Travel Photos: Hong Kong Island and Kowloon For Photographers

I never get tired of visiting Hong Kong.  All of my epic backpacking journeys across Asia have started and finished in a city I’d one day love to base myself someday possibly as an ESL teacher in China.  My most recent journey was back in 2011 when I finished my nearly one year tour of Asia.

Hardly uneventful, I ended up breaking my dSLR, losing an important document and enduring torrential downpours during my nearly one week stay; however, I still managed to make the most of my time.

It’s a city that tantalizes anyone who dares to venture around at any time of day.  One can immerse themselves fully in the madness of what is going on at street level or retreat to one of the nearby parks that offer a solitary refuge.

It’s a city worth exploring.  The following a photo essay capturing some of those magic moments:

The Bruce Lee statue looms larger than life along the Avenue of Stars in Kowloon.  It’s by far the most iconic statue that is along this popular pedestrian strip where tourists and locals flock for great views of Hong Kong Island at any time of day.

Photo Essay: Hong Kong Travel Pictures

Part of the appeal of Hong Kong are the local markets scattered throughout the city.  This particular market specialized in fish.

Kowloon really offers gorgeous colours and views around sunset.  I snapped this photo around sunset when most others were commuting home or going out for dinner.  As a travel photography tip, getting up early and staying around a bit later (when others typically are eating dinner) are when you’re going to get the best light for taking photos.

One can’t help but marvel at the stunning architecture that dominates the Hong Kong skyline.  At night it truly shines as the buildings are illuminated.  Where I stayed at in my hostel in Causeway Bay, I had easy walking access to this area.  Had I stayed longer I would have wanted more privacy and personal space, there were some really cool apartments in Hong Kong and I heard that wimdu.com is great for short term rentals.

As I mentioned previously, I’m a sucker for local markets and this photo is of some exotic fruits being sold on the street.

As a highly advanced technological society, the citizens of Hong Kong are often seen using the latest cutting edge cellphones.

A photo essay of some candid portraits are a hallmark of my style of photography.  In this photo, a group of ladies laugh hysterically.  I remember this scene like it was yesterday because it was nearby where I was staying that was located next to some great local apartments that I one day would enjoy basing myself.

A group of teenage boys wait for a bus.

Peering across from either Hong Kong Island or Kowloon one can notice the vessels of all sizes and shapes both day and night.  This large vessel was passing during the afternoon.

No trip to Hong Kong Island is complete without a venture on the extensive tram double decker tram network.  It’s not only a fun and leisurely way to see the city but it’s also ridiculously affordable as well.

This is another shot of the tram at night with motion blur.

Aside from the tram, taking a trip from Hong Kong Island to Kowloon on the Star Ferry is my second favourite journey.  One has an opportunity to witness gorgeous views and it is (once again) a very budget savvy option.

One can escape the hustle and bustle of the city in nearby parks.  I remember snapping this photo of flowing water without noticing another person in the vicinity.

The International Financial Centre Building looms large at any hour but truly lights up and is at its most imposing self at night.

Hong Kong and Kowloon Travel Photography Tips

Hong Kong and Kowloon are two cities that have long been known as the epicenter of bustling metropolises. These cities are a hub for travelers from all over the world who come to witness their impressive skylines, beautiful temples, vibrant neighborhoods, and natural landscapes. To capture the essence of these cities, you’ll need to have a good plan and a keen eye for detail. Here are some travel photography tips that will help you to take amazing photos of Hong Kong and Kowloon.

One of the most striking features of Hong Kong is its impressive skyline, which has become a global icon. To capture this beauty, you’ll need to find the right location. Some of the best spots to photograph the skyline include Victoria Peak, Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, and the Star Ferry. These locations offer the perfect vantage point for a panoramic view of the cityscape.

When exploring Hong Kong and Kowloon, you’ll come across many vibrant neighborhoods. These areas are brimming with life, color, and character, and they provide excellent opportunities for street photography. From the bustling streets of Mong Kok to the charming alleyways of Central, these neighborhoods offer endless opportunities to capture the vibrant and diverse culture of the city.

Hong Kong is also home to several beautiful temples that are perfect for photography. The Wong Tai Sin Temple and the Man Mo Temple are two of the most popular. These temples are a great place to capture stunning architecture and intricate details. The temples are usually busy, so be patient and wait for the right moment to capture the perfect shot.

Despite being a modern city, Hong Kong also boasts some breathtaking natural scenery. The Dragon’s Back hike, Tai O fishing village, and the beaches of Lantau Island are just some of the places where you can capture the beauty of nature in the city. Take a stroll along the beach or hike through the mountains to take some amazing landscape shots.

Lighting is a crucial element in photography, and Hong Kong and Kowloon are no exception. To avoid crowds and capture the best light, wake up early and head out for some early morning photography. The soft light of the sunrise creates a beautiful atmosphere that adds depth and contrast to your photos.

A wide-angle lens is perfect for capturing the sweeping cityscapes and landscape shots that Hong Kong and Kowloon have to offer. A lens with a focal length of 16-35mm is perfect for this kind of photography. Additionally, try using long exposures to capture the motion and energy of the city at night. This technique is a great way to create dynamic photos that capture the spirit of the city.

Hong Kong and Kowloon are two cities that offer endless opportunities for travel photographers. With a little planning and creativity, you can capture the energy, beauty, and diversity of these vibrant cities in your photos.

Underrated Places To Take Travel Photos: Hong Kong and Kowloon

Hong Kong and Kowloon are bustling cities that attract millions of tourists each year. While these cities offer many popular attractions, there are also many underrated places that are often overlooked by visitors. For travel photographers, these hidden gems offer unique and memorable photo opportunities.

One of the underrated places to take travel photos in Hong Kong and Kowloon is the Yick Cheong Building in Quarry Bay. This colorful building, also known as the “Monster Building,” is an Instagram-worthy spot with its distinctive architecture and vibrant colors. Its geometric shapes and repetitive patterns create a mesmerizing visual effect that is perfect for photography.

Another underrated location is the Kowloon Walled City Park, built on the site of the former Kowloon Walled City. This park is a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of the city and offers many opportunities to capture traditional Chinese architecture and tranquil scenery. It’s also a great place to observe the fusion of Chinese and Western cultures, as the park was designed with both influences in mind.

The Choi Hung Estate is another hidden gem that offers colorful photo opportunities. This public housing estate is famous for its rainbow-colored buildings and basketball court. It’s a great spot for street photography and portraits, and the bright colors make for an eye-catching backdrop.

For those interested in traditional Chinese temples, the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery in Sha Tin is a must-see. This temple features over 10,000 gold-painted Buddha statues and offers intricate details and stunning architecture that make for great photo opportunities.

Lastly, the Oi Man Estate in Sham Shui Po is a lesser-known location that offers a unique perspective on Hong Kong’s urban landscape. The brightly-colored buildings and winding staircases create a maze-like atmosphere that is perfect for photography.

Hong Kong and Kowloon are home to many underrated places that offer unique and memorable photo opportunities. These hidden gems are just waiting to be discovered by adventurous travel photographers who are willing to step off the beaten path and explore the lesser-known areas of these bustling cities.

Hong Kong and Kowloon Travel Photography Final Thoughts

Hong Kong and Kowloon are cities that offer a plethora of photo opportunities for travel photographers. While the popular tourist destinations are a must-see, it’s the lesser-known locations that can offer unique perspectives and unforgettable shots. Exploring the hidden gems of these bustling cities can result in stunning photos that capture the fusion of traditional and modern cultures.

From the colorful Yick Cheong Building to the peaceful Kowloon Walled City Park, Hong Kong and Kowloon have much to offer for those who seek out off-the-beaten-path locations. With a mix of traditional Chinese architecture, modern skyscrapers, and vibrant street scenes, these cities are perfect for photographers who are looking for a diverse range of subject matter.

Ultimately, a trip to Hong Kong and Kowloon promises to be a rewarding experience for travel photographers who are willing to explore and discover the lesser-known gems that these cities have to offer.