Tucked away in the residential neighbourhood of Ngau Tau Kok, Lok Wah South Estate Car Park is not your average tourist attraction—but for photography lovers and Instagrammers, it’s a dream location.
Famed for its geometric blue circles and surreal rooftop layout, this secret Hong Kong spot is a photogenic secret that blends urban grit with minimalist aesthetics. Whether you’re a seasoned content creator or just looking to capture something a bit off the beaten path, Lok Wah delivers striking visuals that truly pop on the grid.
What to Expect at Lok Wah South Estate Car Park
Tucked away on the rooftop of a residential car park in Ngau Tau Kok, Lok Wah South Estate Car Park is one of Hong Kong’s most unexpectedly photogenic locations. As you climb up to the top level, you’ll be greeted by a surreal, concrete structure lined with a series of bold blue circular cutouts and overhead beams that create dramatic, geometric shadows — especially under the midday sun.
The space feels like something out of a sci-fi film or a minimalist art installation, making it a dream location for photographers, Instagrammers, and anyone with an eye for symmetry and urban design. Though it’s a functioning car park, it’s usually quiet during the day, and visitors are welcome as long as they’re respectful. It’s one of those rare spots where architecture meets atmosphere, and every angle offers a new perspective.
When to Go for the Best Photos
Most Instagram spots shine best during golden hour, but Lok Wah South Estate Car Park is a rare exception. Thanks to the structure’s semi-open rooftop and signature beams, midday sun actually creates the most dramatic lighting.
Between 11am and 2pm, the sunlight filters directly through the openings, casting bold shadows and lines that transform the space into an abstract urban canvas. If you want to get those clean, high-contrast shots, aim for a bright, cloudless day and don’t be afraid of harsh light here—it’s part of the magic.
How to Get to Lok Wah South Estate Car Park
Address: 70 Chun Wah Road, Ngau Tau Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong
🚇 By MTR + Minibus:
- Take the MTR to Kwun Tong Station (Kwun Tong Line).
- Exit via Exit A.
- Walk along Hip Wo Street and take the green minibus 22M from Yue Man Square.
- Get off at Lok Wah South Estate.
- From there, it’s a 2–3 minute walk to the car park entrance.
🚌 By Bus:
Alternatively, take buses 13X, 2A, 23M, 213X, or 48 and alight at Lok Wah Bus Terminus.
Once you’re at the estate, follow signs to the multi-storey car park rooftop—you can take the lift or stairs to the top level where the famous blue rings await.
Photography Tips & Tricks
- Gear: A smartphone will do, but for clean lines and symmetry, try a 24mm or 35mm wide-angle lens.
- Angles: Stand inside one of the blue circles and shoot through them to get that tunnel effect. Or go low to make the rings loom above for a more dramatic look.
- Styling: Bright or contrasting outfits (like yellow, orange, or white) stand out beautifully against the blue.
- Time: Avoid weekends and late afternoons when locals may be using the space.
👉 Hire a private photographer: Hong Kong’s Best Instagram Spots With A Local, Private + Custom
Pro Tips for Visiting Lok Wah South Estate
- Weather: Clear skies = perfect shadows. Rainy days tend to dull the effect of the structures.
- Footwear: It’s a car park, so wear comfy shoes—you’ll be walking on concrete.
- Be respectful: This is a residential area. Keep noise low and be aware of people who might actually be parking their cars!
- Timing: Weekdays are best for uninterrupted photo sessions.
What Else to Do Nearby Lok Wah South Estate?
While Lok Wah is a bit off the tourist path, there’s plenty more to explore in the area and beyond, making it easy to turn your shoot into a half-day or full-day outing.
Local Eats in Kowloon Bay: After your shoot, grab a bite at one of the cha chaan tengs (local diners) near Kwun Tong. Try Tai Hing or Tung Po Kitchen for an authentic Hong Kong-style meal.
Want More Hidden Photography Gems in Hong Kong?
If you loved Lok Wah South Estate, don’t miss these other underrated Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong:
- Choi Hung Estate (rainbow-coloured basketball courts)
- Yik Cheong Building / “Monster Building”
- Ping Shek Estate staircases
- Lai Tak Tsuen Cylindrical Building
👉 Read: Top Architecture Photo Spots to Visit in Hong Kong
What Else to do in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong is an incredible city, and you won’t run out of things to do. Here are some example activities to round out your Hong Kong itinerary:
Victoria Peak and Sky Terrace 428: Take the Peak Tram and enjoy sweeping views of the skyline from Hong Kong’s highest observation deck.
👉 Victoria Peak Tram and Sky Terrace 428 Admission
Aqua Luna Sunset Cruise in Victoria Harbour: Hop aboard a traditional red-sail junk boat for a romantic cruise through the harbour—an iconic Hong Kong experience.
👉 Aqua Luna: Evening Cruise at Victoria Harbour
Hong Kong Food Tour: Discover the best street food, dim sum, and hidden gems with a local expert. These tours are a great way to explore culture through cuisine.
👉 Small-Group Hong Kong Island Food Tour
Lok Wah South Estate Final Thoughts
Lok Wah South Estate Car Park may not be listed in your average Hong Kong travel guide, but it’s quickly becoming a must-visit for photographers and creatives. Whether you’re after moody midday shadows, futuristic minimalism, or a fresh background for your next shoot, Lok Wah delivers in a big way.
Pair it with a couple of classic Hong Kong attractions and you’ve got a day full of visuals, vibes, and local flavour.
P.S. Looking for more unique photo spots around Asia? Be sure to check out my full guides to How to Visit the Wat Sam Phran Dragon Temple in Bangkok and Your Guide to Visiting Patrika Gate in Jaipur, Rajasthan—perfect for creative travellers and content creators.
Plan Your Trip to Hong Kong: Useful Travel Resource Links
🌞 Useful Travel Resources & Essentials 🌞
By using the following links, you can support Call of the World at no additional cost to yourself
HEALTH & INSURANCE
🚨 TRAVEL MEDICAL INSURANCE: To ensure peace of mind while travelling or living abroad, we recommend getting health insurance. SafetyWing offer Nomad Insurance with globally mobile individuals in mind. Find out more here.
🏥 TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with Heymondo, your trusted travel companion. They offer single-trip, annual and long-stay travel insurance. App with 24-hour medical support. (Call of the World readers get 5% off your travel insurance policy using my link)
BANKING & CURRENCY EXCHANGE
💶 FOREIGN CURRENCY CARD: To pay by card and withdraw cash at the best rates, get a WISE card before your trip. This allows you to convert money into any other currency at the best rates and withdraw cash without hidden fees. WISE is a UK-based financial services company (available in most countries worldwide) and is highly regulated in the various regions it operates in (in the UK it is authorised by the Financial Conduct Authority).
FLIGHTS & TRANSPORT
✈️ FLIGHTS: I always use SKYSCANNER to book my flights. It shows you the best deals and allows you to be flexible with dates. Feeling adventurous? Try out the “explore everywhere” feature.
🚂 BUS, TRAIN & FERRY TICKETS: Book your bus, train and ferry transportation in advance online using 12Go.
🚘 AIRPORT PICKUPS: Ensure peace of mind by booking your airport pickup with Welcome Pickups. Highly recommended if arriving late at night in an unfamiliar location.
TOURS & ACTIVITIES
🗺️ DAY TRIPS & CITY TOURS: Book your tours and activities with Viator. Viator partner with local guides and businesses to offer you the very best travel experiences available. Browse tours here.
🌏 ETHICAL GROUP TOURS: If you fancy joining a group tour, I can highly recommend G Adventures. Not only do G Adventures offer amazing group tours all over the world, but they really put the effort in to do good in the communities they visit. Browse tours here.
STAYING CONNECTED
📳 eSIM: AIRALO: Sort out an eSIM before your arrival with Airalo. Having an eSIM allows you to connect to local network data as soon as you arrive – super useful for Google Maps and rideshare apps!
📳 eSIM: HOLAFLY: Likewise Holafly also offer a convenient eSIM service. They offer unlimited data plans at multiple destinations – perfect whether you’re a remote worker or just want unlimited data for Insta Stories! Call of the World readers get 5% off using the code “CALLOFTHEWORLD”.
📳 eSIM: SAILY: Another eSIM provider is Saily, by the creators of NordVPN (see below), so security is a top feature. Call of the World readers get 5% off using the code “SPECIAL5”.
💻 NordVPN: Remote worker and need a secure network? Or do you simply want to keep up-to-date with your favourite tv show from home? Having a VPN like NordVPN allows you to access the internet securely via an encrypted connection, making the use of public wifi spots much safer.
💻 ExpressVPN: Likewise, ExpressVPN also offer a reliable secure connection using their VPN service, enabling you to protect your privacy when connecting to the internet overseas.
Pin it for later…
Was this Hong Kong travel guide about Lok Wah South Estate Car Park: Hong Kong’s Hidden Gem for Urban Photography useful for you? Save it on Pinterest and follow along on Instagram for some escapism and more adventure tips.
Have you been to Hong Kong? What was your favourite spot? Anything you’d like me to add to this Guide to Lok Wah South Estate Car Park? Let me know in the comments!
Leave a Reply