One by one, old buildings have been demolished and where they would previously have been replaced by commercial properties, we are now seeing smart residential complexes with 1 and 2 bed modern units drawing young professionals to live in this busy and buzzy area. Buildings such as J Residence and The Zenith offer a stylish finish and recreational facilities at a slightly lower rental than similar units in Central and Mid-levels. The upper floors of these blocks can have great views as they tower above the older blocks below. There are also several large serviced apartment blocks offering short and longer term accommodation.

Wanchai North houses our main Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as well as major hotels, the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts and the HK Arts Centre. The Queen Elizabeth Stadium off Queens Road East is a municipal sports centre with an auditorium used for concerts and performances as well as sports exhibitions. Being essentially a commercial district, there are many shopping centres, restaurants and new trendy bars as well as old favourites.

The main handyman centre for Hong Kong island can be found along Lockhart Road, where tile shops stand alongside girlie bars! The Pacific Place complex is an easy walk, with a large multi-screen cinema, and access to Hong Kong Park for some soothing greenery. The street market on and around Wanchai Road is a foodie and photographer's delight, selling everything from fish to fans.

At the junction of Queen's Road East and Wanchai Rd, the old 3 storey market building has been preserved for its '50s Bauhaus-style architecture. However, it now has a modern high-rise sprouting through the roof and up!

Wan Chai MTR station is a roughly 10-minute ride to Central and can be walked in about 25 minutes, mostly under cover.

For a neighbourhood that was once known for its coffin shops more than its coffee shops, Sheung Wan has quickly transformed into one of Hong Kong's hippest neighbourhoods and formed a melting pot of old and new, East and West. Discover this eclectic neighbourhood and its great selection of restaurants, bars and boutiques.

• Download the Wan Chai Heritage Trail map and take a tour of historic sites in Wan Chai.

• Check out cool independent boutiques and happening restaurants around the Star Street precinct.

• Head up to Bowen Road, built over old aqueducts, for panoramic views of the city.

• Visit the F11 Foto Museum, housed in a heritage Art Deco building, with the world’s largest Leica camera collection.

• See the colourful neon lights around Jaffe, Lockhart and Hennessy Roads before pre-dinner drinks at The Optimist.

• No need to go to Central, you can take the Star Ferry from Wan Chai for a cruise around Victoria Harbour.