Central / Soho
Shopping and Entertainment
For any aspiring shopper, this is the place to be. Visit the malls in the International Financial Centre and Landmark, popular hangouts for their luxury brands and zesty food choices before heading over to Hollywood Road and PMQ with its art galleries, vintage stores and antique treasures. During the night, nearby SoHo and Lan Kwai Fong comes alive with its own unique Hong Kong brand of nightlife!
Convenient transportation
Embrace the culture of convenience, as all roads lead to Central. Within minutes, a ride is available in the Central station or Hong Kong station MTR connecting all corners of the Island together. Trams and bus service are comprehensive along Des Voeux Road Central and exchange square, but never forget those omnipresent red taxis! For a short excursion to the idyllic neighbouring islands of Discovery Bay, Cheung Chau, or the Big Buddha on Lantau, visit the Central Ferry Pier behind IFC.
Central Neighbourhood Guide: Where Global Finance Meets Timeless Elegance in Hong Kong’s Iconic Core
Central, the pulsating heart of Hong Kong and seamlessly connected to adjoining districts, is predominantly a commercial powerhouse, where towering financial skyscrapers dominate alongside preserved colonial landmarks and a thriving international dining scene. Its bustling streets host global banks, luxury boutiques, and rooftop bars, with residential pockets limited and mostly spilling into adjacent areas. Central attracts high-powered executives, expats, and urbanites who demand premium convenience and cosmopolitan flair, often commuting from nearby neighbourhoods.
Getting There & Around
Central MTR Station (Island Line and Tsuen Wan Line) acts as the central nexus. The iconic trams (“ding dings”) glide along Des Voeux Road Central. Taxis and ride-hailing services abound, with the Star Ferry from Pier 7 offering scenic harbour crossings; walking and the escalator system make navigation effortless in this compact commercial hub.
History & Culture
Central pulses with Hong Kong’s modern legacy as the city’s business epicenter. Once the site of Victoria Harbour’s early reclamation, it retains echoes of colonial grandeur amid glass-and-steel icons.
Key cultural landmarks:
- Statue Square & Cenotaph: Historic plaza surrounded by neoclassical buildings, commemorating war heroes with serene public gatherings.
- Tai Kwun Centre for Heritage and Arts (10 Hollywood Road): Revitalized former police compound (1840s) featuring museums, galleries, and performing arts spaces.
- PMQ (35 Aberdeen Street): Former Police Married Quarters turned creative hub with design studios, exhibitions, and pop-up events.
- The Peak Tram Lower Terminus (St. John’s Building): Gateway to Victoria Peak, blending historic funicular rides with panoramic city vistas.
For immersive heritage, stroll Pedder Street for architectural gems and the Fringe Club in a 1890s dairy farm building.
Things to Do
- IFC Mall & Rooftop: Shop luxury brands, dine at Michelin outlets, and enjoy harbourfront promenades.
- Lan Kwai Fong & Soho: Dive into nightlife with bars, street festivals, and international cuisine climbs.
- Victoria Peak access: Ride the Peak Tram for trails, viewpoints, and the Sky Terrace 428 observation deck.
- Art and culture at Tai Kwun: Catch contemporary exhibitions, heritage tours, and live performances.
- Harbourfront events: Join the Central Harbourfront Event Space for markets, concerts, and the nightly Symphony of Lights.
Housing & Accommodation
Central is overwhelmingly commercial, with limited residential options primarily in older-style walk-ups or serviced apartments above retail podiums—Soho, in particular, retains some residential walk-ups amid its vibrant dining and bar scene. True residential living is more abundant in adjacent districts like Mid-Levels (for upscale high-rises and escalator convenience) and Sheung Wan (for heritage tong lau and family-friendly mid-rises). Rental yields in Central’s scarce units remain premium due to unmatched business access.
Residential Highlights
- Older-style walk-ups: Scattered along fringes like Staunton Street, Elgin Street, and Old Bailey Street, offering compact, characterful units. 1-bedrooms from HK$25,000/month.
- Newer developments:
- My Central (99 Wellington Street): Modern mid-rise with efficient layouts, concierge services, and direct access to Lan Kwai Fong’s vibrancy.
Sale prices for rare residential units average HK$30,000–45,000 per sq ft in My Central. For broader options, explore adjacent Mid-Levels or Sheung Wan. Jade Land Properties offers exclusive listings in spacious, light-filled executive residences with premium finishes and panoramic views in nearby districts.
School Network
Central aligns with School Net 11 (Central & Western District), Hong Kong’s premier competitive net featuring elite local and international institutions in close reach.
Local Schools
- King’s College (Bonham Road): Top-tier boys’ secondary; Band 1.
- St. Paul’s Co-educational College (MacDonnell Road): Elite co-ed; direct subsidy scheme.
- Bonham Road Government Primary School: Strong local foundation with convenient access.
International Schools (within 15-min commute)
- Carmel School (Borrett Road, Mid-Levels): Jewish international primary and kindergarten; 8-minute drive.
- ESF Island School (Borrett Road, Mid-Levels): Full secondary and IB program; escalator or short walk.
- German Swiss International School (Guildford Road, The Peak): IB and German streams; 10-minute escalator or drive.
Residents enjoy immediate access to world-class business networks and The University of Hong Kong (HKU) via short MTR trips, ideal for high-achieving families.
Why Choose Central
Central embodies Hong Kong’s ambition—finance, luxury, and legacy in one iconic commercial district. Whether pursuing a compact pied-à-terre or basing from adjacent residential havens, it excels. Contact Jade Land Properties for personalized property viewings or investment advice.
