Hong Kong Market Hopping with Kensington Tours

Shopping has long been a favorite past time of Hong Kongers, which is apparent in the massive shopping malls, as well as the countless markets. There’s no doubt that Hong Kong is an excellent high-end shopping city. Multiple outlets of Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier dot the streets like Starbucks in New York City. But if your idea of traveling doesn’t involve seeing the inside of a mall, then Hong Kong’s diverse markets are for you.

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My time in Hong Kong was cut short due to Typhoon Haiyan, so I was even more grateful that I was touring the city with my favorite private guided company, Kensington Tours. Since it was my first time in Hong Kong, I wanted to see the highlights of the city. Of course, that included shopping in the markets. With a driver and the advice from my guide and lifelong Hong Konger, Katie, I moved efficiently from one place to the next. Though, even with an expert in tow, I still wasn’t able to see all of the city’s markets, but here’s the rundown of the ones I did visit.

Temple Street Night Market

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Located near the center of Kowloon, Temple Street Night Market started as a make shift market with hawkers selling food and small items. In the 1920s, it became a more organized market, and now is one of Hong Kong’s most popular tourist destinations.

Although Temple Street becomes pedestrian-only at 2:00 pm, most vendors don’t set up until later in the day. But once the sun goes down, the market is a bustling place filled with locals and visitors alike.

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The hawker stalls contain a variety of goods including small electronics, jewelry, shoes, clothes, art, purses, traditional Chinese crafts, luggage, and t-shirts. The quality of these items varies, but Temple Street is a great place to grab some inexpensive souvenirs, but don’t take the initial price—bargain. As expected, there are some knock-offs in the stalls, though “designer” purses are not prominently displayed. Instead, men holding photos of the copies are stationed along the walkway, inviting market goers to check out their inventory.

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Temple Street is also a popular spot for dining. From street food to cafes to restaurants, there are multiple delicious options for a snack or full dinner. Seafood, soup, noodles, and dumplings are among the most popular offerings.

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In addition to the bargains, food, and people watching, Temple Street Night Market is also a traditional area for fortunetellers. Not actually in the market, the fortunetellers are located near the temple gardens. Look for signs indicating English speakers if interested in a reading.

Stanley Market

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Once a fishing village on the island of Hong Kong, the Stanley Market was also where the British surrendered to the Japanese during World War II. Now, it’s a place for tourists to score good deals and dine near the waterfront.

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Things are a bit more laid back in the Stanley Market. For the most part, vendors aren’t too pushy or persistent. Instead, the market feels more like a series of regular stores. Although there are plenty of low-quality knick-knacks, the Stanley Market is best for embroidered table and bed linens, silk clothes, and cashmere. In order to avoid the crowds, morning is the best time to visit.

Flower Market

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On the island of Kowloon, over fifty storefronts line Flower Market Road selling fresh cut flowers and potted plants. Once a place for florists to buy merchandise for their shops, the Flower Market has grown into a tourist destination and a place for people from Hong Kong to buy small plants and fresh flowers for their apartments.

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Brought in from Mainland China, the shops are filled with brightly colored blooms, stunning {and inexpensive} orchids, and bamboo plants, which are said to bring financial fortune. Sadly, none of the beautiful blooms can be taken out of Hong Kong, but the Flower Market is still worth a visit.

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

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Around the corner from the Flower Market is the Bird Garden. Interesting enough, the Bird Garden emerged from Hong Kongers bringing their caged birds to a nearby dim sum restaurant in order to enjoy their music. Noticing this trend, vendors then began selling bird feed nearby. Once the restaurant was torn down, the large number of hawkers moved to Hong Lok Street, later renamed to Bird Street. In the late ‘90s, the market was again moved.

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Now, Yuen Po Street Bird Garden is home to more than 70 stalls selling birds, bamboo cages, porcelain water dishes, and live grasshoppers for the birds to eat. Even more culturally interesting is watching the elderly gentlemen who proudly show off their birds in the garden. Having the most beautiful bird with the loveliest song is a huge source of pride and also a bit competitive amongst the men.

Jade Market

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Believed to bring good health and ward off evil, jade is prized by the Chinese. The highest quality pieces of jade can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars and are passed down from generation to generation. Visitors won’t see those kinds of pieces at the Jade Market. Instead, various trinkets, bracelets, pendants, beads, and earrings of low-grade or fake jade are found.

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Located in a non-descript building on Kowloon, the Jade Market is a one-stop shop for those looking to take a piece of Hong Kong tradition home. Fifty or so vendors proudly display their stock to would-be buyers. In order to not over pay, take a look around the market, and remember that most of the jade is either lower quality or made from glass or soapstone that’s been dyed.

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Although jade is the primary product in the market, there are also antique-looking Chinese trinkets and other tchotchkes. The Jade Market is a good place for inexpensive mementos from Hong Kong, but don’t count on them becoming family heirlooms.

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Options abound in Hong Kong, and it seems as if there is a market for everything. Other popular shopping spots include the Ladies’ Market, Goldfish Market, Cat Street for antiques, and Apliu Street Flea Market for electronics. When shopping the markets of Hong Kong, bring plenty of cash, keep an eye on your wallet, and get ready to bargain.

I was a guest of Kensington Tours. In no way was I swayed to write a positive review based on the luxurious chauffeured Mercedes, my accommodating and friendly guide, or the treasure trove of goodies I brought home. As always, opinions are mine.

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30 Comments
  • Gran Canaria Local
    December 18, 2013

    Leah, you’ve got such a way with words. Absolutely adore that disclaimer. And you’re quite handy with a camera too.

    • Leah Walker
      December 21, 2013

      I try, Gran Canaria Local. I try. 🙂

      • Gran Canaria Local
        December 21, 2013

        Congratulations on your award, Leah. Thoroughly well deserved.

        • Leah Walker
          December 22, 2013

          Ahhh…thank you. 🙂

  • Henry | @fotoeins
    December 18, 2013

    I have to say that the bird garden, while initially kinda cool with the uniqueness of it all, started to bother me the longer I stayed. All those beautiful birds in cages, rather than be free in the world. After some time looking at all the people and all their pet birds (and yeah, all those cricket/bug jars), I had to leave. But I really liked the idea of finding different kinds of markets in Kowloon!

    • Leah Walker
      December 22, 2013

      I agree, Henry. I don’t like seeing the birds in the cages either. I really hate that they clip some of the wings so they can’t fly. 🙁

      • Francesca (@WorkMomTravels)
        December 23, 2013

        I was wondering about that as I read. I have a feeling I wouldn’t handle the Bird Garden very well.

        • Leah Walker
          January 17, 2014

          It was a little sad and I made quick work of that part of the tour.

  • Mellisa Turner
    December 19, 2013

    Great article ! Hong Kong is really beautiful and one of my favourite destination to explore. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful information about its markets.

    • Leah Walker
      December 22, 2013

      Thank you, Mellisa. I can’t wait to spend more time in Hong Kong. There’s just so much to see, even more markets.

  • Jennifer
    December 19, 2013

    These markets looks amazing! And those orchids at the flower market are just beautiful – I absolutely adore orchids. I must admit I was pretty disappointed with the markets we visited in Bangkok, but it looks like I need to head to Hong Kong.

    • Leah Walker
      December 22, 2013

      You can buy an orchid for like US $8 in HK. I hate hearing about the Bangkok markets. I was looking forward to visiting them.

  • @mrsoaroundworld
    December 22, 2013

    I do love markets, Leah! They really say a lot about a culture. Glad you enjoyed these tours!

    • Leah Walker
      December 22, 2013

      You’re exactly right. Markets are a great way to get a sense of a city and culture. It’s more than just shopping.

  • Traveling Ted
    December 22, 2013

    I am not much of a shopper whether it is a mall or market. I do enjoy walking around and people watching and then finding some food and a beer. I am sure I could find that in Hong Kong.

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      People watching is great, especially because they’re all watching you as well. 😉

  • Francesca (@WorkMomTravels)
    December 23, 2013

    Based on your descriptions, I think I’d like Stanley Market best. I have no patience for pushy vendors.

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      Yeah, it was the most laid back for sure. I imagine it would be better in the heat too.

  • Carl
    December 23, 2013

    Ace post Leah! I’m very curious though – Did you buy absolutely loads of goodies? Or were you just very stealthy with the camera? Because I saw so many signs saying “NO PHOTO”, particularly in Temple Street market.

    Great to read about the ones I didn’t manage to get round to too. Although I deliberately missed out the bird one – I would not have liked being near that many birds haha!

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      To answer your question, I bought a few things, but was also quick with the camera. I did pay attention to the “no photos” signs and tried not to point it in those stalls direction.

  • Lance | Trips By Lance
    December 23, 2013

    Shopping is a major part of our travels, although it usually means my wife shops while I walk around with my son who despises the idea of it. We would enjoy these markets. Walking markets is something he actually enjoys. I’ve been interested in Hong Kong since I was in the second grade. I was gullible enough to believe a classmate when he said he and a friend along with our music teacher visited Hong Kong the previous night. Because of the time change and a super-fast jet they were able to visit Hong Kong that night and still make it back in time for school. I hate to admit that.

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      Hilarious that you remember that story. I used to think you could dig your way to China, so there you go.

  • Raul (@ilivetotravel)
    December 23, 2013

    I bought a lot of neat stuff at Stanley Market!

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      Raul shopping? Let me take a seat.

  • Erin at The World Wanderer
    December 24, 2013

    Great photos! I love markets in Asia, so many interesting finds. I definitely hope to do a tour like this when I eventually get to Hong Kong.

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      You’ve got to get through all the junk, but there absolutely is some great stuff to be had.

  • lola
    December 25, 2013

    oooo i like the jade market A LOT! so fun

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      Lots of great baubles there for you to buy. I’m sure you’d enjoy shopping there.

  • Diana Abend
    January 8, 2014

    Hong Kong is in my wish list of places to visit in 2014. I hope I would be there in Oct 2014.

    • Leah Walker
      January 17, 2014

      October should be great weather, so I do hope you get there. I’d love to go back.

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