Hong Kong’s Top 10 Must-Visit Film Locations: A Cinematic Journey Through the Pearl of the Orient

Hong Kong’s vibrant skyline, neon-lit streets, and timeless alleyways have served as the backdrop for countless iconic films, from martial arts epics to gritty crime dramas. Here are 10 legendary spots that have defined Hong Kong’s cinematic identity:

1. The Peak (Victoria Peak)

Introduction: A symbol of Hong Kong’s skyline, The Peak has starred in films like Infernal Affairs (2002) and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider (2001).

Characteristics: Stunning panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Kowloon make it a favorite for dramatic chase scenes and romantic sunsets.

Film Highlight: The Peak Tram’s steep ascent is featured in The Storm Riders (1998), blending fantasy and urban landscapes.

2. Avenue of Stars, Tsim Sha Tsui

Introduction: Modeled after Hollywood’s Walk of Fame, this waterfront promenade celebrates Hong Kong cinema legends like Bruce Lee and Jackie Chan.

Characteristics: Neon lights and the harbor backdrop create a glamorous setting for films like Initial D (2005).

Film Highlight: The handprints of stars appear in Enter the Phoenix (2005), paying homage to the city’s martial arts heritage.

3. Mong Kok’s Temple Street Night Market

Introduction: A bustling bazaar by day and a neon-lit spectacle by night, Temple Street has been featured in Chungking Express (1994) and Infernal Affairs.

Characteristics: Street food stalls, fortune-tellers, and crowded lanes evoke the chaos of Wong Kar-wai’s films.

Film Highlight: The market’s energy is central to Around the World in 80 Days (2004), where Jackie Chan fights amidst the crowds.

4. Central-Mid-Levels Escalators

Introduction: The world’s longest outdoor covered escalator system, immortalized in Chungking Express.

Characteristics: A surreal blend of urban efficiency and quirky charm, perfect for romantic montages or spy thrillers.

Film Highlight: Wong Kar-wai’s characters navigate the escalators in a dreamlike haze, symbolizing Hong Kong’s fast-paced yet isolating lifestyle.

5. Sham Shui Po’s Apliu Street

Introduction: A haven for tech enthusiasts and vintage collectors, this street has appeared in Infernal Affairs and Infernal Affairs III.

Characteristics: Cluttered shops selling electronics and retro gadgets create a gritty, nostalgic atmosphere.

Film Highlight: The market’s labyrinthine alleys serve as a metaphor for deception in Infernal Affairs, where undercover cops lose themselves in the crowd.

6. Stanley Market & Beach

Introduction: A colonial-era fishing village turned tourist hotspot, featured in Enter the Dragon (1973) and The Legend of the Drunken Master (1994).

Characteristics: Colorful stalls and serene beaches contrast with Bruce Lee’s intense fight scenes.

Film Highlight: The market’s narrow paths provide the perfect setting for hand-to-hand combat in Enter the Dragon.

7. Tai O Fishing Village

Introduction: Hong Kong’s “Venice of the East,” with stilt houses and sampan boats, seen in The Mission (1999) and Cold War (2012).

Characteristics: A tranquil escape from the city’s chaos, ideal for espionage thrillers or cultural documentaries.

Film Highlight: The village’s labyrinthine waterways are used for a high-stakes chase in Cold War.

8. Lion Rock

Introduction: A towering granite peak symbolizing Hong Kong’s resilience, featured in Project A (1983) and Echoes of the Rainbow (2010).

Characteristics: Hiking trails offer breathtaking views, while the rock itself represents the city’s “Lion Rock Spirit” of perseverance.

Film Highlight: Jackie Chan performs daring stunts on Lion Rock in Project A, blending action with local folklore.

9. Chungking Mansions, Tsim Sha Tsui

Introduction: A labyrinthine complex of shops, hostels, and ethnic eateries, immortalized in Chungking Express.

Characteristics: A melting pot of cultures and contradictions, reflecting Hong Kong’s globalized yet fragmented identity.

Film Highlight: Wong Kar-wai’s film uses the mansions’ chaotic corridors to explore themes of love and loneliness.

10. The Peninsula Hotel, Tsim Sha Tsui

Introduction: A colonial-era luxury hotel featured in The World of Suzie Wong (1960) and Contagion (2011).

Characteristics: Its Art Deco architecture and harbor views evoke Old Hollywood glamour.

Film Highlight: The hotel’s opulent lobby serves as a backdrop for a pivotal scene in Contagion, blending elegance with existential dread.

Beyond the Screen: Hong Kong’s Film Culture

Hong Kong’s cinema is more than just locations—it’s a fusion of Eastern and Western storytelling, action choreography, and urban poetry. To dive deeper:

Visit the Hong Kong Film Archive in Sai Wan Ho to explore exhibits and screenings.

Join a Hong Kong Movie Tour to retrace iconic scenes with local guides.

Catch a film at the historic Broadway Cinematheque in Yau Ma Tei, a mecca for indie and arthouse cinema.

Recommended Film-Inspired Attractions:

contact us to craft your personalized Hong Kong film pilgrimage!