It’s difficult to narrow down what you should do on a trip to busy Hong Kong but if your sightseeing revolves around getting the best shots for your social media accounts, you’ve come to the right place
1. The Aqua Luna II
Chinese junk boat, the Aqua Luna II (see above) sails around Victoria Harbour displaying the magnificent Chinese icon from the Ming Dynasty – the imperial blue and white dragon. In the evening, guests can relax on lounge beds while drinking cocktails and enjoying Hong Kong’s shining skyline; the day-time hop-on-hop-off discovery tour offers plenty of opportunities for Instagram snaps.
2. Temple Street Night Market
Traders and fortune tellers alike gather around the Tin Hau temple as the sun goes down. The buzzing street has appeared in many movies set in Hong Kong and with incredible street food and a brilliant vibe, you’ll recreate your screen-worthy moment in no time. Lights, camera, action!
3. Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong
For views of the famous Victoria Harbour and the city’s skyline, head to the 5-star Mandarin Oriental Hotel. You don’t even have to book a room to get that Instagramable shot – simply visit one of their dining outlets for a bite to eat. They range from the Michelin star modern European restaurant Mandarin Grill + Bar to the casual Café Causette.
4. Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark
Hong Kong Geopark is a truly stunning escape from the city. Just take an hour’s boat ride from Sai Kung to reach the High Island Reservoir area. It’s known for its beautiful greenery, cool cliffs, and even wildlife photo opportunities.
5. Cé La Vi Hong Kong
For an excellent view from within the city, Cé La Vi is a great option, day or night. The Sky Deck offers 360-degree views of the surrounding skyscrapers and is an excellent choice to start the day with yoga, or see in the evening with a few drinks during their Sunset Sessions above the Lan Kwai Fong neighbourhood.
6. Aqua
With its floor-to-ceiling windows (main photo), this venue in Tsim Sha Tsui offers some of the best views of Hong Kong island. Located at One Peking, the concept by restaurateur David Yeo has been recreated in London and Beijing, but nothing is quite like its home in Hong Kong. While enjoying the best of Japanese and Italian dishes, visitors get a 180-degree view of the skyline which makes it the ideal social media post.
7. Big Buddha, Lantau Island
The Tian Tan Buddha (also known as the Big Buddha) statue on Lantau Island was completed in 1993. Located at Ngong Ping, it’s an attraction loved by Buddhist pilgrims and tourists alike and is the second largest outdoor sitting Buddha in the world. At 34m high, it makes a striking image. However, the statue and its vicinity are currently undergoing renovations and will be closed during the maintenance period. Please check the website of Po Lin Monastery for updates.
8. Tsz Shan Monastery
For a calm moment in your Hong Kong trip, visit the Tsz Shan Monastery; a modern build from Hong Kong business magnate Li Ka-shing, one of the richest men in the world. Spread over 500,000 sq ft, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to take a great snap but you may not even have to go inside to get the best one of all – photography is not allowed in the monastery’s halls. The 76m-tall Goddess of Compassion (Guan Yin) is twice the height of the Big Buddha on Lantau Island and can be seen from miles away.
9. Hong Kong Disneyland
Just like any Disneyland location, the Hong Kong version has many photo opportunities but differs with its scenic and hilly landscape, plus its Asian architecture that appears more modern than the Orlando and Paris locations. Take snaps with the famous Disney characters, shoot a selfie on one of the rides and use just about any corner of the park as your Instagram backdrop. But make sure you stay for the fireworks show in front of the castle at night – it makes a brilliant picture.
10. Clock Tower
While the Kowloon-Canton Railway is no more, the Clock Tower, which was built in 1915, remains. The 44m-tall Declared Monument serves as a reminder of the millions of Chinese immigrants that passed through to begin new lives in the modern age. Join the many in posing in front of it for a cool Instagram shot.
Please check the establishments’ respective websites for opening hours before visiting, and remember to adhere to safe-distancing measures while out and about.
The information is accurate as of press time. For updated information, please refer to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ website.
To learn more about Singapore Airlines flights, visit singaporeair.com.
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings on 3 August 2017.
