Updated: May 11, 2019
As a photographer, Hong Kong has so much to offer from street photography, unique architecture, the great outdoor landscapes and the sweeping harbour vistas. Some of the best vantage points are unknown to visitors to this great city, here is a list of some of the best spots to shoot a variety of different aspects.
A city of 7 million residents and 53 million visitors a year, Hong Kong is a vibrant and bustling city that never ceases to bombard the senses. I’ve visited Hong Kong more times than any other international city and the changes occur so rapidly that whole neighbourhoods can take on new personalities.
A lot of the spots are accessible by the MTR system which can be found here.
Braemar Hill, North Point.
WHAT:
A sweeping panoramic view from the eastern side of Hong Kong Island. Perfect for sunset, this vantage point is unknown to the majority of residents and visitors to Hong Kong, but in my opinion a better view than the Peak. The view point is a small area , so prime position amongst photographers with tripods can be a challenge. Be prepared and get there early to find the ideal spot.
HOW:
Catch a bus or taxi up to Braemar Hill. Take the stairs to the left of St Joan of Arc Secondary School and start heading up. At the first intersection take the right branch towards Jardines Lookout. Follow the path to the second intersection and take the right branch again. About 10 metres from here you will come to 3 trail options, look for the ribbons that scale up the middle path and head up. https://goo.gl/maps/1QcCBY4D2W62
The walk up is about 20 minutes and at no stage should you be off a path or in the bushes to get to the top. Good shoes and a flash are a good idea if coming back down in the dark (the flash on your phone might do)
Lugard Road Lookout, The Peak.
WHAT:
The best sunrise spot in Hong Kong. Instead of the typical vantage point from The Peak, the Lugard Road Lookout give a clearer view towards the east of Hong Kong island for a shot before sunrise where the city lights are still on during blue hour. Not many people will be up here before sunrise (crowds most likely increase during the day)
HOW:
Take a taxi to The Peak Mall as its the only way to get up there that early in the morning before buses and the tram start operating. From the mall, take the Lugard Road walkway path which is well lit for early morning joggers and walkers. After walking for about 15 minutes you will come to an opening that gives you a panoramic view of Victoria Harbour. https://goo.gl/maps/1HNLB2ZtU7A2
Temple Street Markets, Yau Ma Tei.
WHAT:
A bird eye view of one of the largest night markets in Hong Kong. It's colourful and filled with life. A variety of food and souvenirs can be found at these markets. This uninterrupted view of the market is from the Yau Ma Tei end, six levels up in the car park building.
HOW:
Catch the MTR to Yau Ma Tei and get to the top level of the Yau Ma Tei public car park. From the top level you get a unique perspective overlooking the length of the markets. A wide angle lens will give you some of the surrounding buildings perspective. A zoom lens will give a nice detailed shot of the bright colourful markets. https://goo.gl/maps/LudApBnztN92
Sai Wan Swimming Shed, Sai Wan.
WHAT:
A small unique spot suited for afternoon and wild weather conditions. A swimming pier on the western side of Hong Kong Island. A great location for sunset shots and if your into it, selfies. The pier is popular amongst people posing for profound profiles pics, newly weds, models and music video shoots. But it's also an opportunity to capture something slightly different with so many different elements in play.
HOW:
Catch a train to Kennedy Town and walk or bus out along Victoria Road. It's about a 15 minute walk from the MTR. Look for the brown wooden sign and go down the stairs to the water front. It's a busy place for photos, so either lineup to use the pier, or look for other elements to work with. https://goo.gl/maps/yHnjjcqy65k
Yick Fat Building, Quarry Bay.
WHAT:
An amazing representation of the claustrophobic vertical nature of living in Hong Kong, this unit block is organised symmetrical chaos. The courtyard is popular amongst local and visiting photographers, but theres plenty of space to compose your own shot. Best shot at night with a tripod, the colours of the apartments come alive with long exposures and the lights.
HOW:
Catch a MTR out to Tai Koo station. The building is within walking distance from there. https://goo.gl/maps/SxtRU1SBkMu
Sunset Peak, Lantau Island.
WHAT:
Hong Kong's second tallest peak give 360 degree views of Lantau Island and it's surroundings. During the cooler months hiking Sunset Peak is popular as the rolling hills are covered in "silver" grass which almost looks reflective in the a which catches the light nicely at sunset as the light gets better. The hike is about 6.5 hours including transport, but can be done a few different ways quicker.
HOW:
Catch the ferry from Central to Mui Wo and then jump on the 3M bus to the start of the trail. https://goo.gl/maps/fDtx3XuDd3A2
At the end of the trail you will come to Pak Kung Au on Tung Chung Road, Catch the 3M bus back to Mui Wo and put your feet up for the ferry back to Hong Kong Island. If intending to stay to sunset, take lights for the descent off the peak. There are no amenities on the trail, so make sure you take food and water as necessary. https://goo.gl/maps/3ESY67xVw582
Avenue of the Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui.
WHAT:
One of the biggest tourist draw cards is actually worth trying to photograph with the crowds . The view from the Kowloon foreshore of the 8pm Symphony of Lights show is a spectacular 13 minute light show that happens on both sides of the harbour, but the most dazzling are around Central. Crowds do tend to build up on the foreshore, so plan to get there a little ahead of time if you are trying to photograph this world class event that happens every night of the year.
HOW:
MTR or ferry to Tsim Sha Tsui and follow the signs to the Avenue of Stars which is only a short walk to the promenade. https://goo.gl/maps/6XUJjRZQLA62
Optional Architectural Bonus Round:
Bedford Garden, Quarry Bay.
WHAT:
A series of high rise buildings that you can walk through to find great symmetry looking up between the blocks. This location would be interesting with long shadows in the afternoon and in the evening.
HOW:
Only a short walk from Quarry Bay or North Point MTR. Entrance can be found from entrances on Pak Fuk Road. https://goo.gl/maps/F3ePdFRTbhB2
Lai Tak Tsuen, Tai Hang.
WHAT:
A public housing estate built on the 1970’s that won several design awards when originally completed. Three estate towers that are massive cylinders for up to 11,000 residents. with a very unique circular design with about 20 floors. If you are planning on checking out these buildings, try and be discreet from the security as they don’t like photographers walking around with tripods
HOW:
About a 20 minute walk from Tin Hau MTR up the hill. There is a bus that goes past the estate, but its just as easy to walk instead of getting stuck in traffic. https://goo.gl/maps/XELpB3UwWJG2
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