An Instagrammer's Guide to Hong Kong

By Jordan Hammond

From the colorful city lights of Kowloon to the breathtaking hikes on Lantau Island, Hong Kong is much more than an urban jungle. In fact, 40 percent of the land in Hong Kong is made up of country parks and nature reserves across 263 islands in the territory. With its combination of angular skyscrapers and lush greenery, Hong Kong has become increasingly popular in the photography community over the past few years. You’d be hard pressed to go on Instagram without seeing professional photos of this unique world city. With its relatively small area and fantastic public transport network, Hong Kong is the Instagrammer’s paradise.

Quarry Bay

Quarry Bay was once the most popular beach destination in Hong Kong, but today the main attraction is the cramped architecture. Perhaps the most well-known of all the urban photography spots in Hong Kong, Quarry Bay is a residential area of incredible stacked apartments. The urban density here is a mirage of colors and lines. Tourists flock to the area to get their Instagram snaps.

Tsim Sha Tsui

My favorite place to watch the sun set in Hong Kong, Tsim Sha Tsui, has an excellent view of Victoria Harbor and is regularly paraded by traditional junk boats. These wooden sailing ships were once used by merchants to carry goods into and throughout China and have been used since the 2nd century. Today the junk boats of Hong Kong are predominantly used for tourists, but that doesn’t make them any less photogenic.

Lion Rock

The grueling hike to Lion Rock is worth it when you witness the view from the top. Located in the New Territories of Hong Kong, the rock gives expansive views of the city below. I would recommend hiking up just before sunset to watch the city turn to darkness from the top. Photographing the layers of the buildings really gives you an appreciation for just how densely populated Hong Kong really is.

East Dam

East Dam is in Sai Kung, in the east of Hong Kong, and is worlds apart from the city center. Quaint fishing villages and beaches are scattered throughout the area, and there are some great photography locations. The Dolosse blocks will be of particular interest to photographers, an interesting mix with the curious geology of the surrounding mountains, hewn for this gigantic industrial project.

Instagram Pier

This area of waterfront close to Hong Kong University has become a hot spot for hashtag happy Instagrammers. The industrial back drop, as well as the view over to Tsim Sha Tsui, is an easy shot with an interesting skyline. I love going down to the pier at sunrise to capture the locals starting their day.