The History of Tsim Sha Tsui's Golden Mile

Tsim Sha Tsui’s Golden Mile refers to the bustling stretch of Nathan Road, running through the heart of Kowloon in Hong Kong. This vibrant area is packed with neon lights, luxury hotels, shopping malls, street markets, and cultural landmarks, making it one of the most iconic parts of the city. From high-end boutiques to bargain-friendly markets like the Temple Street Night Market and Ladies’ Market, the area offers everything. Luxury hotels like The Peninsula and Sheraton Hong Kong provide stunning harbor views. Tsim Sha Tsui is home to endless dining options, from Michelin-starred restaurants to local dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls).  The Avenue of Stars, Hong Kong Cultural Centre, and Clock Tower add historical depth to the area's modern energy. A key part of the Golden Mile, Chungking Mansions is famous for its diverse mix of people, affordable accommodations, and international street food, especially South Asian cuisine. Nathan Road transforms into a sea of neon, giving off the classic cyberpunk vibe that Hong Kong is known for. The Symphony of Lights show, visible from Victoria Harbour, adds to the spectacle. 

History of the Golden Mile

Tsim Sha Tsui's Golden Mile, centered around Nathan Road, has a fascinating history that reflects Hong Kong’s transformation from a colonial trading hub to a global metropolis. After the British took control of Hong Kong in 1842, Kowloon (including Tsim Sha Tsui) was officially ceded in 1860. At that time, Tsim Sha Tsui was mostly undeveloped land with military barracks and a dockyard. Nathan Road opened in 1904, originally named Robinson Road, it was later renamed after Governor Sir Matthew Nathan. The road became the backbone of Kowloon’s development. The Peninsula Hotel opened in 1928 and became an iconic symbol of colonial luxury and remains one of Hong Kong’s most prestigious hotels.

Hong Kong fell to Japan during WWII, leading to widespread hardship and destruction in the area. After the war, a wave of refugees from China settled in Kowloon, leading to rapid urbanization. Nathan Road became a hub for businesses, shops, and neon-lit entertainment. The Chungking Mansions were built in 1961, and was built as a high-rise residential and commercial complex, it became known for its budget accommodations, cultural diversity, and black-market economy. 

The 1970s–80s saw Nathan Road transform into the "Golden Mile", a nickname coined due to its dense concentration of neon signs, shops, and hotels. The area became synonymous with Hong Kong’s cyberpunk aesthetic, influencing filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai and Ridley Scott (Blade Runner). The growth of tourism and trade made Tsim Sha Tsui a prime location for luxury brands, electronics stores, and entertainment venues. The rise of LED screens and digital billboards replaced much of the classic neon, altering the area's iconic nighttime look. Large-scale redevelopment brought high-end malls like Harbour City, luxury hotels, and cultural landmarks like the Xiqu Centre (for Cantonese opera). Despite modernization, Nathan Road remains one of Hong Kong’s most vibrant and historically rich streets, blending old and new.

                              

Atmosphere

Tsim Sha Tsui’s Golden Mile, the stretch of Nathan Road running through Kowloon, has an electrifying and chaotic energy that embodies the soul of Hong Kong. It’s a place where East meets West, tradition meets modernity, and luxury coexists with street-level commerce. The streets are packed with pedestrians, tourists, and street vendors. You’ll hear multiple languages—Cantonese, Mandarin, English, and South Asian dialects—reflecting the area's international mix.

Shoppers weave in and out of luxury stores, local markets, and electronics shops, while tailors and salespeople call out to potential customers. The humidity and street food smells—roast duck, curry fish balls, egg waffles—mix with car exhaust and the scent of incense from small altars outside storefronts. 

                              

As the sun sets, Nathan Road transforms into a glowing spectacle of neon signs, LED billboards, and colorful reflections on wet pavement. Chungking Mansions buzzes with life, full of travelers, money changers, and small eateries selling Indian, Pakistani, and African cuisine. The nightlife kicks in—bars, rooftop lounges, and underground clubs attract locals and tourists alike. The famous Symphony of Lights show over Victoria Harbour adds to the vibrant energy, casting multicolored beams into the sky. The old and new collide—five-star hotels like The Peninsula stand next to decades-old noodle shops. Hidden alleys reveal hole-in-the-wall dumpling spots and tailor shops, while high-end malls like Harbour City cater to luxury shoppers. The mix of fast-paced commerce, neon-lit nostalgia, and cultural diversity creates an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the world.

                                

Attractions

Tsim Sha Tsui’s Golden Mile is packed with historical landmarks, cultural sites, luxury shopping, and hidden gems. Here’s a list of the must-visit attractions:

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Why Visit? A historic, ultra-luxurious hotel with colonial elegance and world-famous afternoon tea.

Location: 22 Salisbury Road

Luxury experience, but visiting the lobby or afternoon tea is a must.

Chungking Mansions

Why Visit? A chaotic but legendary building known for budget stays, South Asian food, and international trade.

Location: 36-44 Nathan Road

Try authentic Indian, Pakistani, and African cuisine inside.

Kowloon Park

Why Visit? A peaceful escape from the city, featuring gardens, an aviary, and flamingos.

Location: Nathan Road (near TST MTR Exit A)

Perfect for a break from the urban rush.

Temple Street Night Market (Short Walk Away)

Why Visit? A bustling market with street food, fortune tellers, and bargain shopping.

Location: Jordan (10-15 min walk from Nathan Road)

Great for souvenirs and local snacks like stinky tofu & curry fish balls.

                          

iSquare Mall: The iSquare is a favorite of Chinese shoppers and foreign expats who live in the area. It is right above the Tsim Sha Tsui Station and across the street from Chungking Mansions. What is distinctive about it is that it is a vertical high rise mall 31 stories tall. The proximity to the harbour gives the fine restaurants at the top a fine view. You'll find luxury brands here.

                       

Miramar Mall: This is a mall with 400,000 square feet of shopping space and 100 stores. It is considered one of the smaller malls in the area, and is known for mid-priced clothing.

Taking a Tour of the Golden Mile

The Golden Mile is a North-South running street, from south to north, here are the major points that would interest tourists. You can take a good quick tour of these sites by just walking from the Space Museum to Jordan Station (there is an underpass under Salisbury Road). North of that to Yau Ma Tei, there are mainly just small shops and hotels, and these probably won't seem as interesting.

Here are some Sites from South to North you should visit on the Golden Mile:

The Museum of Art and the Space Museum (at the head of Nathan Road)

The Peninsula Hotel (corner of Salisbury Road and Nathan Road)

Chungking Mansions

iSQUARE

Tsim Sha Tsui Station

Kowloon Park

Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Center

Park Lane Shopper's Boulevard

The ONE

The Mira Hong Kong

Miramar Shopping Centre

St. Andrew's Church

Jordan Station

Yau Ma Tei Station

The Peninsula has some of the highest room rates in Hong Kong. It is located about at the corner of Salisbury Road and overlooks Victoria Harbor. In marked contrast, Chungking Mansions only 200 meters up the street is known for the lowest hostel rates and ethnically managed cheap hotels. Chungking Mansions is a huge building and houses thousands of people a night. There are a lot of South Asian hotel managers, and if you are walking near the building, you'll probably meet a South Asian person hawking a hotel. It is a favorite place for African merchants to purchase products and stay during their trips to the area.

Why Visit the Golden Mile?

The Golden Mile in Hong Kong, primarily referring to the stretch of Nathan Road in Kowloon, is a must-visit for several reasons. It is a shoppers paradise, packed with  malls, luxury boutiques, street markets, and electronics shops.

Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok areas offer everything from designer brands to bargain finds. The Avenue of Stars and Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade provide breathtaking views of Hong Kong’s skyline. It's Ideal for watching the nightly Symphony of Lights show. There are several Cultural & Historical Attractions along the Golden Mile including Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Museum of History, and the Temples in the area. From Michelin-starred restaurants to local street food stalls, you can enjoy dim sum, wonton noodles, and egg waffles. Vibrant nightlife with bars, rooftop lounges, and traditional teahouses. Experience the electric energy of Hong Kong with neon signs, busy streets, and a unique mix of East-meets-West culture. It’s a great place to experience the heart of Hong Kong’s urban life.