The 9 most unique photography spots in Hong Kong
Welcome to the urban jungle of Hong Kong. 7.4 Million people, incredible sky scrapers, busy streets and areas showing both poverty and luxury. Hong Kong is a diverse and lively city with many different attractions for tourists and travellers. The city is a place where business men come for work, tourists come to visit, locals come to shop and … photographers come to capture some unique shots. Yes, Hong Kong can really be a paradise for you and your camera. Besides the usual popular photography spots in Hong Kong, there are as well countless more opportunities to capture the metropole in the most unique perspective.
This guide presents different photography spots around Hong Kong. Each offering not only a new perspective on Hong Kong itself, but they are all different and allow you to bring your travel shots to a whole new level. Grab your camera and off we go!
The Victoria Peak for a stunning view over the city
A great place to take impressive pictures of Hong Kong is always from above. Overlooking the city with all its skyscrapers and impressive buildings brings up some great shots. The best place for these photos in Hong Kong is the Victoria Peak. The Victoria Peak is located on Hong Kong Island and can either be reached by bus or by a cute little tram which takes you to the very top of the peak.
You can either visit the public view point or you can buy a ticket to enter the sky terrace – both are great as a photography spot in Hong Kong.
The best time for this spot:
shortly before sunrise and stay until it is dark
The best time for some unique photography is shortly before sunset. Of course, you will not be alone at the view point but the atmosphere is simply amazing which makes it worth to deal with the crowds. Arrive a little early to see the city both in daylight, during the sunset and when it gets dark. Each view gives you a different picture and you can capture the city in multiple perspectives.
The crazy Yick Cheong Building / Monster Building – a photography spot in Hong Kong you cannot miss
Have you heard of the famous Monster Building in Hong Kong? For travellers, this might be the number 1 photography spot in Hong Kong to visit. The Yick Cheong Builidng consist of five different apartment buildings connected to each other. It is an incredible view if you stand in the small backyard and look up to see the sky between the buildings.
For photographers, this is a paradise. You can either turn the place into a shooting location with a person in the foreground or simply capture the urban jungle itself. Make sure to check with the light and try out new angles.
While most people (or let´s say influencers) decide to climb up the stone square in the middle of the backyard, you can come up with new ideas to make your photos outstand the other. A great idea is to take one of the chairs usually standing around – just be creative!
The best time for this spot:
in the morning or late afternoon to get the best light
One of the most popular photograhy spots in Hong Kong: The colorful Choi Hung Estate
This photography spot is also well-known in Hong Kong. But still, you simply cannot miss it while exploring and capturing the city. The colorful Choi Hung Estate is also known as the Rainbow Building. Years ago, the people living in the building decided its colors were too triste and basic and painted it in all different colors of the rainbow. In combination with the basketball court in front of the Estate, this turned out to become a unique spot in the city.
For urban photographers, this is a paradise. You can use the basketball court in front of the building for some urban shots or use the colorful background for portraits. Again, this place calls for creativity and new ideas!
The best time for this spot:
in the morning (especially during summer as it gets incredibly hot at midday)
Capture the crazy neon lights in Hong Kong
Of course, a city with millions of lights is perfect for pictures. But Hong Kong has even more: there are areas with many neon lights who light up as soon as it gets dark. Try to find a corner with many lights and signs and get your shot!
With the cars driving by and the people crossing the streets, this is probably one of the best photography spots in Hong Kong which allows you to capture the busy life of the city.
The best time for this spot:
as soon as it gets dark
Turn the peaceful Nan Lian Garden into a photography spot
If you have seen enough of busy streets, loud areas and high buildings, have a rest at the Nan Lian Garden. The Garden is one of the most beautiful parks in all of Hong Kong and invites you to enjoy the quiet and peaceful atmosphere away from the chaos of the city.
It is located in close distance to the Rainbow Building and you can easily combine the two photo spots. The Nan Lian Garden shows you a new perspective of Hong Kong. With colorful temples, green fields and a peaceful little lake, this gives you new photography opportunities.
Different to previous photography spots in Hong Kong, you can capture the religion and culture of the Cantonese people in the garden.
The best time for this spot:
any time during the day
The impressive architecture of Ping Shek Estate – a hidden spot for your camera in Hong Kong
This is a little “secret tip” for travellers and their camera in Hong Kong. The Ping Shek Estate does seem a little inconspicuous from outside, until you enter the center of the building. As a visitor, you are indeed allowed to “enter” the building and for the photo you do not need to access any private areas.
The unique view can be found in the center of the building. It might seem quite normal at first until you look up and spot the unique architecture. You do feel a little like in a deep shaft looking up into the blue sky.
Again, you have the choice between shooting a person or only the building itself. The perspective from below is unique in Hong Kong, so do not be afraid to lay on the ground for some incredibly city photography!
The best time for this spot:
any time during the day and preferably with a blue sky
The view from Braemar Hill – get closer to nature for this photography spot
Another unique place in Hong Kong can be found a little outside of the city center on Hong Kong island. The Braemar Hill is a beautiful area in the quiet and peaceful nature of Hong Kong. Locals go for hikes or their morning run to escape the city for a little while. And secretly hidden, you will find the Braemar Hill Lookout spot. It is the perfect spot for some unique photos of Hong Kong depicting a mixture between the green of nature and the crazy urban jungle in the background.
Braemar Hill is a great ohotography spot in Hong Kong for sunset but as well during the day, you can climb up the hill for a shooting. In order to reach Braemar Hill you need to take the bus to “Braemar Hill” and follow the signs on the road. The lookout point itself is a little hidden and you need to hike through a pretty deep forest to reach the top. But it is absolutely worth it! Make sure to bring good shoes though.
The best time for this spot:
during sunset or in the morning
Capture the Hong Kong traffic from a bridge
In urban photography, capturing the traffic can bring out extraordinary photos. Especially in a city as Hong Kong, this is a must if you are travelling with your camera. Make sure to find a good bridge from which you can overlook a pretty busy road and the traffic.
This can be a great photo idea both during the day and during the night. The typical Hong Kong Taxis in red are surprisingly photogenic, you´ll see!
Local life in the markets – one of the unique photography spots in Hong Kong
And last but not least some unique photography spots in Hong Kong are the markets. The city has countless of them in the streets and most are filled with locals getting their daily groceries and supplies. The markets can be a great place to capture the everyday life in Hong Kong and get a few shots from the locals themselves. The traditional markets give a great insight into the city away from the tourist roads.
This is made for travel photographers who seek to photograph off the beaten path and love the local life. Travel photographers know how valuable local places can be for capturing unique scenes. This is your chance!
The best time for this spot:
anytime during the day (especially in the morning)
More tips and know-hows for photographers in Hong Kong
Hong Kong really can be a photographer´s dream. The city offers not only different perspectives but as well multiple places which help you get new angles and insights into the life in the urban jungle. As a photographer you should be aware of the high temperatures during the summer and get ready for some early morning or night shootings. With different photography spots in Hong Kong, the city turns into a playground for travellers with a camera.
As well, the best tip is to be spontaneous. A big city holds millions of great photo opportunities. You simply need to see them and react fast. Especially on the streets and in the traffic, you can get some awesome shots if you pay attention.
Enjoy Hong Kong with your camera!
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