Old Hong Kong Charm: 5 Vintage Photography Spots in Central, Yau Ma Tei and Sham Shui Po
Discover five photogenic locations across three Hong Kong neighbourhoods, with practical photography tips to capture the cinematic atmosphere of Old Hong Kong.
Beyond its iconic skyline and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour framed by modern skyscrapers, Hong Kong has another side that continues to captivate visitors: the nostalgic charm of its past. Historic buildings, traditional shop signs, narrow alleyways and familiar streetscapes featured in generations of Hong Kong films offer a glimpse into the city’s rich cultural character.
For travellers looking to capture the spirit of Old Hong Kong through their cameras, here are five distinctive locations across Central, Yau Ma Tei and Sham Shui Po. Each offers a different atmosphere and visual character, providing plenty of inspiration for vintage-style photography and cinematic street shots.
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Tai Kwun: Colonial-Era Architecture in the Heart of Old Town Central
Located along Hollywood Road, Tai Kwun is a landmark destination for art, heritage and lifestyle. Its historic colonial-style buildings, with white façades contrasting against warm orange brickwork, create striking visual compositions. The intersecting architectural lines and natural light filtering through the courtyards offer plenty of opportunities for photography, while the surrounding skyscrapers provide a compelling contrast between old and new Hong Kong.
Photo Tip: Wear neutral tones such as white, cream or brown, or opt for denim for a timeless look. Use the brick walls, archways and walkways as your backdrop to create classic photographs with minimal styling.
Location: Tai Kwun
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Central–Mid-Levels Escalator: A Classic Hong Kong Cinema Experience
Stretching for more than 800 metres through Central, the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator offers a constantly changing view of the city’s buildings, shops, narrow lanes and everyday street life. Its layered urban landscape creates depth and movement, making it an ideal setting for cinematic street photography.
The escalator system is also associated with Wong Kar-wai’s iconic film Chungking Express, adding to its appeal among fans of classic Hong Kong cinema.
Photo Tip: Use the escalator’s lines as leading lines to draw the viewer’s eye into the frame. Photograph people moving through the scene to capture a sense of motion, then experiment with softer colours or muted tones to evoke the look of analogue film.
Location: Central–Mid-Levels Escalator
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Sham Shui Po: A Living Portrait of Old Hong Kong
For street photography enthusiasts, Sham Shui Po is a neighbourhood worth exploring at a leisurely pace. Traditional shops, bustling markets, weathered signs and older residential buildings offer an authentic glimpse into everyday life in Hong Kong.
Take a walk along Nam Cheong Street and stop by Nam Cheong Pawn Shop, a historic building that reflects the area’s past. Vintage enthusiasts can also explore Apliu Street, well known for its wide selection of second-hand electronics, gadgets and other pre-owned goods.
Photo Tip: Avoid making every frame look too polished. Capture shop signs, windows, balconies and passers-by in candid moments to convey the neighbourhood’s natural rhythm and character.
Location: Sham Shui Po
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Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station: Step Into the World of Hong Kong Crime Films
Situated on Canton Road, the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station is a historic Edwardian-style building and one of Hong Kong’s surviving architectural landmarks. It has also appeared in several films, including the Hong Kong crime drama Election and the international action comedy Rush Hour 2.
Today, visitors can explore the exhibition Yau Ma Tei Police Station: A Cinematic Journey, which recreates the atmosphere of classic Hong Kong police and crime films. From a recreated Criminal Investigation Department (CID) office to a prison cell, the exhibition offers opportunities to photograph both the historic exterior and cinematic interior settings.
Photo Tip: Photograph the building from across the street to capture its façade and POLICE signage in full. Inside, use the recreated CID office or prison cell as a backdrop for dramatic, film-inspired portraits.
Location: Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station
Visitor note: Check the latest opening hours, admission arrangements and advance booking requirements before visiting.
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Wellcome Retro Concept Store: A Nostalgic Journey to Hong Kong in the 1950s–1970s
The Wellcome supermarket at Prosperous Garden in Yau Ma Tei has been transformed into a retro-themed concept store inspired by Hong Kong between the 1950s and 1970s. Its nostalgic details include neon-inspired LED signage, a turnstile-style entrance, red plastic lamps, and vintage-style televisions and telephones.
While retaining its everyday supermarket function, the store offers an array of eye-catching details that make it an unexpected destination for photography. Visitors can browse the aisles while discovering colourful backdrops reminiscent of a bygone era.
Photo Tip: Choose vintage-inspired silhouettes or colours associated with the 1950s to 1970s to complement the store’s retro atmosphere and create a cohesive look.
Location: Wellcome Retro Concept Store
Each of these five locations offers a different perspective on Hong Kong’s enduring character, with plenty more to discover in the surrounding neighbourhoods. Allow time to wander beyond the main streets, explore side alleys and browse traditional shops, keeping an eye out for unexpected details along the way.
Sometimes, the most authentic image of Hong Kong is not the one planned in advance, but the moment that catches your eye along the way.
