After you’ve visited the classic Instagram hotspots like Hollywood road and Victoria Peak on Hong Kong Island, its time to cross the harbor and explore Tsim Sha Tsui (or TST as the locals call it) for some alternative photoshoot activities!
1. Take a ride on the Star Ferry
For crossing the harbor to Tsim Sha Tsui, forget the bus or MTR and hop on aboard the Star Ferry. These old but charming vessels have been shipping passengers across Victoria Harbour for over 120 years and have become one of the city’s most beloved icons! An efficient and ultra cheap form of transport that’ll get you to TST in a speedy 7 minutes, the Star Ferry is also one of the best photoshoot spots in Hong Kong. Aside from the Avenue of Stars, the Star Ferry also provides the next best view of the city’s sweeping skyline from the water.
Leaving from both Central and Wan Chai, simply use your Octopus Card and head to the top deck to enjoy the spectacular beauty of Hong Kong’s famous ‘fragrant harbour.’
2. S-H-O-P-P-I-N-G!
Photo Credits: Elena Hughes & Lesley Choa
It is a well known fact that Hong Kong is the ultimate shopper’s paradise, and as one of the city’s best shopping districts, TST caters to every style and budget. From immense high-end malls like Harbour City to the local boutiques and outlets of Granville road, you’re sure to find something that catches your eye! Even if retail therapy isn’t your thing, it’s worthwhile to have a short exploration as many of the malls in this area are sights in themselves.
For instance, go window-shopping at Heritage 1881, a building bursting with colonial charm and be transported back to Victorian-era Hong Kong. As the old Marine Police HQ, this historical-site-turned-shopping-centre has a much quieter ambiance compared to other malls, plus its classical architecture and harbor-front location makes it a fantastic photoshoot spot.
3. Magical World 4D Disney Museum
For families with young children or anyone who’s a kid-at-heart, step into a world of fantasy and optical illusion that awaits you at the Magical World 4D Disney-themed Museum. Here, you’ll come face to face with life-sized re-creations of some of your favorite characters from Disney classics to newer editions like ‘Frozen’ as well as Pixar and Marvel movies. With 70 photography spots complete with sound and lighting special effects, you’re guaranteed plenty of fun and laughter as you immerse yourself in this magical 4D experience!
With your entry ticket you’ll have unlimited time to snap as many realistic (and hilarious) photos that trick the eye whilst friendly staff will be more than happy to take some group shots for you!
For even more amusement, download the Magical World AR app, point your phone’s camera to the 3D artworks and tap the screen for laugh-out-loud surprises!
4. A walk to remember in Kowloon Park
Escape the bustling streets of TST and enjoy a stroll through Kowloon Park, an oasis of peace and tranquility amid this hectic city. Wander through luscious greenery, vibrant flowers, and even visit the aviary to admire the many species of colorful bird life there. With picturesque ponds, waterfalls, and plenty of benches scattered throughout, you can savor a few quiet moments whilst watching people practice yoga and tai chi in this calm setting. If you’re lucky, you may even catch one of the regular dragon and lion dance performances along the sculpture trail!
Insider's Tip: Often referred to as the ‘green lungs of Kowloon’, the park’s fresher and cleaner air makes it a great place to exercise. With a relatively challenging fitness trail and indoor and outdoor swimming pools, you can enjoy working out away from the crowds and pollution.
5. Soar up to Sky 100
For unparalleled views of Hong Kong, rocket up 393 meters in 60 seconds and discover Sky100. Located on the 100th floor of the ICC, the tallest building in Hong Kong and 10th tallest in the world, this indoor observation deck will make you feel like you’re walking amongst the clouds! Due to the all around floor to ceiling windows, it is the only venue of its kind that offers 360 degree views of Victoria Harbour and the surrounding area.
Take some truly exceptional pictures as you gaze down on the famous Hong Kong skyline to the south and the soaring mountains of the New Territories to the north, whilst the anti-reflection photo booths make for fantastic nighttime photographing of the glittering city lights.
Photo Credits: Elena Hughes & Takashi Ota
With an exclusive souvenir shop, photo booths, telescopes, 3D trick eye sets, and an AR photo app that’ll make you appear to be gliding over Victoria Harbour, there’s plenty to do and see at Sky100!
Insider’s Tip: At Cafe 100, launched in partnership with the Ritz-Carlton, you can savor the spectacular vista for longer while enjoying (and taking Insta-worthy photos of) a delectable meal. Or, if you’re in the mood for something stronger, head up 18 floors to the Ritz Carlton’s Ozone Bar — the highest bar in Hong Kong and relish the view with one of their famous cocktails!
