Top Instagram Spots in Hong Kong

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 navigate 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!

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-colored 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 color that greets you here. With its ombre rainbow hues and palm trees swaying in front of the (also brightly colored) basketball courts, the block makes the perfect geometric shot.

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, or Sunset Peak as it’s also known as is the third highest mountain in Hong Kong, 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 are no crowds, and other hikers are pretty much all locals so you’ll have a shot that most tourists don’t get.