The Clock Tower Hong Kong is situated at the southern shore of Tsim Sha Tsui right next to Victoria Harbour and is one of the few reminders of the Colonial Times of Hong Kong in this area. Built out of red bricks and granite, the Clock Tower is all that remains from the former Kowloon-Canton Railway Terminus. Erected in 1915, the 44 meters high (51 meter if you count the 7 meter lightning rod on top, too) Clock Tower overlooked Victoria Harbour and was for many travelers, tourists, immigrants and locals’ one of the first things to see in Hong Kong (similar to the Statue of Liberty or Ellis Island in New York). Officially, the Clock Tower was named as Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR) Clock Tower, but is usually referred to as the Clock Tower or TST Clock Tower nowadays.

Clock Tower in TST

Clock Tower in TST

Clock Tower in TST

Clock Tower and Hong Kong Cultural Center at night

In close vicinity to the Clock Tower were and are the famous and iconic landmarks: the Peninsula Hotel and Star Ferry Terminal. Back in the old days, the Kowloon-Canton Railway Station with its Clock Tower were located right in-between these two significant buildings. Some would even argue that the Clock Tower and the KCR Terminus were strategically located and businessmen, travelers and adventurers could walk within a few minutes from their hotel room at the Peninsula to the Star Ferry or board a train to Mainland China.

The railway was not only welcomed by travelers who basically could travel from Hong Kong now to Beijing, Russia and/or even Europe. As a matter of fact, it accelerated trading with these countries with all the advantages and disadvantages. The Kowloon-Canton Railway laid the foundation and can be regarded as one of the success factors to help Hong Kong to become one of the trading hubs of the world.

View of Clock Tower from Observation Deck in TST

View of Clock Tower from Observation Deck in TST

Until the mid-1970s, the iconic Clock Tower served as part of the former Kowloon Station of the Kowloon Canton Railway terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui. In 1975, Hong Kong government decided to relocate and move the train station terminus Kowloon Station to its present day location in Hung Hom. Along with this decision there have been changes in the Tsim Sha Tsui area which includes the demise of several historic buildings. Conservationists tried to save the original site and stop the demolition of the Kowloon Canton Railway Terminus, but had no success. The Kowloon Canton Railway Terminus diminished completely and the Clock Tower is the only remnant of the former Kowloon-Canton Railway station and the old times. Since 1990, the Clock Tower is an official declared monument of Hong Kong.

Today, the area around the historic Clock Tower is a famous sightseeing and meeting point. The Clock Tower is easily recognized and can be reached very easily by all means of transportation (MTR, buses, Star Ferry or taxis). In close vicinity are the Harbour City Shopping Mall, the TST Star Ferry Terminus, the famous Peninsula Hotel, the Avenue of Stars, Nathan Road, the Hong Kong Cultural Centre and the Hong Kong Arts Museum. The area around the Clock Tower is often used for special events and decoration. Especially on public holidays such as Chinese New Year and Christmas, Hong Kong government puts up beautiful decorations and illuminates them at night. Last but not least, the area around the Clock Tower is one of the best places to enjoy the Symphony of Lights Show and a good spot to sit down and enjoy the beautiful and spectacular skyline of Hong Kong.

Clock Tower on Mid-Autumn Day with Lamp Decorations

Clock Tower on Mid-Autumn Day with Lamp Decorations

Clock Tower During Asia East Games

Clock Tower During Asia East Games

Insider Tips: Take a look through one of the windows and you will be able to spot the old tower bell. For all of you who are wondering if it’s possible to climb up the Clock Tower. In the past, there have been some opportunities and even tours going up the Clock Tower, but unfortunately not anymore. We highly recommend taking a look at the Clock Tower at day and night time. Especially at night, the Clock Tower and its surroundings are beautiful illuminated and you can imagine what history the Clock Tower must have witnessed. Last but not least, you often will see young couples and newly-weds taking pictures around the old Clock Tower.

View of Clock Tower on Star Ferry

View of Clock Tower on Star Ferry

View of Clock Tower from Bus Terminal in TST

View of Clock Tower from Bus Terminal in TST

View of Clock Tower with Skyline in TST

View of Clock Tower with Skyline in TST

Clock Tower at Night

Clock Tower at Night

How to Get to Clock Tower:

Take the MTR to East Tsim Sha Tsui station or the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui ferry pier.

Attractions Nearby Victoria Harbour

More Top Attractions in Hong Kong

Share This Story to :