11 April 2026
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Hong Kong is a dynamic city that serves as a backdrop for numerous films, both international and local. From the towering skyscrapers of Central to the bustling streets of Mong Kok, the city’s unique blend of modernity and tradition creates an alluring cinematic landscape. Whether you’re a film buff or a traveler seeking the essence of the city, these locations will offer a glimpse into the world of cinema in Hong Kong.
International Finance Centre and Victoria Harbour, Central
The stunning skyline of Central, a bustling commercial hub on Hong Kong Island, serves as an iconic backdrop for Hollywood blockbusters. In Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight (2008), the camera captures the sleek lines of the International Finance Centre (Two IFC) as Christian Bale’s Batman glides through its towering structure. The scene masterfully juxtaposes the imposing building against the breathtaking view of Victoria Harbour, enhancing the urban appeal that fascinates fans worldwide. In Lara Croft: Tomb Raider – The Cradle of Life (2003), the action escalates as Angelina Jolie’s Lara jumps off the IFC II in a flight suit.
RELATED: 10 Hotels in Hong Kong with the Best Views of Victoria Harbour
While visiting the IFC buildings, stay at Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, a One-MICHELIN-Key hotel offering breathtaking harbor views. Perched next to the IFC building complex, where visitors can indulge in shopping and a variety of culinary options, the hotel is also home to two MICHELIN-Starred restaurants — French mecca Caprice, offering high-caliber French delicacies, and Cantonese restaurant Lung King Heen, celebrated not only for its seasonal offerings but also its dim sum and double boiled soup.
RELATED: 8 MICHELIN Guide Hotels in Hong Kong with MICHELIN-Star Restaurants
Central-Mid-Levels Escalators
While kicking about Central, you can immerse yourself in the city’s heritage by visiting Tai Kwun — the former Central Police Station Compound — and Central Market, a Grade III historic building turned culture hub. Here, you can peruse creative stalls and sample a variety of food and beverages. Both structures are connected by the iconic Central-Mid-Levels Escalators. (Right image: © Hsieh, Ming-Ling/ MICHELIN)
While you walk along the 800-meter Central-Mid-Levels Escalators, admire the time-honored residential buildings and shops that surround you. The East-meets-West cultural ambience has fascinated millions. This is the spot featured in The Dark Knight (2008), where Christian Bale and Morgan Freeman share a scene amid Hong Kong’s neon-lit streets, with shop signs and bustling traffic glowing in the background.
RELATED: 2 Days in Central Hong Kong for Food and Art Lovers
The Central-Mid-Levels Escalators also appear in Wong Kar-wai’s iconic Chungking Express (1994). The escalators, built in 1993, fascinated the award-winning director, who uses the busy spot as a metaphor for urban isolation in shades of green. It provides a striking backdrop for his characters as they journey through their daily lives amid love and heartbreak.
Further Reading: Discover Hong Kong’s MICHELIN-Recommended Restaurants by MTR: Island Line, Western Section
Around a 15-minute walk away, Two-MICHELIN-Key The Murray, Hong Kong, a Niccolo Hotel is an alternative hotel for your stay. Converted from a late 1960s landmark government building, this Niccolo hotel offers a chic retreat in the heart of the city. Nearby, Pacific Place is a mixed-use development featuring luxury shops, restaurants and hotels, including the JW Marriott Hotel, home to a wide array of dining options, including MICHELIN-Starred Cantonese Man Ho (Admiralty), combining Eastern elegance with modern taste.
Further Reading: The Best Seafood Restaurants in Hong Kong
Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
The live-action remake of Ghost in the Shell (2017) was shot in many locations in Hong Kong. Starring Scarlett Johansson as a cyborg agent, the film’s recognizable backdrops include the Hong Kong Cultural Centre in Tsim Sha Tsui, North Point Harbourfront, the Monster Building and Yau Ma Tei Market. Filled with CGI effects, the sci-fi film turns Hong Kong into a futuristic metropolis.
After strolling along the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade and enjoying views of Victoria Harbour and Central, head to the Avenue of Stars to encounter plaques, handprints and statues of legendary Hong Kong actors like Bruce Lee. Alternatively, visit the nearby Hong Kong Museum of Art or catch a show at the Cultural Centre.
Continue past K11 MUSEA and you will arrive at the stylish One-MICHELIN-Key Hotel ICON Hong Kong. Featuring designs by celebrated talents Rocco Yim, Terence Conran and Patrick Blanc, the verdant greenery against the gleaming white marble of the lobby creates a striking contrast.
RELATED: 2 Days in Tsim Sha Tsui: The Best Food, Shopping and Sights in Hong Kong
Whether you’re seeking hearty food, satisfying bites or fine-dining experiences, you’re offered a plethora of options at Tsim Sha Tsui. Located near the TST Promenade and the Avenue of Stars, options include Cantonese favorite Lai Ching Heen, Indian restaurant Chaat and One-MICHELIN-Star French institution Gaddi's, as well as an array of heart-warming street foods from pan-fried buns to Hong Kong-style snacks.
RELATED: MICHELIN-Recommended Dining Near Hong Kong’s Avenue of Stars
Lui Seng Chun
Lui Seng Chun is a historical building in Mong Kok that gained international recognition as the “Sanctum ” in Doctor Strange (2016). This four-story tong lau (traditional tenement building) was built in 1931 and revitalized in 2012, becoming a Chinese medicine healthcare center. Although Doctor Strange was not actually shot here, the filmmakers recreated a Hong Kong street set inspired by the historical structure.
RELATED: The Ultimate Guide to Mong Kok: Where to Eat, Stay, and Shop
If you decide to stay in Kowloon, Hotel Madera Hong Kong is worth a try. Situated strategically in Jordan, with easy access to Temple Street, Jade Market and the West Kowloon Cultural District, this hotel features a vibrant palette and luxurious comfort.
Mong Kok Road Footbridge
While not a movie set, the Mong Kok Road Footbridge has become a screen-worthy landmark in its own right, recognizable from the music video for Korean girl band MAMAMOO’s 2018 single Wind Flower. Additional locations in Hong Kong appear as nostalgic spots, such as a barber shop and a bing sutt (a traditional cafe literally meaning “ice room”). Today, tourists still take selfies at the footbridge, with its bustling city backdrop.
While traveling in Mong Kok, head to the iconic Ladies’ Market and Tung Choi Street, where you can find local retailer stalls, bars and eateries. Within easy reach, you’ll find another MICHELIN-recommended hotel, Cordis, Hong Kong. This intimate hotel features spacious rooms with modern decor and city views, ensuring ultimate comfort as you explore the surrounding streets.
Further Reading: Bar-hopping at Eight MICHELIN-Recommended Hotels in Hong Kong
Temple Street and Yau Ma Tei Police Station
The iconic Temple Street is a vibrant night market with local eateries such as tai pai tongs (no-frills, outdoor eateries), market stalls and restaurants housed in old atmospheric buildings. The street is often featured in local films, including the star-studded Shock Wave 2 (2020), which features the much-loved actors Andy Lau and Sean Lau.
A 10-minute walk away from Temple Street, you’ll arrive at the historical Yau Ma Tei Police Station. Built in 1922, this former police station attracts many Hong Kong film fans with its gripping arcade corridor and Neoclassical structure, as well as many local film directors who shoot scenes here. The local film industry has produced many crime movies here, including Election (2005) and Internal Affairs (2002).
Just a few steps away is the cool Broadway Cinematheque, which regularly screens independent art films and features a comfy, quirky cafe.
Further Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Hong Kong’s Dried Seafood Shopping
Feeling hungry after your visit? Around Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei and Temple Street lies a true food paradise — from the affordable dim sum staples at Tim Ho Wan (Sham Shui Po) to the much-loved local street snacks at Temple Street Beef Offal. Satisfy your sweet cravings at Mrs. Fong Chinese Desserts or Ki Tsui and for seafood lovers, don’t miss the Shun Tak-style dishes at Eton.
Shek-O
If you’re a fan of Hong Kong cinema, chances are one or two Stephen Chow films are among your top 10 favorites. Whether it’s All for the Winner (1990), All’s Well Ends Well (1992), King of Comedy (1999) or Shaolin Soccer (2001), his work is iconic.
King of Comedy follows acting teacher Wan Tin-sau, portrayed by Chow, who teaches at a local community center and works as a movie extra. The film is primarily set in Shek O, a picturesque beachside village on the southeastern coast of Hong Kong Island. You can easily reach Shek O by taking a bus from Shau Kei Wan. Once there, relax at Shek O Beach, admire the charming houses in various hues or hike the Dragon’s Back. For film enthusiasts, a visit to the Shek O Health Centre is a must, where Chow’s character teaches acting to locals. It’s also the spot where he falls in love with his student, Piu Piu, played by Cecilia Cheung.
Further Reading: Video: 2 Days In: Hong Kong
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