An interesting question but do you name it a social media tour?

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Is the growing trend of selfie tours in Hong Kong a real concept?

An interesting question but do you name it a social media tour?

click on the image to enlarge

click on the image to enlarge

2 contrasting images, the 1st image is one I took recently in 2025, this is a Mainland Chinese Tourist wielding a proper camera on Salisbury Road in Kowloon Hong Kong, she had a friend who would take her picture as well! the 2nd image is one I took in 2016 at the Lugard Road Lookout at Victoria Peak in Hong Kong and boy what a selfie so to speak and when I see this image (every day, multiple times) it gets me thinking!

I have lived in Hong Kong since 1972 so 53 years and if it was not for one crucial decision I made a long time ago, then things would have turned out very differently.

In a nutshell, I have been a keen photographer since I was kid (and our 3 boys share my photography passion) I grew up using a Hasselblad studio camera and the fateful decision I made was that I turned down an offer to work for a master Hong Kong Photographer called Kevin Orpin, funnily enough, Ai claims there are no references to Kevin Orpin, but he was a very real person! see below.

So, I chose another path which I never regretted but I am still a photographer, not a very good one I might add, I love the fact that my very expensive Sony Digital Camera does all the work, but I am very prolific with over 175,000 images on my Flickr site, the best you can say about me is I have a certain style particularly when it comes to cars, it also means that I have a nose for what makes for a great image.

This does NOT mean that i do photography tours, my great friend Bill of The Streets of Hong Kong Private and Photography Tours is the master of those and he really looks the part, I simply have no interest in the technical side of photography plus I am a bit of a snob, I refuse to take images on my Iphone! the quality is just not there.

So where is all this leading?

I have written a few blog posts about my loathing of the cliches Hidden Gems and Secret Spots, terms beloved by online Travel writers, I have a more pragmatic point of view, social media and the proliferation of super smart phones that take decent pictures renders the terms moot.

Today I was doing some research on another matter and it occurred to me that not many people in Hong Kong are promoting what I now call Selfie Tours and or Social Media Tours.

Yes, my great friend Bill does specific photography tours but for me that is kind of an incorrect way of looking at it, surely the subject matter of the image is much more important than trying to master the technicalities of lighting, focus and such, super smart phones and even basic digital cameras produce pretty ok images and Instagram Filters can take a rubbish image and turn it into a work of art these days.

I also find that younger people are more in tune with Social Media than older people and it is entirely possible that they would love to do a tour highlighting the best 10 or 25 selfie spots in Hong Kong and then gaining fame on social media.!

So here is the result of my AI research on the subject matter

Yes, the growing trend of selfie tours in Hong Kong is a real phenomenon, driven largely by the influence of social media platforms like Instagram and Xiaohongshu, which have reshaped how tourists, particularly younger travelers and those from mainland China, experience the city. These tours prioritize photogenic locations, often dubbed "hidden gems" or "secret spots," for capturing aesthetically pleasing images to share online.

Additionally, there is a noticeable trend for organized private tours focusing on these less touristy, visually appealing locations, though the term "social media tour" is not universally used but could aptly describe this trend due to its focus on shareable content. Below, I’ll break down the evidence and context for both aspects of your question.

Is the Growing Trend of Selfie Tours in Hong Kong Real?

The concept of selfie tours in Hong Kong is well-documented and tied to the rise of social media-driven tourism. Tourists, especially millennials and Gen Z travelers, are increasingly seeking out locations that offer unique, visually striking backdrops for photos to post on platforms like Instagram and Xiaohongshu. This trend has shifted tourism away from traditional landmarks toward more obscure or aesthetically curated spots.

Evidence from Sources:

A 2019 South China Morning Post article highlights how tech-savvy travelers follow online influencers to find photogenic spots, moving away from major landmarks to "hidden gems" like run-down residential buildings, public housing estates (e.g., Choi Hung Estate), or unique locations like the Sai Wan Swimming Shed. These spots are chosen for their Instagram-worthy aesthetics, often popularized by social media influencers.

A 2025 Travel and Tour World article notes that ordinary spaces, such as a basketball court in Kennedy Town or old cha chaan tengs, have become tourist attractions due to their exposure on Xiaohongshu, where they are framed as authentic glimpses of Hong Kong’s culture. This has led to an influx of visitors seeking these spots for selfies, causing tensions with locals who see these as everyday spaces.

A 2024 Time Out Hong Kong article lists 33 Instagrammable spots, including both iconic sites like Victoria Harbour and lesser-known locations like Art Lane in Sai Ying Pun, where colorful murals attract selfie-takers. It specifically mentions the Kennedy Town basketball court gaining fame after being featured on Xiaohongshu.

A 2025 Hong Kong Solo Travel blog post details 34 Instagrammable places, emphasizing how even less photogenic sites like the Golden Bauhinia are visited for their symbolic value in photos, showing the blend of cultural and aesthetic appeal driving selfie tourism.

click on the image to enlarge

These are simply images that I took when I was out and about doing my private tours and in some respects the sort of images that visitors to Hong Kong would like to take, something different and something interesting and something social media friendly!

Why It’s a Trend:

Social media platforms amplify the visibility of specific locations, creating a feedback loop where posts by influencers or tourists inspire others to visit the same spots. For example, Choi Hung Estate’s rainbow-colored buildings became a must-visit after being dubbed “the most Instagrammable public housing” in blog posts, despite appearing less vibrant in person.

The rise of budget airlines and shorter trips has encouraged tourists to prioritize quick, visually impactful experiences over in-depth cultural exploration, with selfies serving as a key souvenir.

Mainland Chinese tourists, a significant demographic in Hong Kong, use Xiaohongshu to find budget-friendly and photogenic spots, further fueling the trend.

Critical Perspective:

Some sources question the authenticity of these "hidden gems," arguing that social media has eliminated true secrecy, as places are blogged about extensively and easily found via Google or platforms like Atlas Obscura. …. and yes Atlas Obscura has some funny ideas about hidden gems and secret spots!

The focus on selfies can lead to disappointment when locations don’t match their filtered online versions, and it may contribute to overcrowding in residential areas, causing friction with locals. and I have been saying this about the Choi Hung Estate for years, in real life you are likely to get really drab images with no vibrancy, welcome to the world of no Instagram filters

Is There a Trend for Organized Private Tours Focusing on Hidden Gems and Secret Spots?

Yes, there is a clear trend for organized private tours in Hong Kong that emphasize "hidden gems" and "secret spots," catering to tourists seeking unique, less touristy experiences that align with social media aesthetics. These tours are often marketed as personalized, culturally immersive experiences that go beyond mainstream attractions like Victoria Peak or the Star Ferry.

Evidence from Sources: (all of these 4 sources are my great friends in the business)

Hello! Hong Kong offers private and small-group tours combining “must-see sights” with hidden gems and backstreets, emphasizing cultural immersion and photogenic spots. Their customizable 4- to 8-hour tours (starting at HK$2850 for walking tours) are designed around tourists’ interests, often including local neighborhoods.

Hong Kong Greeters markets private tours with “exclusive insider access” to hidden gems and local cultural festivals, boasting top reviews on Tripadvisor for their ability to show the “real local side” of Hong Kong.

Streets of Hong Kong Premium Tours, led by a former corporate lawyer turned guide, focuses on walking and photography tours, highlighting spots ideal for capturing stunning images. The guide explicitly avoids clichés like “hidden gems” but emphasizes curated routes for photography enthusiasts.Hong Kong

Getaway Private Tours, run by locals Mandy and Apple, offers tailor-made itineraries to explore lesser-known cultural and historical sites, with reviewers praising their ability to uncover unique spots.Tripadvisor reviews highlight private tours visiting “enchanting places” and “cultural gems” like Tai Kwun, Man Mo Temple, and local markets, often tailored for photo opportunities.

A 2024 South China Morning Post article notes that tour operators like Walk in Hong Kong focus on cultural tourism, taking visitors to local neighborhoods and historical sites to offer authentic experiences, though they caution about potential conflicts with residents at popular photo spots like Choi Hung Estate.

Why It’s a Trend:

Personalization: Private tours cater to individual interests, allowing tourists to focus on photogenic or culturally rich locations that align with their social media goals.

Social Media Influence: The demand for unique, shareable content drives tour operators to scout lesser-known locations that still have visual appeal, such as Art Lane or the Ex-Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir.

Shift to Experience-Based Tourism: Tourists, especially younger ones, prioritize immersive experiences over traditional sightseeing, seeking authentic cultural stories and photo opportunities. This aligns with Hong Kong Tourism Board’s push for cultural tourism in non-touristy neighborhoods like Sham Shui Po.Local Expertise: Guides with deep knowledge of Hong Kong’s history and culture can navigate tourists to less crowded spots that still offer the “wow factor” for photos, as noted by J3 Private Tours, which highlights a specific Victoria Peak viewpoint requiring a 20-minute walk. and that image is shown above at the top of this blog post

Critical Perspective:

Some operators, like J3 Private Tours, argue that “hidden gems” are a myth in the age of Google and social media, as these spots are widely documented. They suggest focusing on iconic sites with expert guides instead of chasing obscure locations. and again a lengthy blog post reduced to a 2 line misquote! and one of the problems of chasing secret spots and hidden gems is simply the amount of time it takes to get there and back, Hong Kong is 1,114 sq km or 430 sq m and I am not sure that taking hours there and back to a selfie spot is such a good idea unless you are in town for a week or two!

The influx of tourists to residential areas for photos can disrupt local communities, as seen in Kennedy Town, where a basketball court became a tourist hotspot.

Should These Be Called Social Media Tours?

The term “social media tour” is not widely used in the sources but could accurately describe many of these private tours due to their focus on photogenic locations tailored for sharing on platforms like Instagram and Xiaohongshu. However, the term may oversimplify the experience, as these tours often blend cultural immersion, history, and local insights with the pursuit of Instagrammable spots.

Arguments for Calling Them Social Media Tours:

Photo-Centric Focus: Many tours emphasize locations like Art Lane, Sai Wan Swimming Shed, or the Kennedy Town basketball court, which gained fame through social media. Guides often know the best angles and times for photos, as seen in Streets of Hong Kong Premium Tours’ photography focus.

Influence of Platforms: Xiaohongshu and Instagram drive tourists to specific spots, and tour operators design itineraries to meet this demand, as evidenced by the popularity of Choi Hung Estate and Yick Cheong Building.

Traveler Behavior: Millennials and Gen Z prioritize shareable content, with guides like Ryan Lee noting that major landmarks no longer satisfy these travelers, who seek unique photo opportunities.

Arguments Against the Term:

Broader Scope: Many private tours, such as those by Hong Kong Greeters or Hello! Hong Kong, emphasize cultural immersion, history, and local cuisine alongside photogenic spots. Calling them “social media tours” may downplay their educational and experiential value.

Industry Resistance: Some guides, like those at J3 Private Tours, reject buzzwords like “hidden gems” and focus on delivering comprehensive experiences, suggesting that “social media tour” might feel reductive or overly commercial. I should point out that my blog post was a lot more complex and detailed than the 2 line quote!

Local Perspective: The term could alienate locals who view the influx of selfie-seeking tourists as disruptive, as it emphasizes the social media aspect over cultural appreciation.

Suggested Terminology: A term like “photo-focused cultural tours” or “Instagrammable private tours” might better capture the blend of social media appeal and cultural exploration. This acknowledges the role of photography while respecting the deeper experiences offered by guides.

Conclusion

The trend of selfie tours in Hong Kong is real, fueled by social media platforms that highlight photogenic “hidden gems” like Choi Hung Estate, Kennedy Town’s basketball court, and Art Lane. Organized private tours focusing on these spots are also a growing trend, offering personalized, photo-friendly experiences that cater to the demand for unique, shareable content.

While “social media tour” could describe these tours, it risks oversimplifying their cultural and historical depth. A more nuanced term like “photo-focused cultural tours” might better reflect their dual purpose. However, the popularity of these tours has sparked local concerns about overcrowding and the commodification of everyday spaces, suggesting a need for balance between tourism and community impact.

So there you go, something to think about, my simple argument would be is that opportunities for a great selfie spot can present themselves at any moment at anytime if you are on a tour or just wandering around on your own and as a tour operator it is all but impossible to plan and deliver a tour that takes in “selfie spots, hidden gems and secret spots” in a 4 - 8 hour timeline.

The quality of your Hong Kong Tour | Experience is absolutely dependent on the quality of the guide you choose to book, please choose wisely.

My insider tip

Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.