This building is probably the most Instagrammed site of Hong Kong and a perfect illustration for dense housing in a megapolis. It is called ‘Monster Building’ due to an unbelievable conglomeration of five residential complexes—Oceanic Mansion, Fook Cheong Building, Montane Mansion, Yick Cheong Building, and Yick Fat Building. The complex is also known as Yik Cheong Building, one of the most famous buildings in Quarry Bay.
The five interconnected towers were built in the 1960s. Individual units are stacked one on top of the other and create a colourful tapestry of windows. This iconic site has even been featured in Hollywood blockbusters like 'Ghost in the Shell' and 'Transformers: Age of Extinction.'
To visit the Monster Building, take exit A at Quarry Bay MTR Station and walk along King’s Road toward Tai Koo. After passing the junction to Mount Parker, you get to the entrance to Montane Mansion and Oceanic Mansion. It only takes two-three minutes to get there.
After rapid growth in the building's popularity, the public photographing of the iconic tower complex has been banned to protect residents' privacy. So it might be challenging to take the dream photo in the inner courtyard.
Practical info
How can you reach the 'Monster Building' in Hong Kong?
Exiting at Quarry Bay MTR Station's A exit and taking a two-three minute walk along King's Road toward Tai Koo is the best way to reach the 'Monster Building.' The entrance to Montane Mansion and Oceanic Mansion is after passing the junction to Mount Parker. Show more
What is the history behind the famous Yik Cheong Building, or 'Monster Building' in Hong Kong?
Built in the 1960s, the Yik Cheong Building is a Quarry Bay icon composed of five interconnected towers housing individual units stacked on top of each other. It is known as the 'Monster Building' and has been featured in Hollywood films such as 'Ghost in the Shell' and 'Transformers: Age of Extinction.' It showcases the dense housing that can be found in a megacity. Show more
Can visitors enter the 'Monster Building' and explore the complex?
Exploring the 'Monster Building' is not possible because the iconic tower complex's public photography has been banned to ensure residents' privacy. Nevertheless, it is still possible to take pictures of the building and the street from outside, capturing the unique beauty of the edifice and experiencing the charm of the crowded neighborhood of Quarry Bay. Show more
What are the nearest tourist attractions located around the 'Monster Building' in Quarry Bay?
Quarry Bay itself offers many attractions. You can find hip, colorful buildings and street art to explore and visit the local market, a place with a lovely mix of tastes, smells, and colors. In addition, the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense, illustrating Hong Kong's military history, is within reach, and Victoria Park, the largest park on Hong Kong Island, is only three subway stations away. Show more
Why has photographing the 'Monster Building' been banned recently, and what are the alternatives for visitors?
To safeguard residents' privacy rights and prevent overcrowding, photographing the 'Monster Building' from inside has been banned recently. Despite the ban, visitors can still admire and photograph the unique architecture of the iconic tower complex from outside while enjoying the liveliness of Quarry Bay's neighborhood and its proximity to other tourist sites like Victoria Park or the Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defense. Show more
