Hong Kong Travelogue – Travel and Street Photographer in Asia (Part 1)

Hong Kong is one of those places I will probably never get tired of. Ask me where I would go if I had a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, and Hong Kong would probably be one of my top choices. What is it about Hong Kong that I love so much? For starters, just being in the city makes me happy. The modern setting of Hong Kong Island mixed with the traditional Chinese and cosmopolitan charms of Kowloon, as well as the natural beauty just outside the urban areas is such a great combination in my book. And the food is magnificent too!

First Trip

The first time we landed in Hong Kong, I didn’t know what to expect. I had only seen Hong Kong in the movies, and all I knew about was the picturesque skyline and the great dim sum. As our Uber Toyota van rolled into the city past midnight, I knew immediately that I would love this city. The van dropped us off in the middle of Tsim Sa Tsui (尖沙咀). Our accommodations for the next few days would be the Mirador Mansions, adjacent to the famous Chungking Mansions. The Mansions are known for their densely-packed collection of shops, restaurants, offices, and guesthouses. They have been referred to as a whole world within a building, and it certainly felt like that. My wife wasn’t really thrilled about the Mansion’s first impression, especially at around 2AM, but I think it was a perfect introduction to Hong Kong. Overall the guest house was cheap, clean, and right in the middle of the city.

The huge and densely populated Mirador Mansion. Fujifilm X-E1 + Samyang 12mm f/2

The next morning, I was up bright and early to photograph Victoria Harbor. Just a quick walk from the Mansions, Victoria Harbor is a great place to take in the iconic Hong Kong Skyline. It was a foggy morning, which made it perfect for black and white photos.

Morning Stretch – Fujifilm X-E1 + Samyang 12mm f/2

Foggy Victoria Harbor – Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 35mm f/2 WR

After breakfast, we headed off to Hong Kong Island and the Central District. I enjoyed wandering around with my family more than taking photos. Personally, I prefer the less corporate atmosphere of Kowloon over Central. Still a great time, though!

Hong Kong Hustle – Fujifilm X-E1 + Samyang 12mm f/2

Gage Street Market – Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 35mm f/2

Cloud Movement Over the City – Fujifilm X-E1 + Samyang 12mm f/2

The next day was all about exploring Kowloon. We walked around the Mansions area, then made our way down Nathan Road to Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po.

Through the Shopkeeper’s Window – Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 35mm f/2 WR

Beep, Beep – Fujifilm X-T1 + XF 35 f/2 WR

Speeding Through Sham Shui Po – Fujifilm X-E1 + Samyang 12mm f/2

The first trip was a short but good introduction to Hong Kong. And I was hungry for more.

Part 2 Coming Soon