It’s no secret that Hong Kong has one of the most beautiful skylines in the world.
Towering skyscrapers, their reflection shimmering on Victoria Harbor, engulf on all sides. By day the lofty buildings are a reminder of just how many people cram into Hong Kong’s dense living spaces. By night the cosmopolitan city comes alive, its sparkling silhouette providing the most romantic of backgrounds for an evening stroll.
While exploring, we found ourselves stopping in our tracks again and again in an effort to absorb just a little more of the man-made beauty surrounding us.
Each vantage point offered a different perspective of the city, mixing old and new, history and progress. Add to that the boats slowly cruising by or the majestic Peak providing a natural contrast to the concrete, and it’s no wonder we were happy to spend hours wandering, cruising, hiking and dining with the view. Of course, taking it all in over a bottle of wine was also a must.
If you want to fully experience the splendor of the Hong Kong skyline, here are our top tips on where to go with your camera in tow:
Our six favorite places to photograph Hong Kong’s skyline:
1. International Commerce Center
Home to the tallest observation deck—Sky 100—in Hong Kong, the ICC offers breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. We chose to skip Sky 100 and went straight for the luxurious restaurants on the 102nd floor. If you happen to be with friends who are inquiring about it for a potential wedding venue *cough-us-cough* you can avoid the high prices on the menu. Alternatively, tea time offers a good value for the location.
2. International Finance Center
Located on the waterfront of Hong Kong Island, visiting the IFC provides stunning views of Kowloon. Head to the fourth floor—here you’ll find an outdoor area open to the public. Remember to bring a bottle of wine and watch as day turns to night. Conveniently, there is a CitySuper located in the basement so you can stock up on picnic wares perfect to accompany the view.
3. West Kowloon Promenade
Once home to a dockyard, this area is now a popular spot for runners. From here you can see more of the western side of Hong Kong Island’s renowned skyline. Even better, no one comes here, so enjoy the view without flocks of tourists. If we had the time we definitely would have returned here for an evening jog.
4. Avenue of Stars
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, this is Hong Kong’s version of the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While you may or may not have an interest in Asian celebrities, the promenade still warrants a walk for its location alongside Victoria Harbor, leading up to the Ferry Terminal. Upon the end of the strip, you’ll come to the observation deck for viewing Hong Kong’s nightly light show, A Symphony of Lights. It’s quite amazing how the entire skyline lights up in accordance to the song of the night; however, it is a brief show for the crowds it draws. Get there early to make sure you grab a spot up front.
5. Star Ferry
The Star Ferry is an iconic Hong Kong tourist attraction, but also a mode of public transportation for millions of passengers crossing Victoria Harbor every year. Riding the Star Ferry is as inexpensive as it gets (HK $3.70 on weekends; HK $2.70 on weekdays) and provides a unique perspective of both Hong Kong Island and Kowloon. Operating since 1888, riding the Star Ferry also offers a distinctly historical and cultural experience.
6. Victoria Peak
Unfortunately, we choose to summit Victoria Peak on the foggiest day we had in Hong Kong. Ordinarily, the Peak is known for its magnificent panorama of Hong Kong, with China stretching off in the distance. Judging from our glimpse within the fog, we’ll believe it. Victoria Peak also has many walking paths, as well as a famous tram shuttling tourists to the top of the Peak.
This is just the first of many Hong Kong posts to come. We loved the city so much more than we could have anticipated; it was definitely an amazing spot for our two year anniversary. Of course, now that we’re back, we can’t help but start thinking about year number 3.
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What’s your favorite skyline? Have you been blown away by any cityscapes?
Further Reading On Hong Kong
~ The No-Nonsense Guide to Hong Kong: Our travel tips to get you started in this energetic, unique and chaotic city.
~ In Search of the Best Views in Rio de Janeiro: Our hunt for the most photogenic spots in Rio.
This pictures are INCREDIBLE! Thank you for sharing your adventures!
Thanks!! I’m glad you like them :-)
I did not expect to find the HK skyline so mesmerizing either, but I feel for that beauty hard! Alas, we got sick half way through our time in HK, so we didn’t get to explore all these amazing ways to see the skyline in all its glory, but stuck to a ferry tour. It’s a place I really want to revisit one day, however, and when I do, I’m definitely going to check some of these out. I think my favorite are the shots you got from the International Commerce Center… I’m already married, but maybe I can talk to them about throwing an anniversary party… ;)
Steph (@ 20 Years Hence) recently posted…Sunday Sketchup: Motorcycles in Vietnam
Sorry you got sick. I hope you get the chance to have another go at it. The top of the ICC is full of class. Don’t be afraid to check out two or three restaurants so you don’t miss a thing :-p
Love the photos! I might be heading to HK as my best friend is teaching there for a year, the views look amazing. Although not a picture of the views, I particularly like the photo with the billboard (don’t think it’s the actual word for it) For clarification, it’s the seventh photo!
Naomi recently posted…Why I love Medellin
If you have any excuse to get to HK I would take it! It is a truly unique city. Casey is super excited you like the billboard photo!! It was one of the three shots she took on the entire trip compared to my 1,584 :-p
I have to admit that these skylines are quite impressing. We haven’t been to HK yet so these tips on where to get the best views will definitely be useful once we get there. Thank you so much for sharing them with us :)
Franca recently posted…Shanghai Mansion Boutique Hotel, Bangkok
The city is quite the sight to take in. I hope you make it to HK soon, it is a unique experience for sure. Thanks for stopping by!
Wow! Stumbled upon your blog! And I was glad! The skyline – both daytime and night shots are gorgeous! Particularly loved the night shot under Avenue of stars!
We’re glad too :-) Thanks for the kind words. The daytime skyline is impressive but the city really comes alive at night. A Symphony of Lights knows how to show off the city in style.
I love your photography! Thanks for the tips. The Hong Kong Skyline looks amazing in your photos.
Laura @Travelocafe recently posted…The Real Cost of Trekking the Inca Trail
Thanks for the feedback! It’s always encouraging to hear. I’m glad you liked ’em!
I have never been to Hong Kong, but now I really ant to go and due to your tips I aso know where to put my camera at work. :)
James recently posted…3 Travel Tips for Backpackers
I hope you get the chance to check it out! Just make sure you bring an extra memory card (or two) for all the photos :-p
Great pictures, well done. I like the idea of having some foreground interest with the skyline slightly blurred in the background… a kind of after-thought, if you like. :)
A Luxury Travel Blog recently posted…The ultimate guide to successful packing
Thanks, I’m glad you enjoyed the pics. I like the idea of faded backgrounds for portraits as well. It’s not always about where you are, but who you’re with ;-)
What fabulous photos! I’ve always wanted to visit Hong Kong especially for the cityscapes but you’ve made me quite determined now. My favourite skyline and cityscape will always be Johannesburg, South Africa.
Mandy recently posted…Falling in Love With Mostar
Thank you! So happy to hear that. We’ve yet to visit South Africa, but we have a ton of South African friends who also live in Taiwan. We’re quite keen now to add South Africa to our destination list, although I’ve never thought about the skyline before! We’ll definitely remember that if we go to Johanneburg-thanks!
I had no idea Hong Kong was so beautiful! These pictures are fantastic- I could have looked at all 100 of your photos, I’m sure. Oh, and happy anniversary!! :)
Megan recently posted…I Ran my First Half Marathon and Didn’t Die!
Thank you so much! We didn’t expect Hong Kong to be so beautiful either, so we were quite impressed. Also, congrats on your first half marathon! We’re currently training for our second marathon, although this time around we’re lacking a bit in motivation. You’ve inspired us to go out and do our long run now :-)
Wow, brilliant photos guys! The last one is my favourite one. I took exactly the same one when we were hiking together with my French friends. What a view, simply breath-taking. You look so lovely together!
Agness recently posted…My 10 Favourite Polish Food I’m Missing So Badly in China
Thank you so much! We were so grateful that the sun came out a bit so we could actually appreciate the view from up there. I imagine it is just amazing on a clear day! If we ever go back we definitely want to spend more time hiking in the area.
That’s the kind of skyline that just begs to be photographed. I’d have done the same thing too and taken a gazillion pics!
jill recently posted…Canada Adventure: Ontario and Quebec
It really is hard to put the camera down. Gotta love a good skyline. Do you have a personal favorite?
Fabulous photos, i love it ! I might have the chance to visit Hong Kong later this year, I’m even more looking forward to that now after having seen these amazing photos.
Freya recently posted…Inca Trail Day 2 – Dead Woman’s Pass
I hope you get the opportunity to go! I’m glad we could get you excited. :-) Thanks for stopping by!
Great pics guys, love the hints for where to take these shots. Hong Kong is one of my favorite cities and it has one of the most impressive skylines on earth.
Ed Graham recently posted…How to Travel on The Trans Siberian Railway
Thanks so much Ed. We’re quite honored to have your favorable opinion… I was just telling Casey earlier today that I can’t stop reading your e-book From the Camera to the Computer. It is pretty hard to beat the Hong Kong skyline.
Ah that’s great to hear, I’m flattered!
Ed Graham recently posted…How to Travel on The Trans Siberian Railway
what a wonderful trip~
Thank you, it really was! :-)
Great photos! Too bad I could only make it to Victoria peak at evening and it was raining so my photos suck. But it’s still pretty easy to take photos from Avenue of stars and even do some great panoramas as well.
Mario recently posted…How to get tons of free bonus space for your dropbox account
Thanks Mario! We were lucky to have about 3 seconds of view before the fog covered everything again :-p The Avenue of Stars offers amazing views across the harbor during the day and at night.
Great pictures! It’s funny because they are just manmade buildings at the end of the day, but they are so mesmerizing. Of course I want to go to Hong Kong for the culture and the food and the history, but that skyline is probably #1 on my list, and thanks for the ideas on how to shoot it!
Hey! I’ve used one of your photos – the ferry crossing one – obviously I’ve fully credited you, but let me know if you have any problems with me reposting it! BEAUTIFUL photos by the way! <3