Uniquely HK

Feature Story

Hong Kong’s Coolest Photo Spots for Social Media!

CityLife highlights some of the city’s interesting and iconic photo spots for your social media bragging rights!

Everyone loves to capture that elusive, perfect photo or selfie to post on Facebook, Instagram or WeChat – the one that draws likes and praise to make you the buzz story of your social media network. And with today’s advanced image manipulation on cameras and phones, it’s a piece of cake.

So if cool photo spots are what you are after, you’ve come to the right place! Hong Kong is as photogenic a destination as anywhere else in the world: a skyline like no other dominated by the famed Victoria Harbour, skyscrapers and green mountains; an amazingly diverse outdoor natural habitat of lush hills, sandy beaches, islands, sheltered coves and wetlands; bustling street markets, colourful buildings of fascinating patterns and shapes, awe-inspiring infrastructure; and most important of all, that human touch that puts an indelible imprint on the city’s visual persona.

So, get ready for a fantastic photographic journey as CityLife takes you to some of Hong Kong’s coolest photo spots!

Central Government Building Complex and Central Harbourfront

A harmonious blend of stunning architecture, a geometric landscape and spectacular harbourfront. The Central Government Building Complex, with its signature gaping space framed by the buildings, dominates the structure; the geometric landscaped area leads to a stunning view of the harbour. Take MTR to Admiralty Exit A and follow signs to walk to the waterfront through the buildings and walkways.

Graham Street Wall Art

One of Hong Kong’s oldest thoroughfares, famous for its street market, fashion boutique shops and trendy dining spots. A wall mural depicting old Hong Kong is a favourite photo spot. Just stroll up to Hollywood Road where other photo spots abound, including Hotel Madera’s giant mural and the PMQ art hub building.

Instagram Pier (Western District Public Cargo Depot)

A favourite for Instagram posting as the name suggests. The long pier juts out to the harbour, providing an incredible closeness to the water’s edge (you can literally dangle your feet above the waves!) and expansive views of the harbour and beyond. 8 Fung Mat Road, Hong Kong. Take a tram towards Kennedy Town and get off at the Des Voeux Road West / Hill Road junction, and walk towards the waterfront.

Sai Wan Swimming Shed

This unused swimming shed with a changing room and a pier along the rocky shore off the edge of Kennedy Town is now a favourite for photographers with its unique view of the harbour and its isolation. On a nice day, you can capture beautiful photos of the sunset.

Montane Mansions (Monster Building)

This E-shaped five-building complex in Quarry Bay has become a hot photo spot, in part thanks to its being used as a film location for the movie: Transformer: Age of Distinction. The skyward view of the court yard of these densely populated but colourful buildings is a must-have shot. 1028 Kings Road, Hong Kong. Take MTR to Quarry Bay Exit A and turn right towards Tai Koo.

Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence

For a view of the harbour from a different vantage point, the Museum of Coastal Defence in Shau Kei Wan on the eastern edge of Hong Kong is a pleasant hidden gem. Perched on top of a rocky outcrop overlooking the narrow Lei Yu Mun entrance to the harbour, it gives a fabulous view of the harbour and the incoming sea channel beyond. The museum tells the military history Hong Kong in the colonial era. 175 Tung Hei Road, Shau Kei Wan. Take MTR to Shau Kei Wan Station Exit D1 and walk along Tung Hei Road towards the waterfront.

Shek O Lovers Bridge

The picturesque beach village of Shek O on Hong Kong Island is another popular destination with photo-op spots abound. The Lovers Bridge, a funky, blue pedestrian bridge connecting Shek O with a small headland is now another social media favourite. The buildings on the way to the bridge are colourful enough and the beach is good for sunbathing. Take Bus number 9 from Shau Kei Wan Bus Terminal to Shek O. Walk along Shek O Village Road to the very end.

Choi Hung Estate

This public housing estate in Eastern Kowloon, built in the 1960s, is known for its colourful buildings. The name itself means “rainbow” and the building are liveried in seven rainbow colours. The sheer scale of the buildings creates a giant, colourful effect. Take MTR and get off at Choi Hung Station, exit C3 or C4.

Wai Yip Street Footbridge

This distinctive pedestrian footbridge is distinguished by its white and blue interiors, large windows, and an unusual z-shaped structure. It was featured in the movie Love in a Puff by Miriam Yeung and Shawn Yue. It looks funky both from the outside and inside. Follow the directions to Kwun Tong Promenade (next item).

Kwun Tong Promenade

Best to visit in the evening, as this popular harbourfront promenade comes to life at night with its misty light effect and light on its decorated sculptural. About one kilometre in length, the boardwalk overlooks the cruise terminal across the typhoon shelter and also offers a splendid view of Hong Kong east and Victoria Harbour. Take MTR to Ngau Tau Kok Exit B6 and walk along Lai Yip Street towards the waterfront.

Nam Sang Wai

Part of Hong Kong's most treasured wetlands, Nam San Wai in northwest New Territories is a rural haven and a favoured haunt of birdwatchers and photographers. Different walking paths traverse this area and a sunset photo at the right angle provides the definitive memory to take home. Take MTR to Yuen Long Station G2 to Sun Yuen Long Centre bus stop. Take either Bus 76K, or Minibus 36, 37, 38, 75,76 to Hung Mo Kiu then walk along Nam Sang Wai Road, or take a taxi.

(Edited on 7 Nov 2017)