‘If it isn’t on Instagram, it didn’t happen‘. So, when everything’s made for the ‘gram, why shouldn’t we judge a book by its cover? If you’re looking for the most Instagrammable cities in the world for your next getaway without having travelled to Hong Kong, stop your search right away. A place where picturesque landscapes meet exotic cultures – Hong Kong is a visual spectacle meant to be flaunted on your Instagram feed. And if you need help scouring through these Instagram-worthy spots, we’ve got you covered. Check out the 15 aesthetically remarkable places in Hong Kong that’ll elevate your Instagram feed.
Apart from the extravagant skyscrapers and bustling streets, Hong Kong boasts vast natural spaces untainted by modernity and exquisite architecture that’ll blow your senses. You’ll be swept away by the scenic sunset spots, exquisite Michelin-star dining places, spellbinding cycling and hiking routes, funky art galleries and museums, dramatic skyline, temples and caves in their ancient glory and more – all making the cosmopolitan Instagram’s darling. Not to miss Victoria Harbour, where the skyline meets the horizon to form a sight so ethereal.
To sort your travel itinerary, check out our guide to the most beautiful places in Hong Kong that’ll grant you the most stunning photos worthy of Instagram.
Most beautiful places in Hong Kong to elevate your Instagram feed
1. Victoria Peak Garden
View this post on Instagram
Hongkongers, you know we all love to bask in the European-inspired pavilions, pagodas, winding paths as well as lawns at the Victoria Peak Garden. Did you know that this garden (erstwhile called the Gardens for Mountain Lodge) was originally the summer residence of the Governor of Hong Kong?
A relaxing open space that’s just a 10-minute walk away from Peak Towers on Mount Victoria, the Peak Garden is perfect for enjoying the bounty of nature with your family/ friends. The best part? It’s also pet-friendly. It also offers splendid views of both the West and South of Hong Kong Island, which you won’t be able to witness through the Peak Tower or the Peak Galleria. If you’re looking for respite from the tiring tourist activity or just need a break from city life, this is the place to be.
Location: Mount Austin Road, The Peak, Hong Kong
How to reach: The best way to come here is via the Peak Tram. It will drop you to The Peak after which you’ll have to walk for 10 minutes to reach the garden.
Best time to visit: October to December
2. Man Mo Temple
View this post on Instagram
Immerse yourself in a great historical and spiritual experience at the Man Mo temple. Located mid-way on your journey to Victoria Peak, this monument was built in the 1800s as a homage to Man, the God of Literature, as well as Mo, the God of War. Offer prayers alongside other worshippers and students as you unravel facets of the city’s cultural heritage.
As for all Instagram enthusiasts, its traditional and bold red-golden interiors gleaming with the stroke of sunlight will invoke your senses. Adding to its beauty are the traditional spiral incense coils hung upside-down from the ceiling, giving it an old-world charm you have to capture.
Location: Man Mo Temple, 124-130 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
How to reach: The easiest way is to take the Central—Mid-Level Escalator to Hollywood Road. Moreover, you can easily get a taxi ride from anywhere in Hong Kong.
Opening hours: 8 am to 6 pm
3. Art Lane in Sai Ying Pun
View this post on Instagram
Whether you’re an art connoisseur or not, Hong Kong’s street art marvel aka the Art Lane will make your jaw drop. And we bet that you’ll spend endless hours clicking Instagrammable pictures at every nook and corner. Art Lane came into being in an attempt to revamp two old and deadbeat buildings: Ki Ling Lane as well as Chung Ching Street. Local as well as international artists spilt their creativity to give this space an artsy facelift. If you’re looking to explore a gram-worthy neighbourhood in Hong Kong, you know where to head.
Location: ARTLANE, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong Island
How to reach: Board the MTR to Sai Ying Pun station. Make your way to Exit B3 and you’ll see the bright alleyways.
4. Kam Tin Mural Village
View this post on Instagram
In the town of Yuen Long in the New Territories lies the famous Kam Tin Mural Village. Boasting a rich history, the village makes for a rejuvenating spot to enjoy some coffee, indulge in shopping or just admire and photograph the vibrant murals.
There’s an interesting story behind how the village’s marvellous murals came into being. Local secondary school art teacher Kwok Yin-ming was inspired by the mural trend in South Korea and in a quest to build something similar in the town, visited the homes of villagers and residents to seek their approval for painting the walls. The creative work started in 2017, as several students, as well as volunteers, painted gorgeous murals in Kam Tin. A testament to Hongkongers’ creative spirit and zeal, the Kam Tin Mural Village has to be on your list.
Location: Kam Tin Village, Yuen Long, Hong Kong
How to reach: Get on the MTR from Austin Station to Kam Sheung Road Station. A short walk will lead you to the village.
5. Cape D’Aguilar
View this post on Instagram
On the southeastern tip of Hong Kong lies the beautiful peninsula called Cape D’Aguilar or Hok Tsui. The peninsula offers a couple of the most picturesque spots on the island: stunning coastal trails, Instagram-worthy caves, rock formations, World War 2 remnants as well as Hong Kong’s oldest lighthouse.
If you’re an adventure junkie, hike your way to the peninsula and discover pieces of the city’s military and marine history along the way. The 8km stretch can be easily covered in two hours as there are mostly flat, easy-to-navigate paths. Click Insta-worthy shots by sunset and make your way home by dinnertime.
Location: Southeastern tip of Hong Kong Island
How to get there: You can either take bus number 9 or the Shek O beach minibus from Shau Kei Wan MTR exit A3. During weekends, there’s also the 9X express bus that starts from Star Ferry or Central Exchange Square. Please note that many of these may skip Cape D’Aguilar and take you straight to Shek O Beach. So only board the buses going via Cape D’Aguilar.
6. Quarry Bay ‘Monster Building’
View this post on Instagram
The Yik Cheong Building, popularly called the Monster Building comprises five huge, interconnected towers built in the 1960s, displaying Hong Kong’s urban density. The busy streets are crowded with people and skyscrapers, making it nothing less than a concrete yet vibrant jungle.
The Yik Cheong Building and Montane Mansion have been featured in Hollywood blockbusters like Ghost in the Shell as well as Transformers: Age of Extinction. Hence, Instagrammers famously dubbed it the ‘Monster Building’. Owing to its popularity, there’s even a banner telling visitors to ask permission before clicking pictures. However, feel free to ignore it.
Location: King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
How to get there: Get down at the Quarry Bay MTR Station using exit A. Walk along King’s Road toward Tai Koo.
7. Nan Lian Garden
View this post on Instagram
Right next to the Chi Lin Nunnery in Diamond Hill lies the Tang Dynasty-style garden, Nan Lian. The bounty of nature is spread across 3.5 hectares, the garden is filled with unique timber structures, rock clusters as well as massive old trees. After clicking some content for your Instagram, you can head to the souvenir shop, vegetarian food restaurant or Chinese tea house – all located within Nian Lin.
Location: 60 Fung Tak Road, Diamond Hill, Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon
How to get there: Get down at the Diamond Hill MTR Station using Exit C2.
Opening hours: 7 am to 9 pm
7 Spots Offering The Best View Of Fireworks In Hong Kong
Stargazing In Hong Kong: 8 Spots Offering A Stunning View Of The Sky
8. Harbour City carpark
View this post on Instagram
Indulge in a shopping spree, satiate your gluttonous souls or put your photography skills to use as you watch the sunset at the famous Harbour City mall that’s right by the Victoria Harbour. Did you know that Harbour City has about 450 shops, 70 food and beverage outlets, an art gallery, an observatory deck, two hotels as well as a cruise terminal all under one roof? After spending the day at the mall, we suggest you head to the roof of the multi-storey car park to capture the soothing sunset views. Moreover, the carpark is also a great spot to witness the Hong Kong light show.
Location: 3-27 Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take the star ferry from Hong Kong Central or Wan Chai and get off at Tsim Sha Tsui.
Opening hours: 10 am to 10 pm
9. Lok Wah South Estate
View this post on Instagram
One of the beloved and beautiful places in Hong Kong, Lok Wah South Estate boasts many fun and quirky elements to perk up your photoshoot sessions and your Instagram feed. The roof of the parking garage at Lok Wah is especially the most photogenic spot. The roof’s eccentric design is covered with turquoise-coloured concentric circles that make for a fascinating backdrop.
K-pop lovers, Lok Wah South Estate will especially appeal to you. Did you know that this spot has also been featured in popular Korean boyband Got7’s You Are music video? We recommend you head there on a sunny day to get the dynamic shot of your dreams.
Location: Lok Wah South Estate, 70 Chun Wah Road, Ngau Tau Kok, Hong Kong
How to get there: The best way is to take the subway from Ho Man Tin to Kowloon Bay Kwun Tong.
10. K11 Musea
View this post on Instagram
K11 Musea offers an otherworldly experience with its immaculate interiors. The artsy mall is one of the hottest and most beautiful places in Hong Kong, dubbed as the ‘Silicon Valley of culture’. The modern and artistic wooden/ rustic hues and curvy interiors are inspired by nature and Hong Kong’s cityscape. A place where creativity, culture and innovation amalgamate, K11 Musea is your one-stop destination to experience retail, art, culture, entertainment and gastronomy all in one place.
For the best Insta-shots, the rooftop garden featuring a giant peacock slide and the golden sphere are a must-visit in the complex. Lastly, you can capture the panoramic views of Victoria Harbour as you head out.
Location: 18 Salisbury Rd, Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
How to get there: Get down at the East Tsim Sha Tsui MTR Station and use the Exit J1 or J2 to reach K11 Musea.
11. Sai Wan Swimming Shed
View this post on Instagram
Crashing waves, seaside views as well as sunset hues – this small wooden dock leading up to the ocean has become an internet sensation. Capture alluring snapshots of the skyscrapers, and neon light-lit harbours as the sun dawns upon the ocean at Hong Kong’s best-kept secret spot to capture the sunset. Sai Wan Swimming Shed is said to be the city’s last remaining watershed, which was earlier visited by locals to find respite from the city life and take a rejuvenating dip in the sea. Nowadays, it has become one of the revered and beautiful places in Hong Kong worthy of your Instagram feed.
Location: Victoria Rd, Mount Davis, Hong Kong
How to get there: Sai Wan Swimming Shed is located near Kennedy Town MTR station. Get down at the station via Exit A, and you’ll find the green Minibus No 58, 58 A or 59, that’ll get you there.
12. Tai Kwun
View this post on Instagram
Tai Kwun is the cultural heart of Hong Kong, a place where heritage, culture and art collide. A former police compound, Tai Kwun was brought back to glory as an art and cultural space, with modern buildings enhancing the architecture. The area accommodates 16 revamped heritage buildings, including the former Central Police Station, Central Magistracy, Victoria Prison as well as the contemporary JC building. In this blend of traditional meets modern, you’ll find many Instagrammable spots.
Moreover, visitors can experience visual arts, music and theatre performances, film screenings, or visit the contemporary arts centre. There’s so much to explore and capture at this heritage-arts venue. You can visit Tai Kwun’s website for information regarding their exhibitions and programmes and book your tickets in advance.
Location: 10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong
How to get there: Get down at the Central MTR Station via Exit D1. Walk towards Sheung Wan along Queen’s Road Central and turn left at the junction with Queen Victoria Street, to reach Tai Kwun via the escalator in 100QRC and the Central to Mid-Levels Escalator.
Opening hours: 8 am to 11 pm
13. Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
View this post on Instagram
Contrary to the name, you won’t find 10,000 monks living here. Instead, the place gets its name from the over ten thousand stunning golden Buddha statues, sitting beautifully on either side of the 430-step staircase that leads up to the monastery. The site consists of 5 temples, 4 pavilions as well as 1 pagoda – all situated atop a mountain offering peaceful respite from the city and the best panoramic views of Sha Tin and the New Territories. Anyone fascinated with aesthetics will have plenty of remarkable views to capture.
Location: Sha Tin, Hong Kong, at 220 Pai Tau Village
How to get there: Get down at the Sha Tin MTR station via Exit B. Make your way through the Pai Tau Village watching the quaint houses. Finally, turn left at Pau Tai Street, then take the first right onto Sheung Wo Che Road.
Opening hours: 9 am to 5 pm
14. Aircraft Maintenance Area at Hong Kong International Airport
View this post on Instagram
Aviators and photography lovers assemble. The Hong Kong International Airport Maintenance Area offers the ultimate sea views as well as the sights of planes taking off into the clear skies. The best time to visit the spot is during the golden hour, to shoot sunsets and the aeroplanes merging with the melting light.
Location: Chek Lap Kok, Hong Kong
How to get there: Take bus no S52 at Yat Tung Estate or Tung Chung Town Centre Bus Terminus and get off at the Aircraft Maintenance Area bus terminus.
15. Lin Ma Hang Caves
View this post on Instagram
Rounding up the list of the most beautiful places in Hong Kong to uplift your Instagram feed are the mystical Lin Ma Hand Caves. A hidden gem around the New Territories, Lin Ma Hang Caves is a hiking destination that’s not for the faint-hearted. A long and demanding hike in the lap of nature will lead you into these caves, and you will find many gram-worthy spots along the trail. A once forbidden spot, Lin Ma Hang Caves is now open but comes with many warning signs. Exercise caution as your safety is in your own hands.
Location: Lin Ma Hang, Sha Tau Kok, New Territories, Hong Kong
How to get there:
- Catch minibus 52K or 79K from Sheung Shui Station or Fanling Station to the last police checkpoint.
- Then, walk along the access road towards Lin Ma Hang Village.
- As you approach the village, look for stairs to your left before entering.
- This will take you up to the green Macintosh Fort.
- Finally, you can go for a hike from here towards the caves.
So, add these beautiful places in Hong Kong to your travel itinerary now for a stunning Instagram feed!
26 Beautiful Bars Around The World That Are Perfect For Your Instagram Grid
Want To Visit Pandora In ‘Avatar’? These 10 Real-World Places Are Just Like The Extrasolar Moon
(Hero and feature image credit: discoverhongkong/ Instagram)
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Hong Kong
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The best time to visit Victoria Peak for photos is around an hour before sunset. This golden hour time offers the best Insta-worthy backdrop.
You can visit Sheung Wan, Nan Lian Garden and Victoria Peak Garden to explore great photo spots in Hong Kong.
Some of the most Instagrammable restaurants in Hong Kong include Argo, Billow and Estro.
The Peak Trail, Dragon's Back Trail, Maclehose Trail, Monkey Trail Hike, are some of the most scenic Hiking trails in Hong Kong.
The best time to visit Hong Kong is from October to mid-May.
The basic and most important etiquette while clicking pictures is being respectful of the people around you. Maintain decorum in public spaces and don't make others around you uncomfortable.
