10 Most Instagrammable Architectural Buildings in Hong Kong

Looking up at the unreachable rectangular skyscrapers slowly devouring the blue sky of Hong Kong seems almost depressing with such formality and mundaneness. Yet, amongst these buildings, there’s a certain peculiarity that catches the eyes of many, bringing a new light of creativity into the city. These buildings include heritage sites, renovated projects, and newly developed establishments. Each of them has their own architecture style from different periods, reflecting the history and development of Hong Kong.

Thanks to social media, locals have a new venue to rediscover Hong Kong’s architectural buildings, attracting more people to go on a pilgrimage and appreciate the city’s picturesque sites. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 most visited spots in Hong Kong for an Instagram pic!

CityU Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre

Who would have thought the good places hide within universities? The CityU’s Creative Media Centre is the picture of edginess. Designed by internationally recognised architect Daniel Libeskind, the nine-storey crystalline building features a white exterior. Other than the outdoor area, the spiral stairs in the centre are also a hotspot for Instagrammers, consisting of irregular twists and curves that enjoy natural light emanating from the asymmetrical window

Location: Run Run Shaw Creative Media Centre, 18 Tat Hong Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon

Jockey Club Innovation Tower

As one of Zaha Hadid’s proud designs, Jockey Club Innovation Tower located in the PolyU campus is famous for its beacon structure and distinctive exterior. The building is the main hub for art and design students in Hong Kong, fitting with their modernistic concepts. The tower reshaped the classic typography of tower and podium and transformed it into a seamlessly fluid refreshing form. A low-angle shot in front of the massive building and a vertical shot of the white staircase lined with sharp lights would be fit for anyone seeking for a modish aesthetic.

Location: Jockey Club Innovation Tower,The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, 8 Hung Lok Road, Hung Hom, Kowloon

Xiqu Centre

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 🆃🅾🅼・тoм ✈☁ (@t0mdotcom)

After visiting the M+ museum, why not swing by the nearby Xique Centre? Creating a stunning entrance to the West Kowloon Cultural district, the spectacular curvilinear façade imitates the Chinese Moon motif in a contemporary way. Home to the great art of Chinese opera in the city, the building exudes a touch of stardom as if you’re an artist performing on the glorious circular stage when you step in its halls. The big grey steps are the perfect hipster-style background for a high-angle shot.

Location: Xiqu Centre, 88 Austin Road West, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon

Hong Kong Design Institute

Another home to brilliant artistic minds in the city, the Hong Kong Design Institute (HKDI) was designed by French architects Coldéfy and Associés. The “white sheet” theme mimics a blank canvas that doubles as a metaphor for creativity. Supported by four towers wrapped in criss-cross bars, the main campus is interpreted as the “sky city” with a transparent and light exterior design. Every corner of the campus is muy photogenic. Portraits are usually taken in the HKDI gallery, giving out a timeless vibe amidst a world of artistry.

Location: Hong Kong Design Institute, 3 King Ling Road, Tseung Kwan O, New Territories

The White Chapel, Discovery Bay

A popular venue for weddings, The White Chapel is situated in the Xanadu, Discovery Bay. Steeply angled sides and an A-frame structure are eye-catching and holographic. Architect Danny Cheung intentionally hid the bulky technical equipment by repetitively layering open rafters. Many would line up for a picture in front of the chapel and the enormous reflection of the structure from the silent pond.

Location: The White Chapel, Auberge Discovery Bay Hong Kong, 88 Siena Avenue, Discovery Bay, Lantau Island

Lakehouse

Whilst the Flow Academy is the main reason people would travel a long way to the Lakehouse, the architecture of the cultural heritage is certainly worth a high praise. Large arched glass windows shed light on the white walls of the Moroccan style building with a modernistic yet minimalist touch. To match the paradise-like ambience, light coloured clothing is recommended, which would also look great for a picture in front of the white arches.

Location: Lakehouse, 2 Hung Lam Drive Hong Kong Tai Po Kau, Hong Kong

Tai Kwun

Dating back 170 years, Tai Kwun was the former Central Police Station in Hong Kong. Other than the historical significance of the place, Tai Kwun housed the earliest structures built during the British colonial rule. Herzog & de Meuron transformed those structures into a modern complex frequented by tourists and locals today. The concrete bridge connecting the buildings with an aluminium façade is a perfect Instagram backdrop for your photoshoot after lunch at Madame Fu’s.

Location: Tai Kuwn,10 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong

Bethanie

Bethanie is one of the few examples of French colonial architectures in Hong Kong. Once a French Mission Sanatorium, the church is now the beautiful home of the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts’ School of Film and Television. Composed of a series of symmetrical cylinders, Bethanie adapted a neo-gothic design that is relatively simpler and smaller in size. Under the high ceilings and pitched roof, the stained glass and tracery highlight the grandeur of the Catholic church. Though it is unlikely for visitors to take photos inside of church, the exterior is enough to take your Insta snaps for a whole afternoon.

Location: Bethanie, 139 Pok Fu Lam Road, Pok Fu Lam, Southern District, Hong Kong

1881 Heritage

The former Marine Police Headquarter, 1881 Heritage is now a five-star hotel that hosts luxury events. Traits of Victorian architecture can be easily found in the buildings, which highlight generous wraparound porches, a sliding sash, and canted bay windows. The renovation saw new features such as the restoration of the signature time ball tower, which is a favourite spot among Instagrammers. 1881 Heritage overhauls its design and decors during festive seasons such as Christmas and Easter, attracting even more visitors to the city.

Location: 1881 Heritage, 2A Canton Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Yau Tsim Mong, Kowloon

HKU Main Building

The Edwardian Baroque-style HKU main building is usually where students take group or individual photos after graduation and high table dinners. Designed by Alfred Bryer of Leigh & Orange, the building has a sophisticated ground level, featuring grand voussoirs of arched openings and topped with domed corner rooftop pavilions and columns with engaged blocks. For an academia-inspired yet still aesthetic picture, the HKU main building is bursting with the aura of sophistication and elegance perfect for that Insta snap.

Location: HKU Main building, The Univerity of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, Hong Kong