Memories of Instagram Pier; A Photo Journal by Jade and Julie

Hong Kong residents have just 2.7 square meters of public space per person, among the lowest in the world. Even in other dense Asian metropolises like Singapore, Tokyo, and Shanghai the score is double that number. Yet still, in 2021 one of the city's most popular public places, the Instagram Pier in Kennedy Town, was closed.

Sai Wan Pier

Officially named the Western District Public Cargo Working Area (PCWA), it was more than just a pier. With its panoramic views of Hong Kong’s glorious skyscrapers on the other side of Victoria Harbour, the Sai Wan Pier was a popular spot among people of all walks of life, for an evening stroll, a morning jog, a game of badminton, a romantic picnic, a dogwalk or even to catch some fish. Commonly called the Instagram Pier, the area was also well-known among photographers in search of the perfect place to enjoy Hong Kong’s beautiful sunsets in Hong Kong.

#feelingblue

#loadingorunloading

#meetamouse

#urbandecay

The pier's gritty character and industrial vibe were a stark contrast to Hong Kong's delicately designed and firmly fenced public parks. The big open space with unrestricted access to the waterfront, no barricades and a fantastic view with ferries and junks passing by, was unlike other public spaces in the city. Instagram Pier was even voted the city's most favourite public space in 2016. Especially on Hong Kong's balmy summer evenings the pier was a popular refuge for people from the densely populated Sai Ying Pun and Kennedy Town Districts. That was until in March 2021 the government announced to close the pier to the public. With the Marine Department issuing warnings of HK$10,000 fines and six months in prison for members of the public caught entering the area, now only memories remain of this iconic and free spirited slice of Hong Kong.

#neongraffitti

#shadesofred

#countingdown

Photos by Jade and Julie

The photos were taken during an internship in 2019 by Jade and Julie, students at Kellett School and 'third culture kids' keen to see all the hidden treasures that Hong Kong has to offer. Jade: "We liked the colourful graffiti, stacks of decorated container boxes and racks of wooden carriers. This is what gives Sai Wan Pier its unique characteristic, grungy feel and artistic vibe." Julie: "We tried to capture the beauty of urban decay: bright contrasting with saturated colours against the weathered pieces of rope, along with degrading metal casings and wooden crates against the modern buildings around it."