Hong Kong’s Monster Building – How to Visit Yick Cheong from Transformers!

One of the most popular photography locations in Hong Kong is the Monster Building.

This labyrinthine complex of dense high-rise mansions is equal parts mesmerising and intimidating.

It’s a concrete jungle that makes an unforgettable sight, and you’ll have to see it for yourself to confirm it’s real.

If you’re a fan of Transformers, you will be happy to know that this was a filming location in The Age of Extinction. 

As a photographer, I couldn’t stop snapping photos of this housing jigsaw as it was aesthetically addictive.

Here is a complete guide on how to visit Hong Kong’s Monster Building with some useful photography tips. 

What is Hong Kong’s Monster Building?

The Monster Building in Hong Kong is not a single building but a hyperdense residential complex of five buildings with a deep central courtyard:

1. Yick Cheong Building
2. Yick Fat Building
3. Montane Mansion
4. Oceanic Mansion
5. Fok Cheong Building

It’s a tall labyrinth of packed balconies on a gargantuan scale that is breathtaking and menacing all at once. 

It’s a prime example of crowded living in Hong Kong, and this complex was constructed in the 1960s to help ease a housing crisis. 

There are approximately 2,200 micro apartments, and it is home to over 10,000 residents!

Transformers 4 filming location

Did you know that Yick Cheong became famous after it featured in Transformers 4?  

This complex was a filming location in the fourth movie, Transformers: Age of Extinction.

It served as a gritty backdrop for a long chase and combat scene between Optimus Prime and the Dinobots against Lockdown.

That’s why this complex is now affectionately known as Hong Kong’s Monster Building. 

If you’re a fan of the franchise, you have to visit. It honestly felt surreal to stand where they fought. 

How to find the Monster Building in Hong Kong 

The Monster Building is located on King’s Road in the Quarry Bay area of Hong Kong Island. 

You can easily explore this island city by using public transport. The fastest and most convenient way is by using the subway.

The nearest metro station to Yik Cheong is Quarry Bay MTR Station (exit A). Then, the courtyard is just a couple of minutes’ walk.

But you can also alight at Tai Koo MTR Station (exit B) as well.

Alternatively, you can stop at Quarry Bay on one of the famous Ding Ding Trams. They are a historic and scenic way of getting around. 

I highly recommend downloading the ‘Octopus App for Tourists’ to pay for public transport in Hong Kong. 

Arriving at Yick Cheong

As soon as you step inside the dark and dank courtyard of Yick Cheong, you can’t help but feel humbled by this concrete jungle.

The sheer size of the buildings surrounding you is so intimidating that you can’t help but gasp in awe.

When you crane your neck to look up, this housing complex seems to stretch on forever. It’s like a never-ending maze of blocks.

This vertical village definitely makes for an incredible sight; it almost doesn’t seem real. 

Things to see in the Monster Building 

I have to admit, there isn’t a lot to do in Yick Cheong aside from taking photos of the central courtyard.

It certainly felt surreal to be standing in the Transformers filming location, and I couldn’t stop gawking. 

But after that, there’s not much else to see. It is a ring of residential buildings after all and was never designed as a tourist attraction. 

So, remember to keep your voice down when visiting so you don’t disturb those who call this area home. 

On the ground floor, there is a convenience shop, laundrette, a barber and a clinic.

Plus, you’ll find some hole-in-the-wall restaurants and tea shops. It’s like a vertical village.

Although Yik Cheong is the most famous, there are actually a handful of these enormous residential courtyards found in the area. 

So, if this type of architecture interests you, it’s worth taking a stroll around the neighbourhood. 

When is the best time to visit?

As this is one of the most popular photography locations in Hong Kong, I recommend getting here as early as possible.

It’s a large courtyard, but there can be tour groups and visitors who crowd this place throughout the day.

There will be an endless number of photo sessions and sometimes a long queue forms.

So, getting here as early as you can means you can have this courtyard to yourself.

I also recommend visiting on a cloudy/rainy day as the harsh sunlight can wash out the buildings.

Important photography tips

Years ago, you used to be able to stand on the sheds in this courtyard to take photos. But these have now been caged off for safety. 

So, you’ll have to get a little creative with your angles. I recommend using the stairs at the back of the courtyard to create some distance and height.

Or, you can use a wide-angle lens to get as much of the Monster Building in as possible.

Another idea is to put your phone on the floor in the middle of the courtyard facing up. This way, you can capture all four sides.

During my visit, there was construction on one of the mansions with bright green nets hung over the balconies (I edited the colour out in my photos).

It was definitely not as I imagined from seeing it online, but I still thought it was a great location to capture. 

This enormous complex of buildings seems to stretch to the heavens, and the LEGO-like balconies were aesthetically pleasing. 

Is Hong Kong’s Monster Building worth visiting?

Yes, I thought that the Hong Kong Monster Building was well worth visiting.

It’s a great example of ‘vertical living’ in this metropolis and the views are mind-blowing. 

As a fan of Transformers, it felt unreal to be standing in one of the filming locations of The Age of Extinction. 

Plus, as a photographer, this labyrinth was addictive to photograph. I loved admiring this never-ending maze.

Don’t skip the Monster Building in Hong Kong; it’s a colourful tapestry you won’t forget. 

Opening times and entry fees

The Monster Building is a public courtyard that is open 24 hours a day in Hong Kong.

As it’s only a quick photo stop, you don’t need a long time to visit. I’d recommend around 30 minutes. 

It’s also completely free to visit Yick Cheong in Quarry Bay, which is a bonus. 

I’d combine your visit with some other incredible attractions nearby by taking the ‘Ding Ding’ trams.  

Other things to do in Quarry Bay

After the Monster Building, I recommend heading to the coast to check out the Quarry Bay Promenade.

After that, hop on one of the historic Ding Ding Trams towards Causeway Bay for luxury shopping or the bustling Wan Chai commercial district.

A little further along, you’ll find Central, where you can check out the Mid-Level Escalators, Tai Kwun, Graham Street and Man Mo Temple.

Or head towards Kennedy Town to visit Art Lane and Belcher Bay Promenade.

You can also hop on the Peak Tram for the best views over Hong Kong. Or, take the Star Ferry to Victoria Harbour and the Avenue of Stars.  

Read more of my Hong Kong guides

How to find the Choi Hung Estate Basketball Court

Vivienne Westwood Café Hong Kong – Is it Worth It?

Save the Hong Kong Monster Building for later