Choi Hung Estate – How to Find Hong Kong’s Rainbow Basketball Court!

You may not have heard of ‘Choi Hung Estate’ before, but I bet you’ve seen its colourful courtyard online.

Hong Kong’s rainbow basketball court is easily one of the most famous locations for photography in the city. 

However, it’s not the easiest place to find as it’s hidden away in a vivid labyrinth of residential buildings. 

So, I’m writing this post to help you find it with detailed directions to save you time.

Here is how to find the Choi Hung Basketball Court in Hong Kong. 

What is Choi Hung Estate?

Did you know that Hong Kong has one of the highest rent prices in the world?

The Choi Hung Estate was constructed in 1964 to create affordable housing for residents.  

They built 11 large residential blocks filled with thousands of apartments and painted the balconies in all different colours to lift spirits. 

In the centre lies a rainbow basketball court that acts as an open courtyard for locals to catch up, stretch, exercise and play games. 

This vibrant estate was never designed to be a tourist attraction, but this colourful playground quickly became a social media superstar. 

It’s now one of the most popular photography locations in Hong Kong that visitors love to capture.

Apparently, they will be redeveloping this area in 2028. They are now calling it Hong Kong’s ‘fading rainbow’. So, visit while you still can.

Where is the Rainbow Basketball Court in Hong Kong?

Choi Hung Estate and its rainbow basketball court can be found in the Wong Tai Sin district of Kowloon in Hong Kong.

It’s easy to travel there by using the subway. You can take the fast and convenient MTR Kwun Tong Line to ‘Choi Hung’ metro station.

As soon as you alight, you’ll be excited as the station is decorated in vibrant rainbow tiles.

Take exit C3 and the colourful courtyard is then only a few minutes’ walk from the station.

Alternatively, you can take a taxi. Uber works well in the city, but trips can be expensive. 

How to find the Choi Hung Basketball Court

Once you arrive at Choi Hung Estate, you’ll enter a large labyrinth of colourful residential buildings.

It can be quite a challenge to locate the famous rainbow basketball court as it’s not immediately obvious.

This is because it’s not on street level but located on top of Choi Hung Estate Car Park. 

Walk over to the parking lot and then take one of the staircases that leads you to the rooftop. 

I took Staircase No. 3 and climbed to Floor 2 to enter the rainbow basketball court.

If you still can’t find it, show a photo of the courtyard to a local, and they’ll point you in the right direction.

Exploring the Rainbow Basketball Court 

As a travel blogger, I have had this place on my travel bucket list for years since I started my journey almost a decade ago.

So, I was happy to have finally made it. It felt like going full circle or having a long-lost dream come true. 

It was definitely a lot busier than it looks on social media, but taking in all the pastel colours and the bright floor was breathtaking. 

It was so symmetrically pleasing, it almost felt like I had stepped into a Wes Anderson movie set.

After taking some nice photos, I got chatting with a few friendly locals who were catching up while doing their stretches. 

It ended up being a lovely morning in Choi Hung Estate, and I had a great time exploring this lively colourful playground. 

Choi Hung photography tips 

Most people visit Choi Hung Estate to take photos of the enchanting rainbow basketball court.

But it’s important to know that it’s a residential estate shared by thousands of people. 

So, you’re never going to have this place completely to yourself, and you should respect their community.

I imagine it’s not very fun for residents to find groups of photographers hogging their space every day. Or, for kids who want to play.

I recommend visiting as early as you can to take photos with fewer crowds. 

I got here at 7 am, and there were already lots of locals walking in circles, stretching, practising Tai-chi, reading and chatting.

There were also people (news flash) playing basketball and kicking footballs. There was definitely a buzz in the atmosphere.

It’s best to work around what’s going on and share the space as intended. Or better yet, get involved. 

Luckily, one of the basketball courts in the middle was empty(ish), so I managed to get a few photos there before it filled up.

Other things to do in the Rainbow Estate

I have to admit, there isn’t a lot to do in Choi Hung Estate aside from admiring the colourful buildings and the rainbow basketball court.

It’s a large area, so you could go for a stroll to find creative street art and a few convenience shops.

I recommend combining your visit with the peaceful Nan Lian Gardens & Chi Lin Nunnery or Wong Tai Sin Temple close by.

Is Choi Hung Estate worth visiting in Hong Kong? 

Yes, I thought that the rainbow basketball court in Choi Hung Estate was worth visiting. 

It’s a paradise for photography, and everywhere you look you’ll find uplifting bright colours. 

However, there isn’t a lot to do here. So, I wouldn’t prioritise this over more famous attractions. 

Don’t skip the colourful Choi Hung Estate in Hong Kong; it’s an aesthetic paradise you must experience at least once.

Opening hours and entry fees

It’s completely free to visit the Choi Hung Estate Basketball Court as it’s a public courtyard in Hong Kong that welcomes all.

According to the visitor sign, this vibrant outdoor playground is open from 5 am to 10.30 pm. Probably to give the residents some peace at night.

I recommend getting here as early as you can to take photos with fewer crowds. I’d say you’ll need around 30-60 minutes to visit.

Important visitor tips

• Please remember that, although it is a popular photography location, it’s also a residential estate. Remember to respect their space.

• I arrived early in the morning around 7 am, and it was already very busy with exercise classes and basketball games.

• You’re not allowed to walk dogs in the rainbow basketball court, smoke, skateboard, or touch the plants. 

Read more of my Hong Kong guides

How to Visit Hong Kong’s Monster Building

Vivienne Westwood Café Hong Kong – Is it Worth It?

Save Hong Kong’s Rainbow Basketball Court for later