location-photo
camera
Apple iPhone 11
Built-in Lens
Shutter Speed
1/380 sec
Aperture
f/1.8
Focal Length
4.25mm
ISO
25

On Ning Lane Staircase & Pink Rex Building

avatar
@vnthota
On the island side of Hong Kong, this hidden alleyway staircase is nestled at the base of colorful buildings. Dress your model in vibrant colors to add life to the pastel-hues and weathered stairs that lead through a residential and culinary neighborhood in Sai Wan.

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Easy
Accessbility
Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

  • Mobile phone
  • Model

How to get there

N22° 17' 12.0408"E114° 08' 19.2516"
This image was taken on the stairs going up (north) in the alley along On Ning Lane in Sai Wan, which is off Des Vouex Rd W. By MRT: - Closest station: Sai Ying Pun Station (Island line) - Take Exit "B1" - Head west on First St toward Western St - Turn right onto Western St - Turn left onto Queen's Rd W - Turn right onto On Ning Ln and then take the stairs

Tips

When to go

Best season

All months

Best time

Morning, Mid-day, Late afternoon
Since it's unaffected by the seasons, you can photograph the On Ning Lane staircase during any month of year.
The stairs are surrounded by tall buildings that can block the sun, so lighting is the key for this composition. I suggest visiting the staircases in the daytime when the light is bright.

Field tips

Try using a model in your shot so you can incorporate a sense of scale. The stairs are large and having a subject will emphasize their size.
I chose to photograph this staircase while I was low to the ground to capture the background. From this perspective, you can capture the surrounding high-rise buildings and also create a nice vanishing point.
Position yourself in the middle of the staircase so that you're in line with the railing. Doing so will give the photo a more symmetrical look.
At the bottom of the stairs, there will be a large electrical box that I recommend editing out in post-processing.

Current weather

Sai Wan
Partially cloudy
91o
F
Wed
90o
83o
Thu
87o
81o
Fri
85o
81o
Sat
83o
80o
Sun
86o
81o

Blue Hour

21:49
91o
Partially cloudy

Sunrise

22:12
91o
Partially cloudy

Golden Hour

09:56
91o
Partially cloudy

Sunset

10:25
91o
Partially cloudy

Do nearby

You're in the heart of Central, so I suggest walking around and taking in the sights. There's plenty to see and eat!

Locations nearby

location-nearby
location-nearby
location-nearby