Chungking Mansions
A legendary, bustling hub in Hong Kong, known for its diverse cultures, affordable food, and unique, sometimes notorious, atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Chungking Mansions
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary, bustling hub in Hong Kong, known for its diverse cultures, affordable food, and unique, sometimes notorious, atmosphere.
"It's a city within a city, a sensory overload, and an unforgettable Hong Kong experience."
🎯 Embrace the Chaos
It's a unique experience! Don't let the reputation deter you, but stay aware of your surroundings.
🍛 Curry is King
Many travelers rave about the authentic and affordable Indian and Pakistani food here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic South Asian Cuisine
Various floors
Savor delicious and affordable Indian and Pakistani dishes, from biryani to dosas. A true culinary adventure awaits.
Currency Exchange Hub
Ground floor and lower levels
Find competitive rates for currency exchange, often better than official banks. A practical stop for travelers.
Cultural Melting Pot
Throughout the building
Experience a unique microcosm of cultures, with people from all over the world. A fascinating glimpse into Hong Kong's diversity.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Mansions
Beyond the Reputation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Embrace the Chaos
It's a unique experience! Don't let the reputation deter you, but stay aware of your surroundings.
🍛 Curry is King
Many travelers rave about the authentic and affordable Indian and Pakistani food here.
💰 Smart Money Exchange
Currency exchange booths offer competitive rates, a local tip for savvy travelers.
⬆️ Elevator Patience
Be prepared for potential queues for the elevators; it's a common experience.
I was clueless and stayed at Chungking Mansions
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Embrace the Chaos
It's a unique experience! Don't let the reputation deter you, but stay aware of your surroundings.
🍛 Curry is King
Many travelers rave about the authentic and affordable Indian and Pakistani food here.
💰 Smart Money Exchange
Currency exchange booths offer competitive rates, a local tip for savvy travelers.
⬆️ Elevator Patience
Be prepared for potential queues for the elevators; it's a common experience.
🚶♀️ Solo Female Safety
Some Redditors advise caution for solo female travelers regarding accommodation.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Chungking Mansions is a place of stark contrasts, known for its notorious reputation but often found to be a vibrant, safe, and incredibly affordable destination by many visitors. While some find it overwhelming, others are drawn to its unique cultural melting pot, delicious South Asian cuisine, and budget-friendly options.
"Chungking Mansions is a unique experience, to say the least. This iconic building in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui is a bustling maze of budget guesthouses, shops, and eateries, offering a vibrant, multicultural atmosphere. I stayed in one of the guesthouses here, and it was an adventure in itself.
✳️ Pros:
Location: You can’t beat the central spot on Nathan Road, steps away from Tsim Sha Tsui’s attractions, MTR station, and Victoria Harbour. Perfect for exploring Hong Kong on a budget.
Affordable: The guesthouses are some of the cheapest in the city, ideal for travelers looking to save on accommodation.
Cultural Hub: The ground floor is a lively mix of South Asian and African restaurants, currency exchanges, and small shops. The food stalls are a highlight-delicious and authentic, especially the curry spots.
Unique Vibe: It’s like stepping into a different world, with a gritty, chaotic charm that’s unlike anywhere else in Hong Kong.
✳️ Cons:
Crowded and Dated: The building feels cramped, with narrow hallways and old elevators that can be slow or unreliable. It’s not the cleanest, and some areas look rundown.
Safety Perception: While I felt safe enough, the busy environment and occasional touts can be overwhelming, especially for first-time visitors.
Room Quality: The guesthouse I stayed in was basic-small room, minimal amenities, and spotty Wi-Fi. You get what you pay for, but don’t expect luxury.
Noise: The constant activity in and around the building means it’s rarely quiet, even at night.
Overall: Chungking Mansions is a budget traveler’s haven with a raw, unpolished character that’s both fascinating and intense. It’s not for everyone-those seeking comfort or a polished experience might want to look elsewhere. But if you’re open to a gritty, authentic slice of Hong Kong’s multicultural underbelly, it’s worth a stay. Just do your research on specific guesthouses, as quality varies widely.
Pro tip: Bring earplugs and an open mind!"
Arafat Rahman
"At this mansion is a really good location at main street nearby train station and bus station to the airport 21A line directly to airport about 1 hour 34.4$
The building has many sub Hotel Block A-C use different elevators in rush hours you need to wait for the queue to take the elevators about 5-15 minutes
At Block A I used to stay at the "Premium Lough Hotel" single room for about 200$ overnight excluding cleaning fee of 31$ and key deposit 100$(pay back when you check out)
The room is small but clean, safe and quiet the bed is small and uncomfortable for overweight men or big guys
Next time I will reserve here again"
A J
"Squammy feels! Im telling you, I think the reviews here are fake! Im so surprised that the place got 3+ stars. Hahaha
I wanna save everyone from spending more by moving to another hotel once they saw Chungking Mansion in real life, and not in photo.
I agree that the place is cheap and affordable compared to other hotels but I am telling you. You’ll regret it and hope that you spend a little more.
1. The place smells so bad that one of my friends puke.
2. The place is dirty and we saw groups of rats. I mean it, group of rats.
3. You’ll wait 5-10 min just to ride the elevator specially during evenings.
4. Garbage everywhere.
5. A lot of Indians sell food there, so if you don’t like the smell of Indian food, the place is not for you."
Jerwin Mancenido
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Chungking Mansions is easily accessible via the MTR. Take the Tsuen Wan Line or Tuen Ma Line to Tsim Sha Tsui Station and use Exit B1. It's a short walk from there.
Yes, it's a prominent landmark on Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, a very busy tourist area. You'll likely see it as you explore the district.
The Airport Express train to Kowloon Station is a convenient option, followed by a short taxi ride or MTR connection to Tsim Sha Tsui.
It's located right on Nathan Road, a major thoroughfare, and is very close to the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and the Avenue of Stars.
Yes, taxis are readily available in Hong Kong. Simply tell your driver 'Chungking Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui,' and they will know where to go.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there's no ticket required to enter the public areas of Chungking Mansions. You can freely explore the common spaces and shops.
The building itself is accessible 24/7, but individual shops and restaurants will have their own operating hours, typically from late morning to late evening.
The main entrance is on Nathan Road. Be aware that the building has multiple entrances and exits, and can be quite labyrinthine inside.
No, you only pay for what you order at the restaurants. Many offer very affordable meal options.
Yes, the building is accessible at night, and some travelers find the atmosphere particularly interesting after dark, though it can feel more intense.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a vibrant, chaotic, and multicultural environment. Expect crowds, diverse languages, and a constant buzz of activity.
Most travelers report it as safe, especially for men, but it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and avoid overly aggressive touts. +1
You'll find a variety of shops selling clothing, electronics, souvenirs, and more, often at bargain prices.
While generally safe, some travelers suggest being cautious of unsolicited offers and staying in well-lit, populated areas, especially at night.
The elevators are notorious for long wait times and can be a bit of an adventure themselves. Patience is key!
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
It's famous for its authentic and affordable Indian and Pakistani eateries. Popular spots include Moti Mahal, Khyber Pass Mess Club, and Sedique Halal Mess.
South Asian cuisine, particularly Indian and Pakistani dishes like biryani, curries, and dosas, are the main draw.
No, Chungking Mansions is known for its budget-friendly dining options. You can get a hearty meal for a very reasonable price.
Absolutely! Indian cuisine offers a wide array of delicious vegetarian dishes, so you'll have plenty of choices.
Lunchtime and early evening are popular, but many restaurants are open throughout the day and into the night.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, it offers unique photographic opportunities due to its vibrant street life, diverse architecture, and bustling atmosphere.
Focus on the people, the intricate details of the building, street vendors, and the colorful food stalls for compelling shots.
Generally, casual photography is fine, but it's always respectful to ask for permission before taking close-up photos of individuals.
Both daytime for vibrant colors and nighttime for atmospheric shots can be rewarding, depending on the mood you want to capture.
Yes, photographing your food is generally acceptable, especially in the more casual eateries.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during daytime hours when the atmosphere is slightly less intense. Be mindful of the elevators, as wait times can be long, which might test the patience of younger kids.
💰 Budget Travelers
The food scene is another major draw for budget travelers. You can enjoy delicious and filling meals of Indian and Pakistani cuisine for a fraction of the cost you'd find elsewhere in the city.
🚶 Solo Travelers
However, solo female travelers are advised to exercise extra caution. Some Reddit users suggest avoiding accommodation here due to safety concerns.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Infamous Reputation vs. Reality
The building's notoriety has also led to it being a subject of fascination and even a filming location for movies. Its dense, multi-story structure, packed with guesthouses, small businesses, and residences, creates a unique urban ecosystem.
For those seeking budget accommodation, Chungking Mansions offers some of the cheapest options in Hong Kong. However, as some Redditors point out, with the increasing availability of affordable 4-5 star hotels, the necessity of staying here might be diminishing unless you're extremely budget-conscious.
A Culinary Haven for South Asian Flavors
Popular recommendations include Moti Mahal for its overall quality, Khyber Pass Mess Club for a local experience, and Sedique Halal Mess for its biryani.
Beyond the main dishes, you can also find snacks and beverages that complement the South Asian fare. The sheer variety ensures that there's something to satisfy every palate, making it a true gastronomic hub within the city.
Navigating the Labyrinthine Interior
Many travelers advise embracing the experience of getting lost, as it can lead to unexpected discoveries.
For those staying here, it's important to note your guesthouse's location clearly, as finding it again can be a challenge. The building's unique structure and the sheer volume of people passing through make it a fascinating, albeit sometimes overwhelming, place to explore.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit