Stanley Main Beach
For more than a decade, Stanley has become haven for young bankers and executives with high purchasing power, with a somewhat more bohemian style than those who inhabit the mansions of the Peak, the exclusive area that surrounds Victoria Peak. The proximity of the sea gives Stanley a much more relaxed atmosphere, on weekends it attracts families living in Hong Kong and tourists in search of space and contact with nature that they miss in the center.
In recent years, the refurbishment of public areas and the opening of new cafes and restaurants are giving the area a more sophisticated air without taking away an iota of its charm. Here we give you the keys to get the most out of your visit :
Stanley Main Beach
TO REACH
Forgo the taxis and take one of the two buses from Central that reach Stanley in about 40 minutes from the Exchange Square bus terminal. The path itself is quite an experience with the best views of the island. Lines 6, 6A, 6X and 260.
*Conde Nast Council : For unparalleled panoramic views of Hong Kong's coastline, try sitting in the first row on the top deck.
THE MARITIME PROMENADE
Renovated in 2008, the Stanley Boardwalk stretches between St. Stanley Main Street and the Bay . The promenade continues parallel to the sea until it ends in a small square with cafes and shops, and an amphitheater where on weekends there are usually musicians and various artists livening up the atmosphere and entertaining the families that come by. On the main street, they line up English-style bars and pubs, They tend to be very crowded on weekend nights.
*Condé Nast tip: visit the Classified café and enjoy its free wifi, its good coffee or its wines and its relaxed and chic atmosphere.
British flavor in China
THE MARKET
this little market It has indoor and outdoor stalls. where you can find various Hong Kong clothing and souvenirs, from landscape print prints to personalized stamps, trays and table accessories, and a wide variety of souvenirs enough to fill the most demanding gift list. Haggling is accepted but the margin is smaller than you would expect at a flea market of this type. The Stanley Flea Market is open daily between 10am and 6:30pm.
*Conde Nast Council : do not miss the sportswear stores, especially the ski ones, with the best brands at very interesting prices.
Chinese writing stall at Stanley Flea Market
MURRAY HOUSE
These former british army barracks they were built in 1844 and erected in Central, on the site now occupied by the iconic Bank of China. Dismantled in 1982 stone by stone, was relocated 17 years later to the Stanley waterfront . Today, this Victorian-style building is home to a few restaurants and is a good place to stroll and take advantage of the breeze from its corridors.
*Conde Nast Council : Although all the stones were numbered, when they were rebuilt they realized that there were six columns left over, which today are preserved in the front part of the building.
main street in stanley
HONG KONG CORRECTIONAL MUSEUM
A very interesting museum for lovers of history and to impress the young people of the house, who will not forget the walk through prison life in the former British colony.
The museum contains 600 artifacts, a mock gallows, two jail cells, and a guard tower . The ten galleries are a walk through the 170 years of Hong Kong prison history , and include methods of punishment, staff uniforms and insignia, references to Vietnamese refugees arriving by sea, homemade weapons, and much more.
*Conde Nast Council : A funky way to learn about Hong Kong history, just a short walk from the Stanley Flea Market.
The other view of Hong Kong
STANLEY BEACHES
At the end of the street Stanley Beach is located at Stanley Main Beach. This reasonably clean beach, with its shark net and plenty of rocks to sit on to enjoy the breeze, is the busiest on weekends. On the west side, there is the beach of St Stephens, somewhat smaller and less popular, ideal if you don't like crowds. St Stephens has a water sports centre, shark net and lifeguard service between April and October.
*Conde Nast Council : Try to avoid the weekends to enjoy the tranquility of Stanley's beaches.
Stanley Beach
THE POLICE STATION CONVERTED INTO A SUPERMARKET
In a gesture that says a lot about the interest of local authorities in preserving their colonial legacy , the former police station now houses what is probably the prettiest of the local Wellcome chain supermarkets. Despite the conservationist crime that it entails, the interior of the building can still be seen among the shelves of products.
*Conde Nast Council : Don't be intimidated by the powerful smell of durian and walk through the aisles of this supermarket with history.
*You may also be interested...
- 100 things about China you should know
- All the articles of Carmen Gómez Menor
Stanley: goodbye colonialism, hello local tourism