Visiting the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building, Hong Kong. When I last visited Hong Kong I just had to see the impossible jumble of apartments at the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building for myself! I can see why this composite building has become a popular photo spot and even featured in films like Transformers and Ghost in the Shell… and 10,000 people live here!
What is the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building?
The Yik Cheong “Monster” Building is an amalgamation of 5 apartment buildings all joined together. Its seemingly haphazard design is the perfect reflection of the extremely crowded living situation that is the reality for most people living in Hong Kong. If you want a taste of real Hong Kong life, come here!
Why should I visit the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building?
The building seems to defy the laws of physics, and it’s impossible to imagine so many people living in one place. The curved exterior and then the square courtyard are both incredibly photogenic, in their own ugly way.
How do I get to the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building?
The address is Yick Cheong Building, King’s Rd, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. If you’re on Kowloon you’ll need to get the MTR or ferry across to Hong Kong Island. The closest MTR station is MTR Quarry Bay Station, Exit B.
Want More Hidden Photography Gems in Hong Kong?
If you loved the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building, don’t miss these other underrated Instagrammable spots in Hong Kong:
- Choi Hung Estate (rainbow-coloured basketball courts)
- Lok Wah South Estate (blue circle car park)
- 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
Practical Guidance for Hong Kong
Hopefully you have found this guide on Visiting the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building, Hong Kong useful. I have also included some practical guidance below so that you can get the boring stuff sorted and make the most of your trip!
Transport in Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a very easy city to get around. I highly recommend using the MTR (metro / subway system) as it’s clean and efficient. Most of the signs are in both Chinese and English. You’re best off buying a Octopus card that you can then top up as much as you need. I purchased mine at the airport subway station before getting the train into the city. It is also possible to buy single journey tickets but this will end up more expensive and time consuming.
Withdrawing Cash in Hong Kong in Hong Kong Dollars (HKD)
To withdraw cash at the best rates, I highly recommend getting a WISE card before you go. This allows you to convert money into Hong Kong Dollars (or any other currency!) at the best rates and then withdraw cash in Hong Kong 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).
Get your WISE card here.
Travel Medical Insurance
Make sure that you have insurance to cover you for your trip. The type of insurance you need will depend on your personal circumstances and specific needs. 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. Whether you’re a short-term backpacker or a longer-term remote worker, they have something for everyone. SafetyWing‘s Nomad Essential plan covers travel and medical emergencies with options for adventure sports and electronics theft. Their Nomad Complete plan offers comprehensive health coverage with routine healthcare, mental health support, and maternity, anywhere in the world, including in your home country, on top of all Essential benefits. Find out more about SafetyWing’s Nomad Insurance here.
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 🌞
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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.
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