Yick Cheong Building (Monster Building)

Step into the heart of Hong Kong's urban jungle by visiting the iconic Monster Building. Its maze-like assembly of towering flats offers a unique, visually stunning spectacle that tells a rich story of local life. Capture striking photographs of this architectural behemoth, popularized by blockbuster movies. A visit here isn't just a photography session; it's an immersion into the vibrant, resilient spirit of Hong Kong. Grab your camera and etch this architectural marvel into your photographic memory.

Photography Guide

Equipment

• Use a wide-angle lens (<35mm) to magnify the buildings’ vast extensiveness.
• Besides taking in the giant’s entirety from its side, try pointing your camera vertically at the sky to resemble a frog-in-the-well perspective
• Opt for a wide-angle lens (<35mm) to capture the buildings' impressive size and detail.
• A tripod can be beneficial for stability and composing shots, particularly if shooting in lower light conditions.

Shooting Tips

• Aside from the traditional side shots capturing the full expanse of the buildings, try positioning your camera upwards towards the sky. The 'frog-in-the-well' perspective offers a unique and visually impressive vantage point.

Suggested Time

• The complex takes on a striking blue hue in the evening, offering an atmospheric and visually dynamic setting for photography. However, this is also when the site can get crowded. Be mindful of local businesses and residents, and try to minimize disruption.
• To balance good lighting conditions and crowd sizes, consider visiting in the afternoon.

Key Consideration

• Since this is a residential area, remember to respect the privacy of the residents and maintain a low noise level.
• Avoid using flash photography that might disturb residents.
• Keep your gear and activities confined to public areas and do not block paths or entrances.

Route

By tram

Simply hop on an Eastbound tram destined for Sai Wan Ho Depot or Shau Kei Wan Terminus, alight at Mount Parker Road, and voila!

Before you rush to your destination, there’s a perfect spot where you can capture both Monster Building and trams in one frame. After getting off, make your way back a little to the closest bus stop. From there, with a telephoto lens, the giant appears to be looming behind a helpless tram!

By MTR

Exit from Quarry Bay Station using Exit A and make a right turn.

Continue straight along King's Road until you spot the entrance to Montane Mansion or Oceanic Mansion, or the adjacent Yick Fat Building. It's hard to miss!

Shooting Reference

Camera Shooting

Phone Shooting

My phone’s 28mm wide-angle effect isn’t popping, so I opted for the skyward direction. If your phone supports ultra-wide-angle shooting, though, you can’t go home without experimenting with different angles.

Instagrammable Photo Shooting

Outfit Suggestions

• Vibrant Colors

The Monster Building is known for its dense, stacked architecture. Wearing a vibrant, standout color, like red or yellow, can help you pop against the concrete background.

• Casual Street Style

Given the urban setting of the Monster Building, a casual street-style outfit could be fitting. Think graphic tees, ripped jeans, sneakers, or a leather jacket for a laid-back yet stylish look.

Conclusion

• The choice of focal length and lighting conditions when shooting the Monster Building can be flexible.
• Respect boundaries while shooting.
• Abide by requests not to take photos in certain areas.
• Remember, some views are meant to be enjoyed visually, not through a camera.