How long does it take to walk through the Quarry Bay industrial route?

The full walking route typically takes between 90 to 120 minutes depending on your pace. This includes time to stop for photos at the Monster Building and to explore the Fireboat Alexander Grantham museum. The total distance is approximately 3 kilometers.

Is the Monster Building in Hong Kong free to visit?

Yes, the courtyard of the Yick Cheong Building (Monster Building) is free to enter as it is a residential complex. However, visitors must be respectful of the residents' privacy, keep noise to a minimum, and follow any posted signs regarding photography.

What is the history of the Fireboat Alexander Grantham?

The Fireboat Alexander Grantham was built in 1953 and served as the flagship of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department for five decades. It was a crucial vessel for marine firefighting and rescue in Victoria Harbour. It was decommissioned in 2002 and converted into a public museum in Quarry Bay Park.

Is this walking route in Hong Kong suitable for families?

Yes, this is an easy, flat walk that is very family-friendly. Children particularly enjoy the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery and the open spaces of Quarry Bay Park. The route is mostly away from heavy traffic once you reach the park and promenade.

Can I see the Transformers filming location in Hong Kong on this walk?

Yes, the Yick Cheong Building (Stop 3 on this route) was a major filming location for 'Transformers: Age of Extinction.' The courtyard provides the exact perspective seen in the movie's climactic scenes. It is one of the most recognizable cinematic landmarks in the city.

What was the Taikoo Sugar Refinery?

The Taikoo Sugar Refinery was once the largest sugar refinery in the world, established by the Swire Group in the 1880s. It transformed Quarry Bay into a major industrial center. While the refinery is no longer there, its legacy lives on in street names like Tong Chong Street and the nearby Taikoo Place development.

When is the best time of day to visit Quarry Bay?

The best time to explore is the late afternoon, around 3:00 PM. This provides the best natural light for the Monster Building's courtyard and allows you to reach the waterfront in time for the sunset over Victoria Harbour.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Discover the fascinating evolution of one of Hong Kong's most dynamic districts on this self-guided walk through Quarry Bay. This neighborhood stroll takes you on a journey from the area's origins as a massive industrial powerhouse to its modern status as a hub for creativity and world-famous photography. You will explore the dramatic contrasts that define the city: towering high-density housing standing alongside lush mountain trails and a serene harbor front. The route highlights the legacy of the Taikoo Dockyard and Sugar Refinery, once the largest in the world, which laid the foundation for the sleek office towers and vibrant street life you see today. Along the way, you will visit the iconic 'Monster Building,' a massive residential complex that has become a symbol of Hong Kong’s vertical urbanism and a favorite for international filmmakers. As you move toward the waterfront, the industrial grit gives way to the refreshing breezes of Quarry Bay Park and the historic Fireboat Alexander Grantham. This walking route offers a unique perspective on how Hong Kong balances its heritage with modern urban needs. Whether you are an architecture enthusiast looking for the perfect shot or a history buff interested in the maritime roots of the city, this self-guided adventure provides a comprehensive look at the eastern side of Hong Kong Island without the constraints of a traditional walking tour Hong Kong. The path is easy to navigate and allows you to pause whenever you wish to soak in the atmosphere of this multi-layered neighborhood.

Highlights

The world-famous 'Monster Building' (Yick Cheong Building) photography spot

Historic Mount Parker Road, the gateway to Hong Kong's lush green lungs

The transformation of the Taikoo Sugar Refinery at Tong Chong Street

A close-up look at the Fireboat Alexander Grantham maritime museum

Panoramic views of Victoria Harbour from the Quarry Bay promenade

Modern architectural marvels of the Taikoo Place business hub

Tour Stops (6)

Ryoden Property Development Co., Ltd.

Welcome to the start of your journey. This location serves as a perfect introduction to the rapid urban development of Hong Kong. Ryoden has been a key player in the city's property and industrial landscape for decades. As you look around, notice how the older industrial structures are being replaced or renovated into modern commercial spaces. This area marks the transition from the bustling North Point district into the industrial heart of Quarry Bay. The development here reflects the post-war economic boom when Hong Kong shifted from a trading port to a global manufacturing and financial center. Keep an eye on the varied textures of the buildings, representing different eras of the city's architectural growth.

Mount Parker Road

As you turn onto Mount Parker Road, the air begins to cool. This is the entrance to one of Hong Kong's most popular hiking trails, leading up to the second-highest peak on Hong Kong Island. Historically, this road was essential for the cable car system that served the Taikoo Sugar Refinery's staff residences on the hills. Today, it represents the 'green lungs' of the district. Look for the Woodside Biodiversity Education Centre, a beautiful red-brick building that was once a residence for refinery staff. This stop highlights the incredible proximity of dense urban life to untouched nature, a defining characteristic of Hong Kong.

Yick Cheong Building

You are now standing in the courtyard of the Yick Cheong Building, famously known as the 'Monster Building.' This E-shaped complex is actually composed of five interconnected blocks built in the 1960s. It gained international fame after appearing in films like 'Transformers: Age of Extinction.' This is a prime example of Hong Kong’s 'composite buildings,' where residential and commercial units are packed into a single, high-density structure. While you take photos of the dizzying upward perspective, please remember that this is a private residential area. The rhythmic pattern of balconies and air conditioning units tells a story of the city's housing challenges and its unique vertical aesthetic.

Tong Chong Street

Tong Chong Street, which translates to 'Sugar Refinery Street,' is the historical heart of the Taikoo empire. This area was once dominated by the Taikoo Sugar Refinery, which was among the largest and most sophisticated in the world during the early 20th century. Today, the refinery is gone, replaced by the sleek skyscrapers of Taikoo Place. However, the street remains a vibrant community hub, often hosting food markets and events. The transformation from heavy industry to a high-end business district is a testament to Hong Kong's adaptability. Look around at the glass towers; they stand exactly where massive vats of sugar were once processed.

Quarry Bay Park

Leaving the high-rises behind, step into Quarry Bay Park. This park is built on reclaimed land that was once part of the Taikoo Dockyard. In its heyday, this was one of the largest shipbuilding and repair yards in the British Empire. Now, it serves as a peaceful retreat for locals. As you walk along the promenade, you can enjoy unobstructed views across the harbor to Kowloon East. The park is a great place to observe the daily life of residents, from tai chi practitioners in the morning to joggers in the evening. It provides a necessary breathing space in one of the most densely populated areas on earth.

Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery

Your final stop is the Fireboat Alexander Grantham. This vessel was the flagship of the Hong Kong Fire Services Department's fireboat fleet for over 50 years before being retired in 2002. It was involved in many major firefighting and rescue operations in the harbor. Now preserved on land, it serves as a museum dedicated to maritime rescue history. The boat's bright red hull stands as a sentinel over the harbor it once protected. Take a moment to explore the deck and learn about the brave crews who worked here. It is a fitting end to a walk that explores how the sea and industry have shaped the soul of Hong Kong.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided walk through Quarry Bay is best for photography, as it allows you to spend as much time as needed at the Yick Cheong 'Monster Building.' This iconic spot is famous for its vertical symmetry and dense architectural patterns. Other great spots include the Quarry Bay Park promenade and the red-brick Woodside house on Mount Parker Road.