INSTAGRAMMER’S GUIDE TO STREET ART IN HK

There’s no denying that Hong Kong has a growing art scene. Other than exploring the world class galleries and museums, you can also find some beautifully painted walls in the streets and alleys. I’ve rounded up some of the best areas to see and photograph street art in Hong Kong, for your next artistic Instagram post!

OLD TOWN CENTRAL
Other than the numerous heritage buildings, art institutions and local eats in the area, the alleys in Old Town Central are also decorated with beautiful street art! You can even find the iconic Graham Street Mural, which is considered a must-see for the first-time traveller in Hong Kong because it has become a part of Hong Kong culture and identity over the years. Since the walls are quite spread out, I’ve written down all the exact location of each wall in the image captions to make it easier for you to find each one.
Most of these walls are arranged by HKWALLS, who annually pair internationally acclaimed artists with various restaurants across the city. So you may notice that many of the murals are designed based restaurant’s theme, and painted with the artist’s signature style. Click here for more information about each wall and the all artists!
However, Old Town Central is the busiest area on my list because these sloped alleyways have many cars and lorries driving through, which may make taking your perfect photo a real challenge. The walls are also quite spread out and very tiring to get to because of how hilly it is. Walking through this area on a hot afternoon or during super busy lunch hour is a real challenge. I would recommend planning your route ahead and going early in the morning for a more relaxed photo session.
Tip: Wear walking shoes and pack light if you are coming here by MTR because it’s a hike!

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ART LANE (Chung Ching Street, Sai Ying Pun)
After exploring Central, head over to the Art Lane area on Chung Ching Street in Sai Ying Pun. If you are taking the MTR, this area is right outside exit B3. You won’t miss it!
Art Lane is another busy area, but instead of cars and busy commuters, it’s full of Instagrammers on the weekends and slightly quieter on weekdays. Although you may have to wait your turn to take a photo, it’s a friendly environment because everyone has the same goal! So don’t be afraid to take your time and have fun with your camera here. However, if you are visiting in the late evening, mosquito repellant may be handy.
Tip: There are many walls for various tastes, so take a walk around (with your camera switched off) to explore the space and appreciate the art before choosing the walls you like for your photo.
Tip: Art Lane area has a slight wind channel effect running through the alleyways. Wear a floaty maxi skirt for a more dramatic photo, and let the breeze do the work! It will also make you stand out from the busy artwork too.

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THE MILLS (Tsuen Wan)
Venturing off the Hong Kong Island, another place to check out in the Kowloon area is The Mills in Tsuen Wan. The Mills is actually renovated old cotton mill called Nan Fung Textiles, which was in operation during Hong Kong’s manufacturing boom. Today the mill has been transformed into an art and design hub which celebrates Hong Kong’s industrial history! Click here for more information. Two places to check out here are: Pak Tin Par Lane on the ground floor and the wavy weaving wall on the third floor (rooftop).

Pak Tin Par Lane on the ground floor has the same vibe as Art Lane in Sai Ying Pun. This long wide outdoor corridor looks like it’s designed for Instagrammers! Brilliant murals line the wall on one side of the corridor and people will happily take their time taking photos with the murals. Like Art Lane, there’s also a slight wind channel effect here so if you want to wear something with a light and floaty fabric, it wouldn’t be a bad idea! However, the murals here do not take up the entire wall, therefore if you would like to wear some simple and short, you will still stand out.

The wavy weaving wall on the rooftop is unique because the artist has painted on perforated aluminium plates rather than the actual wall! So the metal plates will move with the breeze, creating a gentle wave effect. This dynamic wall is also designed based on the history of The Mills, which is really interesting and worth checking out.

Tip: there are loads of restaurants here so go grab a bite to eat!
Tip: the building itself (especially the atrium and the bridged walkways)are also extremely Instagrammable. If your feed is more architectural, you can also take some photos with the building!

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SHEUNG WAN (next to Old Town Central)
Sheung Wan is an art and cultural hub with many little antique shops and relaxed cafes on each corner. It is also within walking distance from Old Town Central so if you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk over! Although there aren’t as many options to choose from compared to Central and Sai Ying Pun, the street art scene here is worth seeing and very instagrammable. You’ll find more well known walls such as the rainbow wall and the Shing Wong Street Mural, as well as some smaller pieces all over the neighbourhood. Since the walls are quite spread out, I’ve written down all the exact location of each wall in the image captions to make it easier for you to find each one!
Tip: Although it’s a more quiet neighbourhood, there are still a some cars on the roads so you may have to run-in and run-out every now and then, but they are not too worrying as they drive pretty slowly and you will be able to hear them coming.

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I hope you enjoyed this blog post! If you would like more information on street art in Hong Kong that is not on my list, check out the HKWALLS site for their interactive maps of each district. Maybe you’ll find one near you!