Instagrammable Hong Kong: The top spots in the SAR (…that have nothing to do with food)
Amadou
Hong Kong’s an Instagrammers paradise. Think I’m kidding? I dare you to go on the app and search the hashtag #HongKong, nearly 14 million shots and videos have been snapped and shared on the site. Now while most of them are of course people’s food, drinks, lazy pets and awkwardly posing selfies, you’ll also find a few gems that capture this city in all its Valencia-filtered glory. People might tell you only restaurants and cafes are worthy of your Instagram addiction. But there’s so much more. Check out below these top locations in the SAR that’s sure to make your friends #jealous:
Location #1: Cheung Chau
Probably one of the most underrated outer islands in Hong Kong. Cheung Chau’s an island like no other in the city. It’s sleepy, unpretentious and really one of the best places to see the non-skyscraper side of Hong Kong. Good luck finding a building over 4 stories here! So why is this place so Instagrammable? First you’ve got an awesome stream of fishing boats along the pier, nature trails and the island’s popular Tung Wan Beach. Top tip: The island’s annual Bun Festival in celebration of Buddha’s Birthday’s the IT time to get your Instagramming fix. A bunch of people climbing 10+ metre towers made of buns for glory? #Priceless.
How to get there:
Regular ferry service from Central Ferry Pier
Ferry schedule available here:
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Location #2: Sha Tin Wai Village
I know what you’re thinking…seriously, Sha Tin? Just hear me out. On the surface, Sha Tin is pretty much another one of Hong Kong’s concrete, high-rise jungles. But you’d probably never guess that there’s a little walled village complexes there dating back hundreds of years, would you? There is! Sha Tin Wai village doesn’t look like much from the narrow entry. But once inside, you’ll feel like you stepped back in time.
How to get there:
Take the MTR East Rail Line to Sha Tin Wai station then catch a cab to Tsung Tai Uk walled village.
Courtesy of Google
Courtesy of Google
Courtesy of Google
Location 3: Man Mo Temple
One of the easiest Instagrammable places you can visit, Man Mo Temple is one of the few remaining and still active temples left on Hong Kong island. Dating back all the way to the 19th century, when it used to serve as a meeting point for Hong Kong’s Chinese population. Today, you’re more likely to find dudes burning incense coils and saying prayers rather joining in on philosophical debate. So why’s it worthy of Instagram? Check out the photos below.
How to get there:
Get to Sheung Wan on Hong Kong Island, then walk up to Hollywood Road. Man Mo Temple’s located on the corner of Hollywood and Ladder Street.
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Location 4: Wong Chuk Hang
The warehouse galleries, Ocean Park, quiet fishing village, what’s not to love about Wong Chuk Hang? The city’s fastest up and coming district’s got loads of opportunities to quench your Instagramming thirst. And once you’ve braved the neighborhood’s streets, one final shot you can’t miss is of the mountains looking out to Deepwater Bay! So how do you get that money-shot? Make a visit to Ovolo Southside hotel’s rooftop bar ABOVE
How to get there:
Regular cab service through the city. From Central, buses 70, 75, 90 and 97 will also take you there. Also upcoming Wong Chuk Hang MTR station opening soon!
Courtesy of @OvoloHotels on Instagram
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Location 5: Sai Wan Pier
Fancy yourself a deep thinker? Does your Tinder profile read you like long walks by the water and you love dogs? This spot is just for you. Located on HK island’s Western District, the Sai Wan Pier (a.k.a. Instagram Pier) offers one the best, tranquil spots to relax, reflect and get an awesome Instagrammable shot of the harbour right by the water!
Check out some of the spots here, and don’t forget to use the tag when checking in: @InstagramPier
How to get there:
Take the island MTR to HKU or Kennedy Town station and follow signs to the Kennedy Town Praya.
Courtesy of Pictagram
Courtesy of BG Photography
Courtesy of EdwardKB.blogspot.com
Location 6: The Peak
Because, duh? Night or Day, you can’t beat it. But for that real perfect shot on the Peak, you’ll probably wanna whip out the selfie stick ;-)
How to get there:
The Peak Tram or Taxi
Special Tip:
Wanna avoid the crowds up to the Peak? Take a Green Mini bus! You’ll find Minibus #1 under IFC will take you straight up to the top.
Courtesy of Flickr
Courtesy of Flickr
Amadou is an American-raised, Hong Kong-based writer, communicator, and all-around lover of travel & food. He speaks four foreign languages and loves recommending new and exciting things to people whenever they go somewhere new. When not managing his day job, you’ll probably find him at a happy hour or at the park with his Maltese Terrier, Maxx.