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Every city has it quirks. And Hong Kong has its markets. Across the city, there seems to be a market for everything, from goldfish and name cards to kitchenware and birds. In Kowloon, in the streets near Prince Edward, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok and Jordan MTR stations, several specialist markets make an intriguing and convenient way to combine bargain hunting, people watching and souvenir shopping. Many of the Kowloon markets are located within walking distance of each other, so you can easily devote an afternoon and evening to experiencing this unique side of Hong Kong culture. |
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden
The Bird Garden was constructed more than a decade ago, when the whole area was revamped and the original Bird Street destroyed. The garden is designed as a Chinese-style market with gardens and bird stalls, and a traditional pai lou gateway design divides the garden plots into courtyards. The venue has a neighbourhood feel, as birds sing from their cages and men take their birds for walks in the garden. Open 7am-8pm daily, the garden has a main entrance facing Boundary Street and another facing Yuen Po Street. Tel: 2302 1762 MTR: Prince Edward, exit B2
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Flower Market
Down the street from the Bird Garden is the Flower Market, home to an amazing array of colourful wholesale and retail flowers. Although the market is small in size, it is quite popular, as locals believe that certain types of flowers signify luck and prosperity. It is a cheerful setting where floral scents fill the air and you can bargain for an auspicious bonsai tree or a bundle of lilies. Dried flowers, which travel a lot more easily than fresh ones, are also for sale. Go early for the best selection. Open 7am-7.30pm daily. Flower Market Road, near Prince Edward Road West. MTR: Prince Edward, exit B2
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Goldfish Market
In Chinese culture, goldfish are considered lucky and are welcome additions to any home. The Goldfish Market displays goldfish in all shapes, sizes and breeds, swimming around in their clear tanks and often ready to be taken home. Fish tank accessories such as rocks, underwater furniture and even plastic fish are also for sale in this one-stop-shop. Open 10am-9pm daily. Tung Choi Street. MTR: Prince Edward, exit B2
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Ladies' Market
Despite its name, the Ladies' Market is not only for women. In fact, this outdoor market is probably the most crowded and diversified market in Hong Kong. Goods run the gamut from the interesting to the plain weird. It is where you can buy Bruce Lee figurines next to fluorescent light fixtures. Sellers tout inexpensive bags, accessories such as Hello Kitty watches, women's and men's clothing, Chinese arts and crafts, bath robes and pyjamas, phone accessories, costumes and children's toys, all at bargain prices. You will probably end up buying something, whether you need it or not. Open 12.30pm-10.30pm daily. Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok. MTR: Mong Kok, exit E2
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Temple Street Night Market
The city is dotted with markets, but no place comes more alive than Temple Street Night Market. While fortune tellers, palm readers and herbalists attempt to tap into your aura, Cantonese opera singers perform for your entertainment. Stands selling everything from clothing, cookware and jewellery to audiovisual equipment are open for haggling. Duck into one of the many open-air restaurants to join local residents for fresh seafood delights to end the night. Open 4pm-11pm daily, the market really heats up around 8pm. Temple Street, Yau Ma Tei. MTR: Jordan, Exit A
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Jade Market
For centuries, Chinese culture has cherished jade. It is considered a spiritual material, worn for good luck, good health and protection from evil spirits. Within walking distance of the Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market has more than 400 hawker stalls. Visitors have their pick from jade pieces in every shape, colour and size, from rare jade carvings to small, inexpensive pieces, with prices all subject to the skills of the bargainer. Faux jade is also sold at the market. Open 10am-4pm daily, the Jade Market is located at the corner of Kansu and Battery Streets in Kowloon. MTR: Yau Ma Tei, exit C
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Bargain Hunting
Bargaining is the name of the game at all of the Kowloon markets. State a reasonable price and be ready to compromise, and beware of fake and pirated goods. |
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