Hong Kong Island from Tsim Sha Tsui

The amazing weather we’ve been enjoying here for the last week is not going to last, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to make a sight-seeing trip. Tsim Sha Tsui is only a few stops down the MTR line from Shim Shi Po, where the HKOP is located, and it’s from here that some of the best views of Hong Kong Island can be seen. Yung suggested getting there for about 6pm - that way you can watch the business district sky-scrapers of Wan Chai and Central take on their mantle of flashing coloured neon as night descends.

The Star Ferry concourse is a good location to take in the view across the harbour and its to there I head… the view is incredible, the buildings crammed onto the lower levels of HK Island and reflected in the water of Victoria Harbour make this one of the iconic vistas of the modern world. The Star Ferry, a relic from HK’s former colonial history still makes its way across the harbour to Central. And on a warm clear evening with the sun shining, its right for capturing that perfect shot.

And the sight see-ers are out in force, from serious photographers with their tripods, telephoto lenses and expensive DSLRs to the smart phone snappers with their selfie sticks. There is a massive industry focussed here capitalising on the view, together with swanky shore front hotels and restaurants; famous brands such as Tiffany’s, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, all have outlets here, all catering for the huge passing trade. Very expensive motorboats make their way around the harbour. More than anything this is a place to be seen.

There are photography stalls where you can have your picture taken against this famous backdrop, all displaying examples of their craft - people doing handstands, contorted into yoga asanas, young lovers, family groups. The one thing that all these subjects share is this view.

Its one of my less memorable experiences so far. Everyone here is so self obsessed and no-one is that interested in what they are looking at. The view has become a commodity and its consumption devalues it as authentic experience - IMHO. 
One of my favourite moments is when a huge freighter carrying several hundred tons of gravel is impertinent enough to chug slowly across the harbour, 'spoiling' the backdrop for a good ten minutes or so and giving rise to various expressions of frustration and mild annoyance!