Hong Kong at daytime is one giant playground for photographers. But then there’s Hong Kong at nighttime. It’s an experience unlike anything else. As the night sets in, Hong Kong takes on a futuristic feel that is reminiscent of neo-noir science fiction. As my friend Thomas Marzano pointed out to me, director Ridley Scott’s vision for his movie classic ‘Blade Runner’ was largely inspired by his memories of Hong Kong – and it’s not hard to see why. There’s something dreamlike about the endless arrays of high-rise buildings, steeped in neon light. Here are five places you won’t want to miss on your Hong Kong night photography adventures.

As the night sets in, Hong Kong takes on a futuristic feel that is reminiscent of neo-noir science fiction.

1. Quarry Bay

Our Hong Kong night photography tour starts at the by-now famous apartment buildings of Quarry Bay, in the Eastern district of Hong Kong Island. I went there during the day and again at nighttime, and I preferred my night photos. Sure, some of these photos have been taken many times before, but there’s a reason for that. Make sure to bring a tripod and an L bracket, so you can easily turn your camera upwards for long-exposure shots.

How to get there
Take the subway to Quarry Bay station, follow King’s Road in southern direction, and then turn right at Quarry Bay Street. Here you will find the apartment buildings you are looking for: Montane Mansion, Yick Cheong Building, and Fok Cheong Building.

Hong Kong Quarry Bay
Hong Kong Quarry Bay at night
Hong Kong Quarry Bay at night

2. Garden Hill Shek Kip Mei

Also a favourite spot among local photographers, but maybe less well known to visitors, is Garden Hill in Shek Kip Mei. The hill provides unique city views that are stunningly rich in detail. I stood there for two hours, listening to some of my favourite music, and I felt like I was almost in a trance. You’ll see why. Don’t forget to bring your telelens (up to 200 mm will do just fine). And make sure to arrive there early if you want to capture the sunset. It can get a bit crowded.

How to get there
Take the subway to Sham Sui Po and follow Pak Tin Street in northern direction. Turn left at the intersection with Berwick Street and you will see a path that leads right up the hill. It’s a short climb to the top (just a couple of hundreds of meters).

Hong Kong Garden Hill Shep Kip Mei
Hong Kong Garden Hill Shep Kip Mei

3. Braemar Hill

A more challenging spot to find is a somewhat hidden lookout point on Braemar Hill. I struggled to find it and was lucky enough to notice a fellow photographer standing on a rock. Again, bring your telelens for the best results. Some of the nighttimes scenes from up there are incredible. Sunset is not bad either. Please note, though, that Hong Kong air pollution can severely hamper visibility.

How to get there
Take the subway to Fortress Hill. Follow street directions towards Braemar Hill Road and then enter the path on your right when you get to the end of Braemar Hill Road. For your convenience, I have added a little map here – that blue dot is where you want to go. I used the Galileo app to navigate around the hill, and I highly recommend it for offline GPS tracking in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Braemar Hill
hong kong nightscape
hong kong nightscape

4. Lugard Road, Victoria’s Peak

The Peak Lookout, Hong Kong’s most famous landmark, is obviously going to be one anyone’s list for Hong Kong night photography. However, here’s a better idea for you: when you get to the Peak Tower, turn right and follow Lugard Road. Less touristy, less crowded. After a couple of hundreds of meters, you’ll get to a spot where you can take some of the best nighttime (or daytime) photos of the Hong Kong skyline. Please bear in mind that you might not get a clear view because of air pollution in Hong Kong.

How to get there
Whoops, I think I just spoiled that one already.

Hong Kong at night

5. The streets of Central Hong Kong Island

Your collection of Hong Kong night photography will not be complete if you don’t get lost in the labyrinthian streets of central Hong Kong at least once. I got lost even WITH a map (I know what you’re thinking right now). But there’s a reason for everything: while I had no idea where I was going, I was lucky enough to shoot one of my all-time favourite nighttime photos. It is far from technically perfect, but for me, this photo captured the essence of Hong Kong: its style, its elegance, and just the wonder of it all.

How to get there
Take the subway to Central station. Start walking in western direction, forget about your map for a minute, and enjoy your nighttime adventure!

Hong Kong Island

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