Top Instagram Spots in Hong Kong

17 February 2020

By Kung-fu, Hiking Enthusiast & Hong Kong Resident, Victor

Getting the perfect Hong Kong Instagram shot is easy - if you know where to go! Ever wondered where the Instagram pier in Hong Kong is, or where Hong Kong Instagrammers go to get a completely unique perspective of their city? Whatever the Hong Kong weather, from sunrise to sunset, these are the classic locations you'll want to photograph. From the Hong Kong Market where you can capture a gritty nocturnal street scene with its iconic neon street lights to Hong Kong hikes with a view, you’ll soon see that the city offers endless opportunities for photography. And with this guide to where to go, all you need to worry about is what Hong Kong Instagram hashtags you should use!

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Victoria Peak

The most renowned of the Hong Kong Instagram spots is of course the iconic Victoria Peak, where you’ll be able to take your stunning panorama of HK. But what you might not know is that there are a few secret spots up there that will get you a unique instagram shot that no one else on your feed has. When you reach the Peak, walk up for 20 minutes and you’ll reach Victoria Peak Gardens. This grassy area was transformed into a Chinese style garden after once being the site of one of the homes of the Governor of Hong Kong. Most tourists don’t venture so far so you’ll be surrounded by locals, and it makes a great place to get some alternative Victoria Peak insta shots from. The other local secret is Lugard Road, which is where you can capture the most magical sunrise peaking over the city. Try and come early mornings, or evening time when you can shoot the sun setting over the city’s glittering skyscrapers.

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Sham Shui Po

This pocket of Kowloon is an unpolished gem waiting for the right photographer. Gritty and unapologetically raw, you won’t find shiny skyscrapers and hoards of tourists here. Shoot iconic pictures of a fading Hong Kong - this is where old Chinese tenements and shophouses still remain. Climb Garden Hill, a 15 minute hike, at sunset and watch the light fade and neon lights of Kowloon start to burn. After the sun sets, this area becomes a nocturnal playground known for its street eats and bargain shopping, and is a short stroll from the Temple Street Night Market where you’ll be able to get some more insta-worthy night market shots!

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Sai Wan Swimming Shed

For a glimpse into vintage Hong Kong, head to Sai Wan swimming shed. In the early 20th century, the government built swimming sheds made of bamboo, as well as wooden piers along the shore, so locals could change and swim in the ocean more easily without having to navigating slippery rocks. Today it’s mainly the elderly who still use the Sai Wan shed and pier to swim, but the area is a popular local spot for sunsets. You’ll forget you’re in Hong Kong, this little piece of paradise is the perfect spot to capture golden hour and beyond, when the sun dips behind the ocean and the silhouettes of neighbouring islands sharpen on the horizon. Another shot for your feed which will have people wondering where you are!

Choi Hung Estate

Hong Kong’s estates, which are essentially huge housing blocks, all make for great photo opportunities. But the Choi Hung Estate is pretty special, thanks to its levels of multi-coloured cladding, and the fact that it’s one of the oldest in the city. Choi hung literally means “rainbow”, which will give you an idea of the riot of colour that greets you here. With it’s ombre rainbow hues and palm trees swaying in front of the (also brightly coloured) basketball courts, the block makes the perfect geometric shot.

Nathan Road

For that magical shot of what your eyes will trick you into believing are floating neon signs, head to Nathan Road. This is the main road of the Kowloon district, a gritty neighbourhood whose name means “nine dragons” - be careful they don’t swallow you whole! The crossroads between old and new Hong Kong, and the intersection between the more Western HK Island and mainland China, this neighbourhood will show you a more down to earth, ‘real’ snapshot of Hong Kong. Literally glowing with thousands of neon lights, Nathan Road is a frantic melting pot of street food stalls, hole-in-the-wall eateries and roadside shopping until well after midnight. Get the perfect nocturnal shot of neon signs afloat above steaming woks and locals drinking ice-cold beers art street side bars or down dingy alleyways.

Tai Tung Shan

Tai Tung Shan, or Sunset Peak as it’s also known is the third highest mountain in Hong Kong, which should tell you that the views from the top are pretty spectacular. But you’ll have to work for your picture; the mountain is located on Lantau Island, and the two hour hike to reach the summit isn’t exactly a walk in the park (I’d say it’s about above moderate level, so not for any first time hikers). If you reach the summit at sunset, you’ll be rewarded with a magical shot of mountains rising above the mist, or the golden sun as it dips behind the summit. The best part is there’s no crowds, and other hikers are pretty much all locals so you’ll have a shot that most tourists don’t get.