Hong Kong is a city of contrasting light and constant movement. A whirlwind of chaos that mixes soaring skyscrapers and golden stretches of sand with steaming bowls of wonton noodles and constant traffic. In other words: it’s an Instagrammer’s paradise.
This vibrant city is photography paradise, even for those who like to shoot bite-sized, instantly uploadable photos. Inspiration can be found anywhere, but below are 10 of the best places to take some of Hong Kong’s most iconic photos.
1. The Garden Sanctuary of Hong Kong
Few photos capture the essence of Hong Kong better than those taken at Chi Lin Nunnery in Kowloon. Instagram opportunities unfold before your lens here as classical Chinese gardens give way to a stunning golden pagoda and a lotus pond filled with plump koi carp. This serene Buddhist complex seems even more serene when towered over by contrasting skyscrapers, creating a seamless blend of modern and natural.
2. The food is too sweet to eat.
Infused with Hong Kong culture like dragon dance and milk tea, Instagram swells with shots of steaming baskets of dim sum, so head to Yum Cha for something more contemporary. This dim sum restaurant does things a little differently: the pork buns are shaped like pigs and the sausage rolls are shaped like dogs. Even pineapple puff cookies are shaped like birds and served in a metal cage.
3. The famous abode of the rainbow
Towers of high-rise apartments stretch skyward across much of Hong Kong, so both skyline shots and neck-craning close-ups provide great photo fodder. However, the vibrant Choi Hung Estate (Kwun Tong MTR stop exit C4) is where Instagrammers should head first. With a rainbow of painted panels on the sides of the towers, palm trees at the entrance and locals shooting on the estate’s basketball court, Choi Hung Estate could pass as 1970s California – and always lives up to that effect. The 1977 Instagram filter exists. .
4. Draw a fish object.
Mong Kok is home to a number of markets selling everything from phone cases to lingerie, but keen photographers should zoom in on Tung Choi Street’s Goldfish Market where dozens of fish are sorted into plastic bags and Displayed for vetting potential pet owners. Bringing fish home is considered lucky in China, and while the humble goldfish is seen here, expect to snag a wide array of colorful and exotic species.
5. Cocktail Snap
What you want from a rooftop photo is an unobstructed view of the skyline, but not all rooftop bars in Hong Kong were created equal. While most tourists will head to Central or Tsim Sha Tsui for high-end drinks, Wooloomooloo (wooloo-mooloo.com) offers a completely different perspective on the city in Wan Chai. The beautiful view from the rooftop is the place to capture Victoria Harbor in an envy-inducing Instagram shot, fruity cocktail in hand.
6. Starshot
Board the Star Ferry for a different perspective of the city’s skyscrapers. If you’re quick enough to grab a window seat, Hong Kong’s loveliest boat offers unparalleled views of Victoria Harbor and the towering architectural giants that dominate the city’s eternal skyline. Is. It’s a look that will make you feel small, but one that will keep your Instagram game strong.
7. That ‘I’m on top of the world’ picture
To see all that Hong Kong has to offer, climb the moderate 2.8km hike from Wong Tai Sun to Lion Rock in Kowloon. While the trek up Dragon’s Back isn’t as popular or as easy, those who make the climb will be rewarded with piercing views of the cloud-like cluster of skyscrapers below, across the haze of Victoria Harbor and beyond. Extend to the silhouetted hills ahead. . The 495-meter-high mountain is named after the cat-shaped rock on its summit, which also happens to be the city’s most recognized landmark.
8. Must see walls.
Signs of Hong Kong’s burgeoning art scene are everywhere, even on the streets. In Sheung Wan, one of Hong Kong’s trendiest districts, it’s not uncommon to stumble across street art murals spray-painted on the sides of buildings. Graham Street in Central is home to one of the most Instagrammed frescoes, a wall depicting a colorful array of buildings, but from Moldhead to Peel Street, Hollywood Road, Tank Lane and Upper Station Street where the new Jobs appear almost overnight.
9. Neon Light Nightlife
Although Hong Kong’s famous neon lights are quickly being replaced by LED bulbs, there’s still no shortage of bright and colorful lights to grab around the city. Billboards abound along Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui and Jordan Road in Yau Ma Tei, while the view from the overpass over Tung Choi Street on Mong Kok Road is so bright, sunglasses might be appropriate. On the island side, walk down Lockhart Road and spot some flashy go-go bar signs.
10. The best sunset photo in town
Sai Wan Swimming Shed (Victoria Road), a wooden jetty jutting out into the choppy waters of the Sulfur Channel, is a popular spot for wedding photography, but its remote location means you’ll see crowds of tourists. Not likely to bump into elbows. The perfect capture at sunset When the sky tears into ribbons of orange and purple, this might be the perfect opportunity for you to hashtag ‘#nofilter’.
