The Fabulous Shopping of Hong Kong

Shopping is a very serious business in Hong Kong, and if your holiday hiking in China includes a visit to this vibrant metropolis you should indulge yourself with some serious retail therapy! The variety of shopping opportunities in this world city is simply astounding, so round out your holiday hiking in China with a few days in spectacular Hong Kong.

Traditional Shops

Of course there are myriad modern shopping malls in Hong Kong that will offer you everything you could ever desire, but look a little closer and you may be able to unearth the quirky and unusual shops that can be far more interesting.

Man Luen Choon is in a building nestled amongst the busy market stalls between Des Voeux and Connaught Roads in Central. The Chinese are well known for their intricate and beautiful calligraphy and this shop sells everything needed for this art. From brushes to ceramic inkpots in every colour imaginable, along with instructional books and videos, this it is the place to go if you already have an interest or if you want to take up a new hobby.

If shoes are your thing (and you may wear out a pair while hiking in China), a visit to The Kung Fu Shoe Kiosk in Hollywood Road is to be recommended. The name comes from their made-to-measure Kung Fu shoes, which would make a great souvenir of your trip or an excellent gift. Today they also spend their days repairing the locals’ Christian Louboutins, but for a look at a traditional Chinese craft shop it is well worth seeking out.

Another great souvenir would be a T-shirt from The Lee Kung Man Knitting Factory in Wing Lok Street. The shop was founded in 1928 and produces cardigans and T-shirts with their unique logo. If you're after a more elegant look, you can purchase a traditional Cheongsam from Linva Tailor, in Cochrane Street in the Central district. These beautiful traditional Chinese dresses are still worn today and make a wonderful and unique evening gown.

For avid foodies on a holiday hiking in China, the opportunities for sampling a slice of the country's wonderful cuisine are numerous. The Yuan Heng Spice Company is in the Hollywood Road area and sells an incredible array of whole spices, ancient orange peel and giant cinnamon sticks. If you plan to take something home with you, you can be sure that your suitcase will be heavenly scented on arrival! For something to display or cook your food in, you should pay a visit to The Siu Woo Trading Company, which is near to the Western Market in Sheung Wan. They sell bamboo, rattan and straw housewares along with kitchen utensils.

Some of these eclectic shops are located near to The Western Market, which is Hong Kong’s oldest market building. Its Edwardian façade makes it a strange fit with the surrounding office buildings, but it’s a great place to visit for the variety of goods on sale. It has everything from florists and souvenir shops to an amazing fabric market. The fabric market offers wonderful Chinese brocades and Thai silk alongside vintage silks and canvas upholstery fabrics. If you’re feeling peckish there’s a huge dim sum palace on the top floor, which is sometimes used as a ballroom.

Shopping in Hong Kong is an experience that shouldn’t be missed by anyone on a holiday hiking in China. Souvenir shopping is taken to a whole different level in this wonderful city.

Tony Maniscalco is the Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Join us on a holiday hiking in China to the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices. We offer over 140 guided group walking holidays in over 60 different countries.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.