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Hong Kong is perhaps the only city in the world where shopping surpasses any monument or historical site as the city’s main tourist attraction. If you don’t go shopping in Hong Kong, it’s like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower. Tourists don’t come here with their cameras. They come here to buy one.
However, due to the soaring real estate prices in recent years, shopping in Hong Kong is no longer cheap. Nevertheless, the variety of products found in Hong Kong still remains the best in the world. Here is a directory on where to shop in Hong Kong.
MAIN STREET
The "Golden Mile" of Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui has the highest concentration of stores in Hong Kong. Unfortunately, this is the place where hustlers will try to sell you a fake Rolex. The camera stores are known to be more expensive than anywhere else in town. Shops included: Nike, Benetton, Issey Myake, Joyce Boutique, a number of mid-range clothing stores, etc.
Canton Road is located west of Nathan Road. Up to four shopping centers are within its proximity (see section on shopping malls). Shops included: A/X Armani, Duty Free Store, Louis Vuitton, DKNY, Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe, mid-range clothing stores, camera
stores, etc.
SHOPPING MALLS
The Landmark in Central houses the most expensive brand name stores in town. Shops are mostly upper end. Shops included: Prada, Tiffany, Ralph Lauren, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Timberland, etc.
Pacific Place, Admiralty: Located right below the Island Shangri-La Hotel, the Conrad Hotel and the Marriott Hotel. Stores are from mid range to upper end. Shops included: Calvin Klein, DKNY, A/X Armani, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Prada, Seibu Department Store, etc.
Times Square, Causeway Bay: Shops are mostly mid range with some upper end. Shops included: Tower Records, Fila, Benetton, Lane Crawford, Page One (the best bookstore in town), clothing stores, etc.
Lee Garden, Causeway Bay: Houses top end stores only. Shops included: Bally’s, A.Testoni, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, etc.
Harbor City, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Center along Canton Road: The three malls are linked together by walkways. With over 150 stores in the area, you will find something that suits your budget. Shops included: Bruno Magli, K-Swiss, adidas, Waterford Wedgwood, Lane Crawford, Toys R Us, etc.
Festival Walk, Kowloon Tong: The Kowloon version of the Pacific Place. Shops are mostly mid range with some top end. Shops included Diesel, Bally’s, Nine West, A/X Armani, Rainforest Cafe, etc.
OPEN-AIR MARKETS
The Night market at Temple Street is the most famous outdoor market in Hong Kong. Near the Tin Hau Temple, you can also find street performers and fortune tellers. The stores are mostly hawkers inside well-organized tents. This is the place where you can find
cheap T-shirts, watches, CD’s, antiques, fake labels, etc. Other similar outdoor markets are located at Tung Choi Street, Mongkok and Jardine Crescent, Causeway Bay.
Stanley Market: Much cleaner than the other outdoor markets. Located by the beach, the area is catered to tourist and expatriates. Also famous for trendy restaurants and bars. If you dislike shopping, the area is still a nice place to visit.
ANTIQUES
Hollywood Road, Central
CARPET/RUG
Wyndham Street, Central
CAMERA/ELECTRONICS(link to consumers' report)
Stanley Street, Central (where professional photographers look for their equipment, but also sell regular cameras).
Aplui Street, Mongkok
Nathan Road, Mongkok
COMPUTERS & RELATED PRODUCTS
Star House, Canton Road
298 Hennessary Road, Wan Chai
Wan Chai Computer Center, Hennessary Road, on top of the MTR station.
Golden Center, Sham Shui Po
Mongkok Computer Center, Nelson Street, Mongkok
JEWELRY
Nathan Road, Mongkok and Yau Ma Tei
Jade Market, Kansu Street, Yau Ma Tei
Prince Building, Central (designer jewelry)
SNEAKERS
Fa Yuen Street, Mongkok (also backpacks, T-shirts, etc)
TAILORS
Mody Street, Tsim Sha Tsui East
Nathan Road, Tsim Sha Tsui (check out Mirador Mansion)
Prince Building, Central (where George Bush gets his shirts done)
WOMEN'S SHOES
The junction between Wong Nai Chung Road & Leighton Road (no designer labels)
NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
On July 1st, the Hong Kong government has confirmed that Disney is planning to build a theme park in Lantau Island.
The organizers of Sham Dunk Basketball announced that Marcus Camby, Latrell Sprewell, and Tim Hardaway will be playing an exhibition match in Hong Kong on September 21st. The three NBA superstars along with some other American and Asian players will be divided into two teams.
AUGUST CALENDAR
On-going until 29th August, Children’s Arts Carnival.
24-29th August, Hong Kong Squash Open.
25th August, Hungry Ghost Festival(lasts for 15 days).
27-29th August, Food Expo, HK Convention Centre(tel 2584-4333).
27-29th August, Entrepreneur, Investment, Franchise Expo (Tel 2367-8385).
The dormitory at Salisbury YMCA will be closed until mid-August.
Questions?
If you want more information about this area you can email the author or check out our Asia Insiders page.
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