Immortalized in classic Hollywood blockbusters such as Jackie Chan’s The Protector and The God of Cookery, Hong Kong’s Jumbo Kingdom is no ordinary dining and entertainment hub in the island nation. Established as far back as 1976, this 35 year old iconic floating restaurant is a veritable Hong Kong institution with a whopping 30 million visitors having walked through its vibrant doors to date. Having attracted Hollywood celebrities the likes of John Wayne, Tom Cruise and Chow Yun–Fat to its environs, this mega dining venue has also been graced by her majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

Ideally located within Aberdeen Harbour this monolithic Chinese restaurant complex resembling an imperial palace was the brain child of Dr. Stanley Ho. Designed and constructed within four years at a cost of HK$30 million the establishment went through a multi-million dollar refurbishment as recently as 2003 to include a theme park complete with cultural, sightseeing, dining, shopping sites.

Currently managed by Melco International Develpoment Limited this popular tourist destination is easily accessible to visitors free of charge via Sham Wan Pier or via a shuttle boat from the Aberdeen Promenade. Renowned world over as one of the largest floating restaurants on the planet, the attractions on board this virtual Chinese palace in the ocean are as varied as its delectable menu.

The Topdeck is the aptly named restaurant and bar occupying the vessel’s top deck which offers guests scintillating western cuisine while the Dragon Court specializes in revolutionary Cantonese fare. Located within the first deck of the Jumbo Kingdom, the Dragon Court’s interiors are an eclectic mixture of modem Chinese and Ming dynastic design elements. Sampan Dining on the other hand offers guests the nostalgic meal served in typhoon shelters in decades past when sea food was served in a simple sampan.

Other highlights include the Chinese Tea Garden and Pier Plaza while the Jumbo Kingdom chefs also conduct cooking classes at the Cooking Academy on board. The Wine Garden is another point of interest within the vessel while the Bronze-ware exhibition is also worth the visit. Offering visitors a wide range of banquet and conference facilities this unique floating restaurant is also a hot-pick venue for high profile events.

Visitors on the lookout for luxury Hong Kong hotels close to Wan Chai and Causeway Bay will be more than satisfied with the elegant Cosmopolitan Hotel Hong Kong. Ideally located within walking distance of Times Square this stylish establishment offers guests beautifully appointed Hong Kong hotel rooms in one of the city’s trendiest neighbourhoods.