Hong Kong - Buildings

I remember being very disappointed when I returned to Hong Kong after twenty years abroad and found that Victoria Peak was almost hidden by the high rises on its slopes.  This time around (March, 2014), I had gotten over that and when I got up to the Peak again, I actually admired the view.  You can see below how impressive it is.  Hong Kong tops the list of cities with the most skyscrapers, even beating New York City by over 120 buildings over 150 metres.  

I should add that it took us three tries to get up to the peak.  Twice in the three weeks that we were there, we arrived at the peak tram station and didn't join the lineup.  The first time, the line up was too long and we decided instead go to the Hong Kong Park which was steps away.  The second time, we looked up and we couldn't see beyond the peak tram station - it was too misty.  On our last free day in Hong Kong, we were in luck - it was a clear day and we could even see the hills of Kowloon.  Here's the sweeping panorama of tall buildings...

 Imagine working on the top floors of this building and being shrouded in fog when you look out the window!

And some of them are quite stylish - reminded me of Chicago at times

Bamboo is still being used for scaffolding - obviously works

Some historical buildings have been preserved and restored.

Pedder Building, completed in 1924, had been restored.  Formerly occupied by factory outlets, it had been revamped with the first three floors occupied by Abercrombie & Fitch.

Kom Tong Hall built in 1914 - former mansion is now the Dr. Sun Yat-sen Museum

Former pawn shop is now home of "The Pawn" a bar and restaurant

Colonial Old Bailey Police station and Victoria Prison are being restored

Mix of old and new made Hong Kong architecture interesting

The sole skyscraper on the Kowloon waterfront

Older buildings in the not so glam part of town - Sheung Wan and Western District that are slowly being gentrified

Downtown Central District spanned by extensive pedestrian overpasses - I've found these really convenient and helpful in wayfinding.  You could see whether you are heading in the right direction because they are open, and of course you don't' have to worry about crossing streets in traffic, or waiting for traffic lights to turn.  They made it safe and fast to get around. 

Funky!

The insides of some of these buildings are pretty cool too - the TImes Square Building has a curved escalator in the basement and one of the longest escalators I have seen 

Snazzy!  That's Hong Kong for you!