Hong Kong Markets
The city’s real attraction is not just those glistening skyscrapers.By Andy Hayes
The harbor city of Hong Kong was once a prime British colony in Asia. Today, it is part of China, but the lasting One aspect of the city’s cultural attractions that you can’t miss are the markets; you can, of course, find markets anywhere in Europe or Asia, but the Hong Kong markets are destinations in their own right: families dine along the sidestreets while the main avenues bulge with tourists and locals trading goods. It is loud, noisy, and smelly: places you won’t soon forget. The best markets are found in Kowloon, the peninsula jutting out from the Asian peninsula into Hong Kong harbour, though there’s a good market or two on the island as well. Here’s a few of the best markets to eat, drink, and shop. I start with Temple Street Night Market because it’s my favorite – I have been so many times, as I just can’t get enough. It runs for several blocks along Temple Street in Mongkok. This isn’t everyone’s cup of tea; it only runs at night and is a cacophony of noise and flashing lights and gets really busy. The primary goods on sale here are electronics, clothing (think t-shirts, socks, and underwear), and a mish-mash of everything in between, from luggage to sex toys to books. There are lots of open air food stalls to help you muster the energy to get from one end to the other, and psychics are on hand if you’re indecisive about a purchase. They call the daytime market on Tung Choi Street in Mongkok the Ladies Market, but they might as well have called it the overpriced tourists’ market. That’s not to say it is more touristy than the others, but I found the vendors less likely to bargain and far more aggressive. The choice of products is astounding but again very tourist-friendly (read: less eclectic), and if you want the market experience but still have access to ‘normal’ shops, there are lots of stores in this The market in center of Stanley, on the south side of Hong Kong Island, is just one of many reasons to visit this little seaside village. The call Stanley the "market for beginners" because there’s less haggling, it is a little less aggressive and perhaps a bit more pleasant for those feeling intimidated by the overwhelming atmosphere in Kowloon. That’s not to say you can’t get a deal, but this really is for the tourists. The good thing is their choice of souvenir shopping is bar none, so if you want something to take home, it isn’t a bad idea to look here first. Finish off your tour of Stanley with some dim sum, a visit to a temple, and a walk along the beach; it’s a Hong Kong must. Sheung Wan is probably my favorite neighborhood in Hong Kong; it has that rich, urban feel that reminds me of other world capitals like New York. It’s probably the most Chinese of all the areas on the island; a walk along the zig-zag of alleyways and streets makes that perfectly clear in no time. On Cat Street there is an "antiques" market which is kind of fun to check out; here you’ll find things like old parchment scrolls, lucky coins, and miniature statues as far as the eye can see. These are not relics from centuries gone by, though – they’re (almost) all recent reproductions made in mainland China. Negotiation is expected, and in fact encouraged at any Hong Kong market; otherwise, you’re overpaying. You should expect to get at least 30% off the asking price. Here are a few other tips: - Start low. Yeah, really low; some say 20%, others say half. But the lower you start, the more room you have to position. - Know what you’re paying for. Don’t assume anything is real; examine the product to decide whether it’s a knockoff and if it is good quality. - Act like a local. Hong Kong has lots of expats, so the more you look and act like one, the better. - Agree to disagree. You shouldn’t feel bad about walking away from a deal as there is surely the same thing in another stall. The vendor might call you back with a final offer, but you need to know where your line is. This is just business to them, nothing personal, so if you decide it isn’t the right price, walk on. One of the nice things about the markets is that you can eat while you’re there. If you look closely, you’ll find in every market an open air stall or restaurant – some have tables with proper seating while others are just small takeaway vendors, like a bakery. These are called dai pai dongs. Visiting one isn’t for the weak of heart as often there is no English menu (or no menu at all) and the city has tried to revoke the license of many of them during redevelopment projects. There are also roving pushcarts serving hot snacks; these are called hawkers. A few things to try from the stalls or hawkers include the many noodle dishes, wife cake, fishballs, or put chai ko, a sweet pudding. With a full stomach and shopping bags full of souvenirs for you and your friends, what’s not to like? Don’t get overwhelmed with all the action – take a deep breath, wade into the market madness, and enjoy it. The Hong Kong markets are one of a kind.
influence still remains. Some go in expecting the city to be very British, others expecting Chinese; the fact is that Hong Kong is so unique you have to experience it yourself to understand.
area. If you are looking for a name brand, though, this is the market for you: you will not believe the rows and rows of fake goods and copies.
That means no clothing that gives you away as a tourist and leave the overpriced jewellery at home, which is probably a good idea anyway.
Related Travel Articles
Same activities: Food
Markets
Same environments: City
Same geography: Asia
Related Travel Pictures
Same activities: Food
Markets
Same environments: City
Same geography: Asia