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Hong Kong Movie Tour: Yau Ma Tei
Hong Kong Movie Tour: Yau Ma Tei
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Hong Kong Movie Tour: Yau Ma Tei

Follow the footsteps of movie stars through Yau Ma Tei to explore classic Hong Kong filming locations and century-old grassroots culture.

Step into the scenes of classic Hong Kong cinema and uncover the gritty, glamorous, and authentic soul of Yau Ma Tei

When you think of “Hong Kong Cinema” and “Yau Ma Tei,” what comes to mind? This neighbourhood is a living movie set. From the historic Yau Ma Tei Theatre and the bustling midnight Fruit Market to the neon-lit singing parlours and the iconic Old Police Station, these streets have served as the backdrop for countless cinematic masterpieces, from Wong Kar-wai’s romantic dramas and Johnnie To’s gritty triad thrillers to Hollywood’s earliest visions of the East.

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Tour overview

  • Visit the only surviving pre-war cinema in Kowloon and learn about its transition from silent films to Shaw Brothers classics.

  • Explore the chaotic charm of the Fruit Market, famous for its secret auction codes and appearances in classic triad films.

  • Discover the old-school glamour of Canton Singing House, a retro indoor parlour that once attracted stars and hitmen alike on the silver screen.

  • Check out the Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station, an iconic Edwardian building featured in legendary Johnnie To gangster movies.

  • Explore the Tin Hau Temple and its revitalised Study Hall, where Hollywood Star Scarlett Johansson visited for the filming of the Hollywood sci-fi film Ghost in the Shell, blending traditional blessings with modern Cyberpunk aesthetics.

Yau Ma Tei is a neighbourhood defined by its brilliant contrasts, where the sacred meets the secular, and where gritty reality blends seamlessly into cinematic fantasy. This tour goes beyond the typical tourist sights to uncover the real stories behind the silver screen. We will trace the evolution of the local entertainment industry, from the early days of Cantonese opera and factory-style Shaw Brothers productions to the niche art-house culture preserved at the Broadway Cinematheque today.

Selected highlights

Some of the points of interest include:

Yau Ma Tei Theatre

Yau Ma Tei Theatre

Hong Kong's only surviving pre-war cinema, which witnessed the golden era of the local film industry and served as the backdrop for Wong Kar-wai's As Tears Go By

Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market

Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market

A century-old wholesale market with a triad-movie vibe, where traders still use secret codes and covered abacuses for midnight auctions

Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station

Old Yau Ma Tei Police Station

A striking Grade II historic building with distinctive neoclassical arcades, frequently featured in Hong Kong cop-and-triad thrillers

Canton Singing House

Canton Singing House

Step into an authentic 1970s indoor singing parlour that captures the faded glory of old Hong Kong nightlife, featured in multiple local movies

Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple

Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple

Explore the filming location of Ghost in the Shell, the complex that marks the city's original coastline, make a wish on a wooden dragon boat, and visit the hidden self-service bookstore

Tour Information

  • We reserve the right to make changes to the information, prices and itineraries of the tours as set out in our website and all printed promotional materials. Provided that such changes have been made prior to the confirmation of a booking, such changes shall be binding on the participants.
  • Any information or advice provided by us on matters including but not limited to walking routes, climate, clothing, travel documents, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of us.
  • All information provided on our website is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot assure that such information would be free from errors or omission and we shall assume no responsibilities for any such errors of omission.
  • Our website may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned and operated by third parties. We have no control over, or associate with, such sites and we assume no responsibilities for the contents of such sites. The inclusion of such sites on our website does not imply our endorsement of such sites.
  • We do not warrant that our website would be free from computer viruses and we accept no liabilities or responsibilities for any loss or damage that may arise as a result.

Bad Weather Policy

  • If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued three hours before the tour starts, the tour will be canceled.
  • If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued during the tour, the tour will be canceled immediately.
  • If the tour needs to be canceled due to other adverse weather conditions, we will contact you by phone at least 2.5 hours before the tour. (If there is no response, we will follow up with an SMS or email.)
  • If the tour is canceled due to adverse weather on the day, we will work with you to reschedule a new date within six months from the original tour date.

Tour Reminder

  • Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the walk. Bring an umbrella, a bottle of water and some snacks just in case.
  • Each participant may bring their own 3.5mm plug headphone if they have one for the wireless transmitter/receiver system which will be used on the tour. The guide will provide them a new one otherwise, but for hygienic and environmental reasons participants are strongly suggested to bring their own earphones if possible.
  • There is a possibility that our organization may take photographs or videos during the guided tour, and these captured images or footage may be used for future promotion and publicity. If participants do not agree with this arrangement, please inform the tour guide or organizer during registration and on the day of the event.
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