it’s also the pier for ferries to Po Toi Island.
From the pier, walk towards D. Stanley Plaza, passing Tai Wong Temple. The breezy, beachy in/out lifestyle mall houses local design hero G.O.D plus eateries Classified and Beef & Liberty. There’s also a kids playground and amphitheatre that regularly backdrops weekend events and performances.
Stanley Plaza: 23 Carmel Rd, Stanley, +852 2813 4623, 8am-11pm daily, stanleyplaza.com
Despite its sprightly looks, E. Stanley Tin Hau Temple next to the Stanley Plaza is the oldest of all 70 Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong. Originally built in 1767, the homage to the goddess of the sea has been nip/tucked more times than Kylie Jenner during its 250-year history.
1133 Stanley Main St, Stanley, open daily, ctc.org.hk
To get a snapshot of Hong Kongers at leisure, pull up a pew at one of the restaurants or cafes lining F. Stanley Promenade. From here you’ll gain a front-row vantage of the parade of people walking by, from families to dressed-up teens, dog walkers to dogs in strollers, longtime locals to day-trippers; it’s particularly buzzy on weekends. Continue onto the G. Waterfront Mart, where you’ll find several casual seafood and Cantonese eateries.
Stanley Promenade: 13 Stanley Main St, Stanley, open daily
Stanley Waterfront Mart: 20 Stanley Market Rd, Stanley, open daily
A veritable maze to the uninitiated, longstanding H. Stanley Market is always worth a browse for the cornucopia of knick-knacks on offer – the fresh coconuts sold on the edge are also deliciously refreshing, especially on hot days!
Stanley New Street and Stanley Market Road, Stanley, 10am-7pm daily, hk-stanley-market.com
Now, options. Either curtail your walk at I. Stanley Market and turn back for a refresher along the promenade, or, if you’re wanting to up those steps, cross over to Stanley Main Beach – albeit a spit of sand compared to Hong Kong’s other beaches – or power onwards to St. Stephen’s Beach, a lovely sheltered alcove with laid-back, family atmosphere.
Stanley Main Beach: Stanley Beach Rd, Stanley, +852 2813 0217, lcsd.gov.hk
St. Stephen’s Beach: Wong Ma Kok Path, Stanley, +852 2813 1872, lcsd.gov.hk
ManulifeMOVE has no association with any of the landmarks, dining venues, galleries or retailers included within this walking guide, selected by LUXE, and disclaims any liability as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
Photo Credit: paulwongkwan – iStock.com
