Personal Story: My Connection with Hong Kong’s Monster Building
My first encounter with the name Hong Kong is rooted in an old habit of mine—reading outdated newspapers. Growing up, my father was in the lungi business, so our home was always stocked with bundles of them. Whenever I had some free time, I’d sneak into the pile of lungis, pull out the old newspapers tucked inside, and lose myself in the stories. This became a frequent habit of mine, much to my father’s annoyance, as I often ended up ruining the folds of his neatly pressed lungis. It was a source of many scoldings, but I couldn’t resist.
One day, as I browsed through an old newspaper, I stumbled upon an article about Hong Kong’s housing crisis, featuring a photo of a massive, chaotic building. The sight of the building was so cramped that I couldn’t understand how people lived there. Fast forward to the era of social media, and I would often come across similar images of these buildings. But when I visited Hong Kong and saw them firsthand, I realized that many of the pictures I had seen were exaggerated. The buildings were fascinating, but not as overwhelming as I had imagined. Still, the cramped living conditions inside were unimaginable—tiny spaces where people lived in a way that seemed to defy logic.
The area that stood out to me the most was Montane Mansion, a part of a well-known cluster of buildings in Quarry Bay. After seeing it in person, I could understand why it had become so popular on social media and in pop culture.
What Is Montane Mansion?
Montane Mansion, also known as Monster Building, is a complex of five high-rise buildings located in the Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong. This visually stunning architectural cluster has become a famous landmark for urban explorers and photographers, often appearing in films and Instagram photos. Along with the other four buildings—Oceanic Mansion, Fok Cheong Building, Yick Cheong Building, and Yick Fat Building—Montane Mansion creates a striking urban landscape that feels more like a movie set than a residential area.
Constructed in the 1960s and 1970s, these buildings were originally designed as affordable housing for low-income families. Despite their humble origins, the tightly packed structures have garnered global attention for their unique aesthetic and dense living conditions. The buildings feature a series of stairways, narrow hallways, and small apartments stacked side by side, giving the area a hive-like feel.
Exploring the Monster Buildings
Architectural Features
One of the most notable features of Montane Mansion is its sheer density. The five buildings are tightly packed together, and the entire area seems to burst with life, both from the outside and within. From a distance, the complex appears like a labyrinth of towering concrete structures. The buildings are closely arranged, with narrow alleyways and stairwells connecting them. The way the buildings are stacked on top of one another creates a unique visual spectacle, with vertical and horizontal lines crisscrossing through the urban landscape.
The apartments are small, many of them having only a few square meters of space. The design is basic, focusing on utility rather than luxury. Despite the cramped living conditions, these buildings provide an affordable option for Hong Kong’s dense population, where space is scarce and property prices are sky-high.
Tourism and Popularity
While Montane Mansion was initially just a residential area, it has become a popular tourist destination, particularly among photographers and urban explorers. Its appearance in movies, music videos, and social media posts has helped it achieve international fame. It is often referred to as the “Monster Building” because of its intimidating size and the chaotic yet captivating way the buildings interconnect. Visitors come from all over the world to capture the unique charm of this place.
Things to Do in and Around Montane Mansion
1. Photographing the Iconic Building Complex
The primary reason people visit Montane Mansion is to take pictures. From the ground level, you can capture the buildings’ imposing presence, or from the higher floors, you can get a view of the city from within the labyrinth of apartments. The area has a cinematic quality that makes it a dream for photographers looking to capture the essence of Hong Kong’s urban landscape.
2. Explore Nearby Quarry Bay and Tai Koo
Quarry Bay itself is an area filled with contrast. It combines dense residential buildings with office towers and greenery. Just a short walk from Montane Mansion, you can explore Tai Koo, a nearby district known for its modern shopping malls and office complexes. The area also has many parks where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a peaceful break.
Another nearby attraction is Victoria Park, which is a great place to relax and take a stroll. You can also visit Mount Parker, which offers stunning views of the city and the coastline, providing a perfect contrast to the urban chaos of the Monster Buildings.
How to Get to Montane Mansion
Address:
1046 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong
Public Transport:
- MTR: The easiest way to get to Montane Mansion is via the MTR. Take the Island Line and alight at Quarry Bay Station. Once you exit through Exit A, it’s a five-minute walk to the buildings.
- Bus: You can also take a bus to Quarry Bay. Several buses travel through King’s Road, so you can easily get off at a stop near Montane Mansion.
Walking through the surrounding streets, you’ll notice many similar cramped buildings, giving you a sense of the densely packed urban environment of Hong Kong. The moment you arrive at King’s Road, the streets and surroundings will feel like something straight out of a movie set.
Nearby Food Options
While you’re exploring the area, you’ll find plenty of food options nearby. From casual local eateries to international food chains, Quarry Bay has something for everyone. Some of the best food options include:
- Tim Ho Wan (Dim Sum) – Located a short distance away, this Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant offers a taste of authentic Cantonese cuisine.
- Chung Kee (Hong Kong-style Wonton Noodles) – Famous for its delicate and flavorful wonton noodles, a must-try for food lovers.
- Kwai Chung Food Street – A street packed with street food vendors offering local delicacies such as egg waffles, fish balls, and bubble tea.
Best Time to Visit
Montane Mansion is a popular tourist spot year-round, but if you want to avoid crowds, it’s best to visit during weekdays, particularly early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Avoid weekends if you want a more peaceful experience, as it tends to get crowded with tourists and photographers.
Things to Keep in Mind
- Respect the Privacy of Residents: Remember, Montane Mansion is still a residential area. Be respectful and avoid disturbing the residents while you take photos or explore the complex.
- Avoid Peak Hours: While it’s an Instagram favorite, try visiting during off-peak hours to get the best shots and experience the area in its quiet, atmospheric beauty.
- Stay Safe: The buildings are tightly packed, and many of the stairwells and hallways are narrow. Be careful as you walk through, especially if you’re navigating areas where people live.
Montane Mansion, or the “Monster Building”, is one of Hong Kong’s most iconic urban landscapes. It’s a fascinating blend of architecture, history, and social dynamics that speaks to the challenges and creativity of living in one of the world’s most densely populated cities. Whether you’re a photographer looking for the perfect shot or someone interested in exploring the complexities of urban living, this is one place you won’t want to miss on your next visit to Hong Kong.
