DO IT FOR THE GRAM
We’re all guilty of it, some more than others. Here are some of the best spots in Hong Kong to get iconic shots of the city, nature and side streets.
Choi Hung Estate
Top of the list and no surprises here, Choi Hung Estate has served as a colourful backdrop for many a gram’! The public housing estate was built in the 1960s and for the last few years has become a major hotspot for photographers, videographers and even a Korean boyband. While some residents aren’t too pleased with flocks of fans that make the pilgrimage over, others take advantage of the famed backdrop for postcards and souvenirs. You’ll wanna get to this one bright and early to secure your spot.
Jockey Club Innovation Tower
An architectural wonder by Zaha Hadid, Jockey Club’s Innovation Tower will serve you futuristic vibes from inside and out. With crisscrossing staircases and a sleek white interior, get your angles right, and you’ll seem out of this world.
Nam Shan Estate Playground
A playground froze in time, Nam Shan Estate’s playground can be found on the roof of the wet market. Its unique play structure may be the only one of its kind left in the city, as well as lines etched in the ground of games long forgotten. With a rustic background to complement it, it’s like seeing Hong Kong in the ’70s.
Lai Tak Tsuen
With its iconic round shape, Lai Tak Tsuen’s architecture will treat you to spiral views from the ground up. In 2017, it was used as a filming location for Ghost in the Shell, but even before then was a popular spot for photographers. You’ll want to work fast though, security will kick you out once they catch you snapping!
Western District Public Cargo Working Area
Literally google ‘Instagram Pier’, and the Western Cargo Area will show up! Located in Sai Wan, this container terminal grew in popularity for its unobstructed view of the Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong skyline, vintage lamp posts, cargo pallets and magnificent sunsets. Still a working dock, just be careful not to interfere with loading and unloading of cargo!
Ping Shek Estate
A geometric wonder for loves who love good symmetry, Ping Shek Estate is iconic for its view from the bottom. Almost like an infinite vortex, wait for a sunny day to catch all the fine details of the stacked balconies.
Yik Cheong Building
Want a slice of Hong Kong’s urban density? This is the place to be. Stacked high and tight are the 5 residential complexes of Yik Cheong Building and Montane Mansion in Quarry Bay. With a dash of claustrophobia and plenty of colour, this area featured heavily in both Ghost in the Shell and Transformers: Age of Extinction. This spots to popular they’ve even erected a sign telling warning visitors to ask permission before taking photos, though it mostly goes unnoticed.
Sai Wan Swimming Shed
Scenic views and sprawling seas, the Sai Wan Swimming Shed is used more as a photographer’s paradise than an actual jumping-off point into the ocean. As the only remaining swimming shed in Hong Kong, dating back to the 1950s, it is carefully tucked away undisturbed by city life.
Graham Street Mural
If you’ve ever made your way up to Soho for a drink, you’ve likely seen the masses at Graham Street posing in front a mural depicting Hong Kong’s old buildings. Since 2013, the painting has been a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. To this day you may have to act fast to not get any other lurkers in your shot! Pro tip: while you’re in the area, explore every other side street to find exceptional street art that are lesser-known.
Kowloon Peak
Gotta get your hiking boots on for this one and work up a bit of a sweat, Suicide Cliff, as they call it is at an altitude of about 600 metres. A stunning, unobstructed view of Kowloon, you can dangle your feet high above the city. You’ll want to pick a pollution-free day to make the most of it and maybe even stay for the sunset!