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
Planning your next trip? These are my ride-or-die travel tools — handpicked, tested, and essential. The smart stuff I actually use to book fast, travel safer, and stress less. I don’t gatekeep when it comes to travel!
Travel Insurance
- SafetyWingNomad-friendly, low-cost, and claim-friendly. Built for long-term travellers.
- Heymondo (5% off)Great app. Fast claims. Reader discount included.
Flights
- SkyscannerThe only tool I trust to find the cheapest flights in seconds.
Money & Banking
- WiseNo hidden fees, epic exchange rates — perfect for multi-country trips.
Accommodation
- Booking.comFree cancellation, last-minute deals — ideal for the flexible traveller.
Transport
- 12GoBuses, trains, ferries across Asia — easy, fast, and reliable.
- Welcome PickupsPrivate airport pickups with friendly local drivers. Book in advance and relax.
Tours & Tickets
- ViatorSkip the queue, book activities last-minute, cancel for free.
- G AdventuresSmall-group tours, ethical operators, great for solo travel.
eSIMs & Data
- AiraloDigital SIM cards you can activate instantly. No roaming bills, ever.
- Holafly (5% off with code “CALLOFTHEWORLD”)Unlimited data. 100+ countries. Set it up in 5 minutes.
- Saily (5% off with code “SPECIAL5”)Affordable eSIMs that just work, especially in Southeast Asia.
Stay Secure
- NordVPNBrowse safely on public Wi-Fi, access content globally, and stay private.
- ExpressVPNFast, reliable, and works in countries with heavy censorship.
✈️ Pro tip: Set these up before your trip so you can hit the ground running. Travel smarter, not harder.
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Have you been to Hong Kong? What was your favourite spot? Anything you’d like me to add to this Guide to Visiting the Yik Cheong “Monster” Building? Let me know in the comments!
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