Shopping in Hong Kong

Hong Kong is the shopping capital of the world featuring a large number of malls, department stores and street markets. During discount seasons (mid-December to February and July to September) the already wholesale priced products get even cheaper. Hong Kong Island and Kowloon are dominant as the shopping districts of the region, followed by New Territories.

Hong Kong's mega malls are in the epicentre of shopping attention, hosting some of the world's most famous brands for clothing, boutiques and jewellery. Malls are clean, safe, air-conditioned and have escalators for providing convenient access to endless floors of shopping therapy. Dinning outlets are also available within the malls, allowing for a relaxing break. Department stores are also in the spotlight, with a wide range of world class stores such as Marks & Spencer and many more, including local brands such as Wing On Department Stores , Sincere and Lane Crawford. Street markets are widespread across Hong Kong's streets, abiding to a more informal and traditional style of shopping. Product ranges available in street markets vary with most typical items including clothing, antiques, collectibles and souvenirs. Prices can be unbelievably low, but customers with sharp bargaining skills are known to have an advantage. Knowledge in Cantonese is advantageous but not essential. The Consumer's Council Hotline (+852 2929 2222) is a useful resource, offering suggested retail prices and general assistance in case of disputes.

In Hong Kong Island, Central and Admiralty are packed with mega malls featuring the latest trends in designer and luxury clothing. One of the most popular is the Pacific Place in Admiralty, host to over 150 shops and restaurants. Central is also home to several popular mega malls including Prince's Building, Alexandra House and the IFC mall, which is hosted on International Finance Centre, the world's sixth tallest building. Vibrant street markets are situated on Central's Li Yuen Street East and Li Yuen Street West, collectively known as "The Lanes". Further away, in the southern part of Hong Kong Island, Stanley Market is world famous for its bargain prices on clothing and collectibles. Daily opening hours are 9:00am to 6:00pm for Stanley Market and 10:00am to 7:00pm for The Lanes.

Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei are the major shopping areas in Kowloon. Granville Road and Nathan Road's "Golden Mile" in Tsim Sha Tsui is the definitive shopper's paradise with bargains on every corner. Yau Ma Tei is more popular for its street markets. Yuen Po Street Bird Garden and Flower Market in Mong Kok add a colourful tone to the definition of shopping. Opening hours are 7:00am to 8:00pm for the Bird Garden and 7:00am to 7:30pm for the Flower Market.

The New Territories are not in the same league with Hong Kong Island and Kowloon in terms of shopping extravaganza. However, Maritime Square in Tsing Yi is the exception and with over 200 shops and restaurants, definitely worth a visit from the shopping enthusiasts.