Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC)

Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC) is located in No.1 Expo Drive, Wanchai, Hong Kong, S.A.R. It is one of the newest buildings in the seaside area of this city.

HKCEC is opened in November 1988. And then Hong Kong's exhibition industry encountered a period of fast development allowing Hong Kong to set up its position as Asia's trade fair capital and a leading international convention and conference place. Located on the magnificent and renowned Victoria Harbor, it is now owned by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (TDC) and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government.

Having gone through increasing need since its opening, the HKCEC was expanded in June 1997 over doubling its primary operate area. The broadened location further heightened Hong Kong's leading status as Asia's trade fair center and guaranteeing that Hong Kong could effectively fulfill the rising need for space into the 21st century.

With the constant developing need of exhibition space from HKCEC’s present and possible new customers, the HKCEC initiated its second development assignment in May 2006 and finished in April 2009. The undertaking has introduced 19,400 squire meters extra display area to the HKCEC. Now it provides 66,000 squire meters of purpose-built exhibition space, 20,000 square meters of multi-functional venues and 5,500 squire meters of event support space.

Major facilities

Major facilities in Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre include 5 exhibition halls with a total area of 46,000 square meters, 2 meeting rooms with a total area of 6100 square meters and 6,100 seats, 2 world-class antechamber, 2 lecture halls with an area of 800 square meters and 1000 seats, 52 meeting rooms with an area of 6900 square meters, 7 kinds of Chinese and Western restaurants with 1800 seats. There are also shopping malls, banks, business centers and other related facilities. In addition, there are 2 five-star hotels (Hyatt Hotel and Renaissance Harbor View Hotel) with 1500 rooms and an office building. There are also 1,300 parking spaces around the building.

Main attractions to visit

1. Golden Bauhinia Square

The golden sculpture “The Bauhinia in Full Bloom,” standing 6 meters tall at the square's center, was presented by the Central People's Government to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to commemorate the 1997 handover. As a significant national landmark in Hong Kong, it hosts numerous official commemorative events.

A solemn flag-raising ceremony takes place daily at 8:00 AM (with the police band performing the national anthem). On the 1st of each month at 7:45 AM, a more elaborate enhanced ceremony is held, featuring a live band performance and escort by special police units. This ceremony exudes a strong sense of solemnity, serving as a pivotal moment to experience the identity of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The plaza floor features a circular mosaic depicting Hong Kong's history. Arrive 10-15 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot. After the flag-raising, take photos with the sculpture and the national and regional flags fluttering behind it.
 

2. Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre New Wing Architecture & Waterfront Promenad

Designed by a renowned architectural firm, the New Wing features a triple-wave roof (symbolizing “a bird spreading its wings”) and a curved glass curtain wall spanning over 4,000 square meters, creating a visually striking landmark that defines Victoria Harbour's skyline.
 

The waterfront promenade extending from Golden Bauhinia Square offers unobstructed, 270-degree panoramic views of Victoria Harbour. This free spot provides an excellent vantage point to admire the Tsim Sha Tsui skyline, the West Kowloon Skywheel, and passing vessels. At night, it becomes one of the prime locations to witness the “A Symphony of Lights” show, where the interplay of lights and music creates a particularly breathtaking experience.

*Details and Tips: The promenade floor features embedded “Star Handprints” commemorating Hong Kong's film industry, including those of superstars like Jackie Chan and Andy Lau. Seek out your favorite star's imprint for a photo opportunity. Visiting at dusk allows you to capture both the sunset and night views in one go.
 

How to get to the HKCEC

1. Take the MTR (most common and reliable)

Route: Take the Island Line to 【Wan Chai】 Station.

Exit: Exit via Exit A1 or A5. Follow the clearly marked pedestrian bridge (“Convention Centre” passage) for about 10-15 minutes to reach the interior of the Convention Centre.

Tip: The covered walkway is fully sheltered from weather and features clear signage throughout, making it very convenient.
 

2. Take the Star Ferry (most distinctive with scenic views)

Route: Board the Star Ferry from Tsim Sha Tsui or Hung Hom Ferry Pier to Wan Chai Ferry Pier.

Arrival: After disembarking, the pier connects directly to the new wing of the Convention and Exhibition Centre. It takes about 2-3 minutes on foot to reach the Golden Bauhinia Square and the waterfront entrance of the Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Advantages: Low cost, allows you to enjoy the views of Victoria Harbour during the journey, and is an excellent way to experience Hong Kong's unique charm.
 

3. Take a Bus/Citybus (Numerous Routes)

Nearby stops: Multiple bus routes serve the Convention Centre area. Key stops include:

Convention Centre Bus Terminus (adjacent to the building)

Wan Chai Ferry Pier Bus Terminus

Various stops along Convention Avenue.

Common routes: e.g., 961, 968, 978 (from New Territories West), Citybus 1M, H1 (sightseeing route), etc. Use mobile apps (e.g., Citybus & NWFB App) or Google Maps to find optimal routes.
 

4. By Taxi/Ride-Hailing Service (Most Convenient)

Destination: Directly tell the driver “Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre” or “HKCEC”.

Pickup/Drop-off Points: The HKCEC has designated taxi zones, typically at specific entrances of the New Wing or Old Wing.

Note: Additional tunnel fees apply when crossing the harbour.
 

5. From Hong Kong International Airport

Airport Express + MTR: Take the Airport Express to Hong Kong Station. Exit and proceed via the underground passage or transfer to the Island Line (one stop) to Central Station. Transfer again to the Island Line and alight at Wan Chai Station (approx. 45-50 minutes).

Airport Bus: Take Citybus A11 or E11 series buses and alight at “Wan Chai Ferry Pier” or “Convention and Exhibition Centre” (approximately 60-70 minutes, depending on traffic conditions).

Taxi: Takes approximately 45-60 minutes. While more expensive, it offers the most convenient point-to-point service.

If you only have half a day to visit this place, how should you plan your itinerary?

Morning Itinerary (approx. 4 hours):

• Golden Bauhinia Square (30 min): Arrive in the morning to watch the flag-raising ceremony (daily at 8:00 AM) and view the golden Bauhinia sculpture.
• Convention and Exhibition Waterfront Promenade (30 min): Stroll along the waterfront to admire the “Wings of the Sea” architecture and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour, and snap photos at celebrity handprints.
   

Choose Option A or B (60-90 minutes):

• A Route (Seascape Tour): Walk west to Wan Chai Temporary Promenade for a leisurely stroll.
• B Route (Authentic Experience): Walk east into Wan Chai's historic district to explore the Blue House and Tai Yuen Street Market.
   

Lee Tung Street & Lunch (60 minutes):

Walk to the European-style Lee Tung Street (Wedding Card Street) for photos, then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant on Tai Wong Dong Street or Amoy Street.
 

End of Tour & Departure:

After lunch, walk 5 minutes from Lee Tung Street to MTR Wan Chai Station, or walk 10 minutes to Wan Chai Ferry Pier to take the Star Ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui for a perfect conclusion.