The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is an impressive landmark, visible from many vantage points around the city. Catch it glittering in the sunlight as you look down from Victoria Peak or jutting out of the skyline as you glide by on a harbour boat tour. The building’s interior also offers plenty to see, with restaurants and exhibitions spaces as well as conference rooms.
The centre’s expansion and grand unveiling in the 1990s hold a special significance for the island, as it was a highlight of the highly anticipated 1997 Handover. World leaders and big names attended the opening night party and celebrated the end of the 99-year lease on Hong Kong Island, surrounding islands and the New Territories of Southern China.
The building’s original, more conventional design was created in 1988. The expansion a decade later proved to be quite controversial. Its intended interpretation was a bird in flight, but the design’s opponents could only see a giant cockroach. Today the facility is an icon in the city and a striking piece of modern architecture.
Observe the building’s exterior to see its many curves and large windows, which incorporate Chinese feng shui concepts and create a harmonious aesthetic. Visit for one of more than 1,200 events held at the centre, with more than 5 million annual attendees. The building’s modern exhibition and meeting facilities take up almost 100,000 square metres (more than 1 million square feet) of space.
Visit the centre’s top floor to see commanding views of the busy Victoria Harbour. Spot the Star Ferry commuter vessel or the distinctive red sails of the dinner tour junk. Enjoy a snack or a meal at the Convention Centre’s cafés and restaurants, from fast food to upscale dining.
The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre is accessible for free but most events are individually ticketed or restricted. The centre is usually open during business hours and some restaurants remain open in the evening. The centre is located in north Wan Chai, easily reached using Hong Kong’s efficient public transport system.
