Cinephiles! You’ve got to check out these famous Hong Kong film locations across the city. Have you visited every one?
There are a great number of classic Hong Kong movies or Cantonese horror movies that all locals know and love – because they’re just so quirky, funny, and original. We’ve put together several iconic Hong Kong film locations for you to learn more about Hong Kong’s history and relive the moments when you first watched these films.
Check out these iconic Hong Kong film locations
1. Rouge (1987) – Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan
Shot on Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, the critically-acclaimed movie Rouge is about the doomed romance between the ghost of a prostitute and the son of a wealthy family in the 1930s, and how she was trying to look for him after they were separated. Starring Anita Mui and Leslie Cheung, it’s one of the most well-known sad love stories that everyone should watch.
Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
2. Chungking Express (1995) – Chungking Mansions, TST
Internationally-renowned director Wong Kar-wai made one of his most successful films Chungking Express at Chungking Mansions, in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui. The building features an array of Indian restaurants, hostels and shops, and it’s definitely one of the most significant Hong Kong film locations.
Chungking Mansions, 36-44 Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong
3. Throw Down (2004) – Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, Mid-Levels
The Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences is an independent public museum established in 1996 to help educate the public on health and medical sciences. This historic Edwardian style heritage building is one of the prime Hong Kong film locations, often being featured in different movies and TV shows such as the martial art film Throw Down, where an epic fight scene happens right outside the walls.
Hong Kong Museum of Medical Sciences, 2 Caine Lane, Mid-Levels, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2549 5123
4. All About Love (2010) – Mid-Levels escalator, SoHo
The Mid-Levels escalator is actually the longest outdoor covered escalator system in the world! Not only does it get you to all the cool restaurants in SoHo, it’s also one of the most iconic Hong Kong film locations – you can find it playing an important role in movies like All About Love as well as Chungking Express.
Mid-Levels escalator, SoHo, Central, Hong Kong
5. Don’t Go Breaking My Heart (2011) – King George V Memorial Park, Sai Ying Pun
Showcasing Hong Kong’s colonial past, King George V Memorial Park is a beautiful urban park that you should discover in Sai Ying Pun. It has appeared in different Cantonese rom-coms such as Don’t Go Breaking My Heart and has some seriously stunning architecture and banyan trees that need to be seen to be believed.
King George V Memorial Park, Hospital Road, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong
6. Police Story (1985) – Wing On Plaza
Jackie Chan, in his prime, performed thrilling action sequences in almost all his movies – with one of the most iconic being the fight sequence in Police Story. The climactic brawl took place at Wing On Plaza, with Chan sliding down a light-covered pole in his most infamous stunt. The shopping mall is a popular tourist destination in the heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, but now has some safety barriers to prevent film-enthusiasts from recreating the stunts – that’s how influential the movie is!
Wing On Plaza, 62 Mody Road, Tsim Sha Tsui East, Hong Kong
7. Infernal Affairs (2002) – Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery
The critically acclaimed Infernal Affairs opens with a scene set at the Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery. Like the name suggests, thousands of buddha statues cover the monastery and provide the perfect backdrop for the tense scene. The sprawling monastery is a wonder to walk through and is definitely one of the most beautiful Hong Kong film locations.
Ten Thousand Buddhas Monastery, 220 Pai Tau Village, Sha Tin, Hong Kong
8. PTU (2003) – China Cafe, Mong Kok (CLOSED)
Established in 1963, China Cafe has since been serving scrumptious toast, milk tea, egg tarts and other Hong Kong breakfasts to hungry locals for years. With its authentic and lovely decoration, this cosy cafe is also known for being part of the film sets for movies like PTU, Endless Love and Tales from the Dark.
China Cafe, G/F, 1077A Canton Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2392 7825
[This article was originally published in December 2019 and updated in 2023 by Min Ji Park.]
