Monster Building (Yick Cheong)
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
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light
Monster Building (Yick Cheong)
Best Time
Fewer crowds, soft light

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.
"It's a photographer's dream and a unique glimpse into Hong Kong's dense urban living."
🤫 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Nearby Hiking Trails
Adjacent to the building
Discover miles of fantastic hiking trails right next to the building for a nature escape.
Planning Your Visit
Respect the Residents
Best Angles for Photos
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 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.
🚶 Explore the Neighborhood
Don't just see the building; discover the pleasant, historic area around it.
👟 Hit the Hiking Trails
Amazing hiking trails are just steps away for an active adventure.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 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.
🚶 Explore the Neighborhood
Don't just see the building; discover the pleasant, historic area around it.
👟 Hit the Hiking Trails
Amazing hiking trails are just steps away for an active adventure.
What Travellers Say
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.
"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
What People Dislike
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.
Parking is extremely limited and not recommended due to the dense urban environment. Public transport, especially the MTR, is the best option for visiting.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 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.
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.
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.
Urban exploration, architectural photography, and dramatic cityscape shots are very popular. Many visitors aim to capture the unique, almost overwhelming density of the buildings.
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.
🎫 🚶 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.
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.
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.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended, as you'll be walking around the courtyard and potentially exploring the surrounding area. Dress appropriately for the weather.
While there aren't direct amenities within the residential complex itself, the surrounding Quarry Bay area has plenty of shops, restaurants, and public restrooms.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
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.
🚶 Budget Travelers
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.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture and Its Name
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.
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.
Photography Tips and Etiquette
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. Consider the patterns of light and shadow as they shift throughout the day to create unique visual narratives.
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.
Beyond the 'Monster': Exploring Quarry Bay
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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit