Western District Public Cargo (Instagram Pier)

Better known as Instagram Pier, the Western District Public Cargo Working Area is one of Hong Kong’s most unexpectedly photogenic waterfront spots. Located in Sai Wan, this former container dock has evolved from a working cargo terminal into a cult destination for photographers, sunset chasers and city wanderers.

What draws people here is the raw, industrial poetry of the place. Old lamp posts, weathered pallets, caution barriers and cargo equipment sit against the ever-changing backdrop of Victoria Harbour. At golden hour, the pier transforms into a cinematic stage, with the skyline glowing and the sea reflecting shifting hues of orange and blue.

After rainfall, the pier reveals its most famous feature: the so-called “Mirror of the Sky.” Puddles left on the concrete create near-perfect reflections of the horizon, turning silhouettes of people and objects into dreamlike compositions. It’s a visual effect that has fuelled countless social media posts and cemented the pier’s nickname.

Despite its popularity, Instagram Pier remains an active cargo area managed by the Marine Department, and warning signs remind visitors that it is not officially open to the public. Still, its quiet, open-ended charm continues to capture the imagination of those seeking a different side of Hong Kong.

How to get there: Take the MTR to HKU Station, Exit B1, then walk west along Cadogan Street and follow the waterfront toward Sai Wan. The pier is about a 15-minute walk from the station.