With the use of lively dioramas, this museum brings to life various periods from Hong Kong’s history, beginning with the first hominids to occupy the land some 400 million years ago, to the opium wars, to Hong Kong’s relationship with Japan, Imperial China and the British.

Covering archaeology, ethnography and natural and local history, it is a whistle-stop introduction to the territory’s past, complete with exhibitions of a life-sized junk and a recreation of a street from the Central district from 1881. Docents are on hand to provide a 1.5-hour guided tour, limited to 30 people on a first-come-first-served basis. Of course, history and archaeology buffs must put this attraction at the top of their lists, and will certainly salivate while exploring the interactive exhibitions showcased at the museum’s 7000-square metre complex!