Observation Lift, Hopewell Centre

While Hong Kong is sometimes dubbed
"Manhattan of the East", one area where it falls behind its Western counterpart is in the viewing deck stakes.

While New York can offer views from the Empire State Building and the Rockefeller Center, Hong Kong's skyscrapers were built for business, not pleasure, and so seemingly don't offer such treats.

That is with the exception of the cylindrical structure of the Hopewell Centre on Queen's Road East in Wan Chai.

Enter this building via the escalators and take a lift to the 17th floor. From here you can enter the "Observation Lift", which will run you up the outside of the building to the 56th floor offering stunning views across Central, Wan Chai, Causeway Bay and Victoria Harbour as you go - and all for free!

At the top, another lift will take you up to Hong Kong's only revolving restaurant, on the 62nd floor, for even better views. However - while the lift may be free, the restaurant certainly isn't, and eating here doesn't come cheap...you have been warned! Reservations are also a good idea if you fancy it.

To get here take the MTR to Wan Chai then take Exit A signposted Hopewell Centre. Cross the road and to your right is a street with an all-day market (with a big neon sign hanging over it saying "Under Wear" if you're unsure!) Battle your way to the end and turn right down Queen's Road East. You'll see the Hopewell Centre on the other side of the road about 500m down. You can take an escalator to the elevated walkway to cross the road, and then when you go in walk past the McDonalds and other cafes to the circular lift lobby and go up to the 17th floor to get the Observation Lift.

It's all entirely free and you can go up and down as many times as you like...I did! It's also still worth the trip on a rainy day.

As for other buildings you can (legally) make your way up to catch some views from, watch this space! (Of course, if I don't post for some time, assume I've been arrested trying to get up the IFC2 and start a whip-round for my bail please!)

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