Lugard Road

Embrace the charm of Hong Kong's Lugard Road, a photography hotspot offering stunning cityscape views. Capture the iconic Peak Trams as they climb the mountainside, a blend of historic allure and dynamic motion against the backdrop of Victoria Harbour's skyline. From daybreak to twilight, when city lights come alive, Lugard Road and its Peak Trams provide an endless stream of mesmerizing shots. A must-visit locale for photography enthusiasts seeking unique perspectives

Photography Guide

Time required

•  5 hours (Including photos-taking)

Equipment

• Victoria Peak is a popular tourist area in the world. Ultra-telephoto and ultra-wide-angle lenses can be used.
• Subsidiary factory Tamron 100-400mm and the Swiss brand IRIX 15mm lenses are used
• Bring a tripod
• Focus on a close-up of buildings in the urban area of Victoria Peak
• With the super-telephoto advantage, the Kowloon Peninsula can be clearly photographed, and it can also create a sense of urban oppression.
• You can consider taking a minibus at IFC in Central, starting from May Road (梅道) Stop, taking a close-up of the Peak Tram first, and then going up the mountain.

Suggested Time

• Arrive in the afternoon and catch the night scene at dusk.

Route

Shooting References

If you start your journey from May Road Stop, the small bridge by the stop makes for an exceptional spot for capturing breathtaking shots. Given the tram system's synchronicity, you can catch two trams traversing the mountainside. Be prepared with a telephoto lens due to the distance, and remember to use Shutter Priority (TV) mode with automatic ISO, as the trams are in motion.

For varied effects, consider snapping a series of photos as the trams approach from different distances. In post-production, try adjusting the green tone to a yellowish hue for an autumnal feel, a technique I often employ to imbue my shots with seasonal charm.

After arriving, leave the main entrance of Peak Tower and turn right to arrive at Lugard Road, and go straight to the open area. Change the setting back to Aperture Priority (AV) or Manual (M) for still photography.

Towards the Kowloon Peninsula

Conclusion

Lugard Road, with its unique fusion of natural beauty and urban charm, offers photographers the extraordinary chance to encapsulate the dynamism of Hong Kong. Whether it's the historic Peak Trams making their ascent, the stunning twilight cityscape, or the detailed architecture of Victoria Peak, there is a world of photographic opportunity to explore.

• Bring ultra-telephoto and ultra-wide-angle lenses, such as the Tamron 100-400mm and the IRIX 15mm lenses.
• Consider starting from the May Road Stop to capture close-up shots of the Peak Tram before heading up the mountain.
• A tripod is also recommended for stable shots.
• As the trams are in motion, use the Shutter Priority (TV) mode with automatic ISO when capturing them.
• Once at the open area of Lugard Road, switch your camera setting back to Aperture Priority (AV) or Manual (M) for still photography.