Introduction

Hong Kong is a place close to my heart, having lived there as a child and visited several times since then while living in South China. I have also visited London, New York, and Tokyo, but there is a uniquely special energy in Hong Kong that can only truly be experienced by visiting. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are melting pots where East meets West, bustling with energy, high-rise buildings, vibrant lights, fascinating characters, and flavourful food. Beyond the city, you can find pristine beaches and rewarding hiking trails. Check out this three-day itinerary if you plan to visit.

I have not returned to visit since the events of 2024, as I feel something was unfortunately lost during that time. However, I will always cherish special memories of Hong Kong.

Best Districts for Street Photography in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a street photographers paradise and arguably the most photographic city in the world. There’s a great shot on every corner and you spoilt for choice. Mong Kok is a street-photographer’s playground: neon-lit bustle, tight lanes, and high-contrast scenes that make even small moments feel cinematic. A few stops away, Sham Shui Po delivers gritty texture and realism—weathered shopfronts, wet-market life, and layered everyday details that photograph beautifully in low light. Then Wan Chai adds livelier variety, with characterful streets and glimpses near the waterfront where movement, signage, and people blur together into energetic frames.

Gear and Settings

For the pictures in this set I used a combination of a Fujifilm X100Vi, and a Canon EOS R6 Mark II with a Canon 17-40mm f/4L EF Ultra Wide Angle Lens. I typically shoot with a minimum shutter speed of 1/500, although I often use higher speeds to capture sharp images. My aperture settings usually range between f/5.6 and f/8. I generally set the camera to continuous focus mode, as I frequently photograph people moving across the frame. I used Adobe Lightroom to edit these shots.