Tao Xu
Quick Guide to Best Photo Locations
I’ve guided dozens of groups to the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) over the years, and the one question always comes up: “Where do I get the best photo?” The bridge itself is a marvel—55 km of curves and cables stretching across the Pearl River Delta. But let’s face it: if you just snap from the shuttle bus window, you’ll end up with blurry, reflection-filled shots. Here are the exact spots I take my clients for killer photos.
1. Zhuhai Coastal Road (Lovers' Road)
Why it’s great: This long promenade offers a front-row view of the bridge’s Zhuhai entrance with the skyline behind. The best part? It’s free and easy to reach.
How to get there
Take a taxi or Didi to Lovers' Road (情侣路) near the Zhuhai Fisher Girl statue. If you’re using Apple Maps, search “Lovers’ Road Zhuhai.” From the city center, it’s about 15 minutes by car. Tell the driver to drop you near the statue; the view opens up right there.
Pro Tip: Come at 5:30 PM in summer (4 PM in winter) for golden hour light. The bridge glows orange, and the mountains behind turn purple. I always tell my group: “Save your battery for this—you’ll shoot at least 50 frames.”
What to watch out for
- Crowds: Evenings get busy with locals flying kites. Walk 500 meters south along the coast for a quieter spot with the same view.
- Payment: The nearby snack stalls only accept WeChat Pay or Alipay. Cash is rarely accepted. If you need cash, withdraw at a bank beforehand.
- Facilities: Public toilets are available about 200 meters north of the statue. They’re clean but can have a queue—plan ahead.
2. Macau Taipa Viewpoint
Why it’s great: From the Macau side, you get a dramatic shot of the bridge curving into the city, with the Cotai Strip casinos as a backdrop. Perfect for a contrast between engineering and glitz.
How to get there
Take the Macau Light Rail to Taipa Ferry Terminal Station, then walk east along the waterfront promenade. The viewpoint is about a 10-minute walk from the station. Alternatively, a taxi from Macau city center (e.g., Senado Square) costs around MOP40 and takes 20 minutes.
Address for drivers: 澳门凼仔北安码头附近 (Near Pac On Ferry Terminal, Taipa).
Insider Advice: The best angle is from the small pier that juts out into the water. It’s not marked, but locals fish there. Climb onto the flat concrete edge for a clear shot—just watch your step.
Photography tips
- Use a wide-angle lens (16-24mm) to capture both the bridge and the casino skyline.
- Evening blue hour (right after sunset) gives you a deep blue sky with city lights—magical.
- Note: Tripods are allowed, but be mindful of fishermen’s lines.
3. Hong Kong Skyline from Tung Chung
Why it’s great: Few tourists know that from Tung Chung on Lantau Island, you can frame the bridge with Hong Kong’s skyscrapers in the distance. It’s a unique “bridge meets city” perspective.
How to get there
Take the MTR Tung Chung Line to Tung Chung Station (Exit B). Walk 5 minutes to the Tung Chung Waterfront Promenade—you’ll see the bridge immediately. It’s free and open 24/7.
Address for Google Maps: Use Apple Maps as Google Maps is unreliable in China. Search “Tung Chung Waterfront Promenade.”
Best time
Sunrise is unbeatable here. I once dragged a client out at 5:30 AM, and she got the cover shot for her travel blog. The bridge is backlit, and the water is mirror-calm. Bring a telephoto lens (70-200mm) to compress the distance.
4. The Bridge Itself – Passenger View
Why it’s great: Yes, you can shoot from the shuttle bus! But not all windows are equal.
How to get the shot
- Board the HZMB shuttle bus at either Hong Kong Port or Zhuhai Port. Ticket costs HKD65 (about USD8) – pay with Octopus card, Alipay, or credit card (Visa/Mastercard sometimes works).
- Sit on the left side of the bus heading from Hong Kong to Zhuhai (right side for the opposite direction). This gives you the best view of the bridge’s main span and the sea.
- Wipe the window before shooting—condensation is a nightmare. Carry a microfibre cloth.
Important: No photography is allowed while the bus is in motion? Actually, it’s allowed, but security guards may ask you to stop if you use a flash. Keep it natural light. Also, avoid using a tripod or selfie stick—they're banned onboard.
What you’ll capture
About 15 minutes into the ride, the bridge rises above the water, and you can see the Y-shaped intersection. The bus moves fast (80 km/h), so use a shutter speed of at least 1/500s. I recommend setting your camera to shutter priority mode.
5. Qi'ao Island Secluded Beach
Why it’s great: This is my personal hidden gem—a quiet beach on Qi'ao Island (淇澳岛) in Zhuhai. From the shore, the bridge appears to float above the water, and you can include a rocky foreground for texture.
How to get there
Take a taxi from Zhuhai city center to Qi'ao Island (about 30 minutes, RMB60). Ask the driver to go to the Qi'ao Arch Bridge (淇澳大桥) parking area. Walk down the path to the beach—it’s a 5-minute walk. Public transport is limited; I recommend Didi.
Address for drivers: 珠海市淇澳岛淇澳大桥桥底停车场。
Best time
Late afternoon (3-5 PM) for side lighting. The beach faces south, so sunset isn’t directly behind the bridge, but you get lovely warm tones. Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water.
Quick Comparison Table
| Spot | Best For | Distance from City Center | Estimated Time to Spend | Difficulty | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zhuhai Lovers' Road | Sunset, skyline + bridge | Central Zhuhai (5 min taxi) | 30 min – 1 hr | Easy (wheelchair accessible) | Free |
| Macau Taipa Viewpoint | City + bridge, blue hour | Macau city center (20 min taxi) | 30 min – 1 hr | Easy (paved path) | Free |
| Tung Chung Promenade | Sunrise, Hong Kong skyline | Tung Chung station (0 min) | 45 min – 1.5 hr | Easy (wheelchair accessible) | Free |
| Shuttle Bus Interior | Dynamic bridge angles | Hong Kong/Zhuhai port | 40 min ride | Very easy (seated) | HKD65 |
| Qi'ao Island Beach | Seclusion, natural foreground | Zhuhai central (30 min taxi) | 1 – 2 hr | Moderate (uneven ground) | Free |
This is hands down the best spot for long exposure night shots of HZMB. I came back three times during my trip. The bridge lights up beautifully after dark and the traffic trails from cars create amazing streaks if you use a 10-stop ND filter. There's a small parking area at the end of the service road – fit maybe 5 cars, so get there early. The only downside is no restroom or shelter, but that's part of the adventure. Bring a jacket because the sea breeze picks up. Worth every minute.
Unreal at golden hour! I arrived around 5:30 PM and the sunset painted everything in warm oranges and pinks. The bridge looks like a glowing ribbon over the sea. I used my wide-angle lens to include the foreground rocks and got some stunning reflections. Saw a few people flying drones too (though I think it's technically not allowed so be careful). One thing: bring bug spray – the mosquitoes came out in force after dusk. Other than that, 10/10 for landscape lovers.
Honestly a letdown for what's supposed to be a famous photography spot. I went on a Sunday afternoon and the haze was so thick you could barely make out the bridge towers. The viewing deck is just a small concrete platform right next to a busy road – constant traffic noise kills the vibe. There were no signs indicating where the 'best views' actually are, and I ended up climbing over some rocks to get a decent angle. For the effort and the drive, I'd say skip this and find a less crowded location near the Hong Kong side instead.
Great spot overall but a bit overhyped. The view is undeniably impressive – you can see the bridge snaking into the horizon and the water sparkles nicely on a clear day. However, the designated photography platform is quite narrow and by 10 AM it was already packed with selfie sticks and group tours. Hard to get a clean composition without someone's elbow in your shot. Parking is also limited and costs 30 HKD which felt steep for what you get. Good for a quick photo, not for a peaceful shoot.
Absolutely blew me away. I got there about 4:30 AM for the sunrise and had the whole eastern viewpoint nearly to myself. The golden light hitting the bridge cables was pure magic – my telephoto shots came out crystal clear. Pro tip: bring a sturdy tripod because the wind can be brutal. I stayed for two hours and the changing light from dawn to early morning gave me at least 20 keeper frames. Can't recommend this spot enough for serious photographers.