Central and Western District

Central and Western District is an administrative area covering the northern coast of Hong Kong Island, spreading across about 12.5 square kilometers. It blends financial headquarters, government offices, and residential neighborhoods within walking distance of each other.

After British colonization in 1841, the area shifted from a military outpost into a trading hub when colonial authorities sold 51 land plots to merchant companies. These early investments set the stage for its current financial importance.

The western half has long been a gathering place for merchants and local traders, while the eastern side developed into the financial heart. These two different characters shape how visitors experience the district today.

The district is well connected by multiple MTR lines, trams, and an extensive network of pedestrian paths linking major buildings. Walking is a practical way to explore, with access points and passages throughout the area.

The tight streets and tall buildings create a canyon-like feeling in the eastern section, where sky and sun often vanish between structures. Yet this dense setting is what makes hidden temples, local markets, and small galleries reachable on foot within minutes.