Hong Kong — Architecture, Jungle, & Culture with Tyson Wheatley

Meet Your Guide: Tyson Wheatley

I’ve been passionate about photographing Hong Kong for nearly a decade. I spent three years living there as Executive Editor at CNN International, and I still make frequent return trips. I find there’s always something new to discover in this rapidly changing city. I'm excited to show you what I consider the very best highlights and hidden gems in this fascinating place.

Day 1: Welcome to "The Fragrant Harbor"

Summary:
Welcome to Hong Kong. We start with the basics, hitting some of HK’s more touristy, but spectacular attractions, while introducing our group to Central HK and ending the day with a truly world-class vantage point of the entire city.

Photo Spot:
The Peak.

Activities:
Sunrise photowalk. Exploring Kowloon. Ferry ride. Sunset at the peak.

Morning:
Get acquainted with our crew during a sunrise photowalk in TST. We’ll see a spectacular view of Hong Kong Island from Kowloon and visit a handful of cool photo spots. Then we catch the iconic Star Ferry and cross Victoria Harbour to HK Island.

Afternoon:
We explore Central HK and its maze of shopping malls, skyscrapers and parks - taking a million photos along the way.

Evening:
We take the tram to the Peak for a sunset walk - this is the best view of the city.

Overnight:
Hotel in Kowloon

Food:
After sunset, we grab Taiwanese dumplings at Dai Tin Fung.

Day 2: Old World Meets The New World

Summary:
After a sunrise hike to Lion Rock, we visit some of Hong Kong’s housing estates - incredibly bright and intriguing communities. Lots of photo opportunities. We then explore some of Kowloon’s manufacturing neighborhoods, exploring key shops, markets and some of the few places where old-school signs still drape the streets. We end the day with a cocktail toast atop the city’s tallest building with 360 views of Hong Kong.

Photo Spot:
Choi Hung Estates

Activities:
Sunrise hike to Lion Rock. City photo walk. Cocktail at the highest bar in the world.

Morning:
Sunrise hike of Lion Rock. Optional, because this is not an easy hike. We start well before sunrise and do a this two hour hike up the steep trails to Lion Rock. You’ll get plenty of exercise and the views are unmatched. Plus we might see monkeys or wild pigs.

Afternoon:
We explore Choi Hung Estates - a colorful housing community with incredible photo opportunities. Then see more colorful housing estates in Shek Kip Mei neighborhood. We explore Sham Shui Po, a manufacturing neighborhood that still resembles old Hong Kong.

Evening:
We end the evening at Elements - Kowloon’s futuristic neighborhood and catch sunset atop of Sky 100 observation deck and grab a drink at Ozone - the highest bar in the city

Overnight:
Hotel in Kowloon

Food:
Chunking Mansions. An adventure on its own. This highrise offers floor after floor of narrow corridors, cheap cell phone stalls and a bunch of Indian and Pakistani restaurants.

Day 3: Hipsters of Hong Kong

Summary:
We move to Hong Kong Island to explore HK’s posh side, hip neighborhoods, trendy shops and bright cafes, and end with a sunset spot that’ll make you forget you are in Hong Kong.

Photo Spot:
Sai Wan Swim Shed

Activities:
Explore HK's posh neighborhoods. Portraits during golden hour at Sai Wan Swim Shed.

Morning:
After an intense day two, we slow the pace, catch up on rest and spend our morning transfering to a new hotel on HK Island.

Afternoon:
Walking tour of midlevels, Sheung Wan, Kennedy Town

Evening:
Catch sunset at Sai Wan Swimming Shed

Overnight:
Hotel in Sheung Wan

Food:
Local restaurants

Day 4: Down The Dragon's Back

Summary:
Hong Kong’s South Side. We explore Hong Kong’s southern coast, a completely different side of the island, highlighted by hiking Dragon’s Back and ending on a beach in the village of Shek O.

Photo Spot:
Dragon's Back

Activities:
Hiking dragon’s back to a sunset on the beach. Double-decker tram through HK Island. Exploring coastal village of Shek O.

Morning:
We take one of HK’s iconic double-decker Trams from the west side of the island to the east side. This slow-moving ride cuts through the heart of HK Island - it's the perfect way to sight-see. We then catch a bus to the southern side of the island - to the trailhead of Dragon’s Back

Afternoon:
We hike the beautiful Dragon’s Back trail, with plenty of photo opps, as we may our way to the beach.

Evening:
We end the hike and the evening in the coastal village of Shek O - a charming and remote town with one of the best beaches in Hong Kong.

Overnight:
Hotel in Sheung Wan

Food:
Local Thai/chinese restaurant in Shek O village

Day 5: Under & Above Hong Kong

Summary:
We hit the subways to reach a handful of Hong Kong’s most epic underground locations as well as some classic "lookup" photo spots.

Photo Spot:
Montane Mansions

Activities:
Exploring the futuristic housing estates of Tsueng Kwan O, Quarry Bay, and North Point.

Morning:
Quarry Bay. We hit the classic Montane Mansion - a popular housing estate for photography.

Afternoon:
We take the MTR (subway) to Tsueng Kwan O to explore the classic lookups of Hong Kong.

Evening:
We finish in North Point neighborhood. My old haunt. I know several spots for photos and refreshments.

Overnight:
Hotel in Sheung Wan

Food:
Tung Po Kitchen - Java road cooked food center. This sometimes rowdy seafood themed Chinese restaurant is a party on its own. A perfect way to close out our trip in celebratory style.

Day 6: Catch Flights Home

Summary:
Head to the airport and say your goodbyes!

Morning:
Catch your flight, but not before sharing photos and contact info with all your new friends.

WHERE WE'RE GOING
Hong Kong is a city of contrast. A dense maze of high rises surrounded by a dramatic landscape of jagged mountains, lush jungles and coastline. Together we’ll explore this unique intersection of architecture and nature.

Hong Kong
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
Tyson is no stranger to creative diversity. He's ready to share his expertise on anything from portraiture to architecture to landscape photography. Having worked many years in social media marketing, he's even excited to share tips for growing your online audience. A few topics he'll cover on your trip:

Landscape, architecture, and portrait street photography
Tips for using DSLR, mobile and drone cameras
Editing tips
Social media strategy
Don't have a camera besides your smartphone? No problem. Shoot & edit on whatever device you want!

WHAT'S INCLUDED
5 nights hotel (prices based on double occupancy)
Entrance to all activities
Transportation to/from airport
Transportation around Hong Kong
Photography and editing lessons
Discount on Moment Gear
20% off listed price for first 4 travelers

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
Airfare
Alcoholic Beverages
Meals
Guide gratuities
Insurance of any kind