Central

Central is a business district in Hong Kong that stretches along the northern shore of Hong Kong Island and houses numerous skyscrapers with international banks, financial institutions, and corporate headquarters. The streets run in a grid parallel to the waterfront, with modern high-rises standing beside older colonial buildings and traditional markets.

The area developed into a commercial hub after British colonization from 1841 and transformed from a military post into Hong Kong's main business district. During the 1980s, major banks began constructing high-rises, creating the skyline visible today.

The name comes from the original British designation Victoria City, which stretched across four administrative areas and whose western part is now known as Central. Street markets between the bank towers sell fresh produce and herbs, while office workers take their lunch breaks in open noodle shops and teahouses.

A system of covered escalators connects the lower sections with residential areas on the hillsides and runs downhill in the morning, uphill in the evening. Most office buildings have public walkways and bridges on the first floor, which are useful during rain or strong heat.

More than 70 of the world's 100 largest banks maintain offices in this part of Hong Kong. On working days, over 300,000 people commute here, making the streets and subways very crowded during rush hours.