Monster Building (Yick Cheong), Hong Kong - A large, aged apartment building in a city.
1 / 10

Monster Building (Yick Cheong)

4.4
·580 reviews·, Hong Kong

An iconic, dense residential complex in Hong Kong, famous for its stacked apartments creating a 'monster' silhouette. A must-see for urban explorers a...

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Monster Building (Yick Cheong), Hong Kong - A large, aged apartment building in a city.

Monster Building (Yick Cheong)

Best Time

Early morning

Fewer crowds, soft light

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

An iconic, dense residential complex in Hong Kong, famous for its stacked apartments creating a 'monster' silhouette. A must-see for urban explorers and photographers.

4.4
(580 reviews)

"It's a photographer's dream and a unique glimpse into Hong Kong's dense urban living."

Vertical photo
TIP

🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful

Remember this is a residential area. Keep noise levels down and respect residents' privacy.

📸 Find Your Best Angle

The courtyard offers the most dramatic views. Experiment with different perspectives for unique shots.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Courtyard View

The Courtyard View

Central courtyard

The iconic, dense, stacked apartment blocks create a mesmerizing, almost surreal urban landscape. A photographer's dream!

Surrounding Historic Area

Surrounding Historic Area

Quarry Bay

Beyond the 'monster,' explore the pleasant and historic neighborhood. It's a great contrast to the dense architecture.

Reddit
Nearby Hiking Trails

Nearby Hiking Trails

Adjacent to the building

Discover miles of fantastic hiking trails right next to the building for a nature escape.

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Respect the Residents

This is a residential building, not a tourist attraction. Be mindful of the people living here. Avoid loud noises, respect their privacy, and don't linger too long in common areas. Many visitors are now aware of this, so keep the vibe respectful. TikTok

Best Angles for Photos

To capture the iconic 'monster' look, head to the central courtyard. Look up! Experiment with different angles and perspectives to get that dramatic, stacked effect. Early morning or late afternoon light can enhance the mood. Instagram+1

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
Fewer crowds, soft light
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoon
Why
Golden hour for photos
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

¡Entramos a las CASAS JAULA de Hong Kong! #impactante #virał #fyp
@arayavlogs
181.8K likes • 6.6M views

🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful

Remember this is a residential area. Keep noise levels down and respect residents' privacy. TikTok

📸 Find Your Best Angle

The courtyard offers the most dramatic views. Experiment with different perspectives for unique shots. Instagram

珍しくリモコン使って記念撮影📷 @rikyusen ラビリンスのMVのランドリーとかも、そのまま。ラビリンス好きもぜひ。 あと、誰かと言った方がいいです。こうやって地面にカメラを置いて、リモコンで撮ることになります🙋‍♂️ 千利休はなんか注意されてシカトしてたら、上からなんか降ってきてパリンって割れましたが、気にしませんでした。 GoogleMapで「yick cheong building」...
nao.tirpse
269 likes • 0 views
Samurai came to the building. 📷 Sony A7IV #hkigers #hongkongphotography #香港好きな人と繋がりたい #hongkonginsta #sonyalphasclub #sonyhongkong #sonyphotography #cityphotography #urbanphotography #visualhongkong...
takuyatachibana
254 likes • 0 views

🚶 Explore the Neighborhood

Don't just see the building; discover the pleasant, historic area around it. Reddit

👟 Hit the Hiking Trails

Amazing hiking trails are just steps away for an active adventure. Reddit

Monster Mansion. Try find different angle. 📷 Sony A7IV #hkigers #hongkongphotography #香港好きな人と繋がりたい #hongkonginsta #sonyalphasclub #sonyhongkong #sonyphotography #cityphotography #urbanphotography #v...
takuyatachibana
151 likes • 0 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🤫 Be Quiet & Respectful

Remember this is a residential area. Keep noise levels down and respect residents' privacy. TikTok

📸 Find Your Best Angle

The courtyard offers the most dramatic views. Experiment with different perspectives for unique shots. Instagram

🚶 Explore the Neighborhood

Don't just see the building; discover the pleasant, historic area around it. Reddit

👟 Hit the Hiking Trails

Amazing hiking trails are just steps away for an active adventure. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(580 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors are captivated by the unique, dense architecture of the Monster Building, often describing it as a photographer's paradise and an iconic Hong Kong sight. While the visual impact is undeniable, many emphasize the importance of respecting the building's residential nature and its inhabitants. Some note that the 'monster' moniker is more about the visual density than any inherent scariness. TikTokReddit

"The people there were super sweet, and it was overall super fun to visit. There’s a book store and souvenir called ‘Monster Books’ that you can visit, as well as a shop to the right when you enter that has magnets and various other souvenirs. It was 100% worth going to!"

Makayla Roberson (Baker)

"This place is famous for the movie transformer, also known as the monster building, where you can drop off TaiGu station. Then you will take about 7mins walking distance to reach there

For me it is just a building and there was a lot of rubbish when I was there.

Overall it is a private residential area which got cast in a blockbuster movie

There are a lot of signboards which warn the tourists do not disturb the neighbourhood.

So just take pictures and leave nothing while visiting"

Neo

"Hong Kong is one of the most crowded urban spaces anywhere in the world.

During this trip to HK, I decided to focus on photographing urban spaces including the massive Yick Cheong Building in Quarry Bay.

Well worth the short MTR ride from Central."

Darren Mclean

What People Like

Iconic architecture
Photographer's dream
Unique urban density

What People Dislike

Need for resident respect
Can feel crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monster Building (Yick Cheong) is easily accessible via the MTR. Take the Island Line to Quarry Bay Station and use Exit C. From there, it's a short walk. Many visitors find this the most convenient way to reach the iconic spot. TikTok

Parking is extremely limited and not recommended due to the dense urban environment. Public transport, especially the MTR, is the best option for visiting. Reddit

Once you arrive at the Yick Cheong building complex, look for the central openings that lead into the courtyard. It's quite straightforward to find once you're in the vicinity. Instagram

Yes, you can take a taxi, but be aware that traffic can be heavy in the area. Provide the driver with 'Yick Cheong Building' or 'Monster Building' as the destination. TikTok

Absolutely! The Monster Building is in a historic area with pleasant surroundings and excellent hiking trails nearby, making it a great stop for a half-day exploration. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, there are no tickets required to visit the Monster Building. It's a public residential complex, so entry to the common areas and courtyard is free. TikTok

As it's a residential building, there are no official opening hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours and avoid very early mornings or late nights to be respectful of residents. Reddit

There is no admission fee to enter the courtyard of the Monster Building. It's a communal space for residents and visitors alike, provided they are respectful. TikTok

No, you absolutely cannot go inside the residential apartments. This is a private living space for the residents. Stick to the common areas and courtyard. TikTok

While photography is generally allowed in the courtyard, be mindful of residents. Avoid intrusive photography and always be respectful. Some creators use specific angles to capture the essence without disturbing anyone. Instagram+1

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography. The soft light can enhance the dramatic architecture and create a more atmospheric shot. Instagram

The most popular and effective angle is from the center of the courtyard, looking directly up. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the full scale and density of the buildings. Instagram

Drones are generally not permitted in such dense urban residential areas due to privacy concerns and potential safety hazards. It's best to stick to ground-level photography. TikTok

Urban exploration, architectural photography, and dramatic cityscape shots are very popular. Many visitors aim to capture the unique, almost overwhelming density of the buildings. Instagram+1

Try looking for interesting patterns in the windows, capturing reflections, or framing shots with elements from the courtyard. Getting low or finding slightly different vantage points can also yield unique results. Instagram

🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience

It's an immersive experience of dense urban living. The sheer scale and uniformity of the stacked apartments are striking. It feels like stepping into a unique, almost surreal architectural marvel. TikTok

Yes, the Monster Building is generally safe to visit during daylight hours. It's a busy residential area. The main concern is being respectful of the residents and their property. TikTok

Most visitors spend about 30 minutes to an hour exploring the courtyard and taking photos. If you plan to combine it with nearby activities, allocate more time. Reddit

Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you'll be walking around the courtyard and potentially exploring the surrounding area. Dress appropriately for the weather. TikTok

While there aren't direct amenities within the residential complex itself, the surrounding Quarry Bay area has plenty of shops, restaurants, and public restrooms. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting the Monster Building can be a fascinating experience for families, offering a unique visual spectacle that sparks curiosity. The sheer scale and density of the buildings are unlike anything most children have seen before. It’s a great opportunity to discuss urban planning and how people live in dense cities. TikTok

Key tips for families: Keep a close eye on children in the courtyard to ensure they don't disturb residents. The nearby hiking trails offer a great way to burn off energy after the visual stimulation of the building. Pack snacks and water, as amenities within the immediate building complex are limited. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Monster Building is a dream location for photographers seeking dramatic urban landscapes. The unique architectural style, with its stacked apartments and dense layout, offers endless compositional possibilities. Instagram+1

Photography advice: Aim for the central courtyard for the classic 'monster' shot. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to capture the scale. Consider visiting during the golden hours (early morning or late afternoon) for optimal lighting. Remember to be respectful of residents and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

🚶 Budget Travelers

The Monster Building is an excellent free attraction for budget travelers. Getting there via the MTR is inexpensive, and the building itself requires no admission fee. It's a perfect way to experience an iconic Hong Kong sight without spending a dime. TikTok

Budget tips: Combine your visit with exploring the surrounding Quarry Bay neighborhood, which offers affordable local eateries. The nearby hiking trails are also a free and rewarding activity. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Architecture and Its Name

The Monster Building is actually a complex of five interconnected residential blocks: Yick Cheong, Yick Fat, Fook Cheong, Man Cheong, and Tung Cheong buildings. Built in the 1960s, these buildings were designed to maximize living space in a densely populated city. The sheer density of windows, balconies, and stacked units creates the imposing, almost overwhelming visual that earned it the nickname 'Monster Building.' TikTokReddit

Despite its intimidating appearance from certain angles, the name 'Monster Building' is somewhat of a misnomer, as many visitors find the area to be quite pleasant and historic. The name likely stems from its unique, almost labyrinthine structure when viewed from above or within the central courtyard, resembling a colossal, multi-faceted creature. Reddit

Photographers are particularly drawn to the building's unique geometry and the way light plays off the facades. The visual impact is undeniable, making it a popular spot for capturing the essence of Hong Kong's dense urban landscape. Instagram+1

Photography Tips and Etiquette

Capturing the essence of the Monster Building requires a keen eye for composition and a deep respect for its residents. The most iconic shots are taken from the central courtyard, looking upwards. Experiment with wide-angle lenses to convey the overwhelming scale and the intricate layering of the apartments. Instagram

Timing is crucial for the best photographic results. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, while late afternoons can provide a warm, golden glow that adds a dramatic flair to the architecture. Instagram Consider the patterns of light and shadow as they shift throughout the day to create unique visual narratives. Instagram

Crucially, remember that this is a residential area. While photography is common, intrusive behavior is not tolerated. Avoid using flash directly into windows, do not block common pathways, and always be mindful of residents going about their daily lives. The goal is to capture the building's character without disturbing its inhabitants. TikTok

Beyond the 'Monster': Exploring Quarry Bay

While the Monster Building is the main draw, the surrounding Quarry Bay area offers a richer experience than just a quick photo stop. This district boasts a blend of old and new, with historic elements nestled amongst modern developments. It's a great place to get a feel for local life away from the more tourist-heavy districts. Reddit

For those who enjoy the outdoors, the area is a gateway to fantastic hiking trails. These paths offer a refreshing contrast to the urban density, providing scenic views and a chance to connect with nature. It’s a perfect way to balance your urban exploration with some natural beauty. Reddit

Exploring the neighborhood allows you to appreciate the context of the Monster Building. You'll find local eateries, shops, and a more relaxed pace of life, offering a more authentic glimpse into Hong Kong living. Reddit

You may also like

1 of 2