Bargaining hard at the Jade Market

For centuries, Chinese culture has cherished jade, and to this day, the ornamental stone remains both prized and precious. Present in parts of China from as early as 3400 BC, jade has been valued as long as Chinese civilisation itself. In China, including Hong Kong, jade is considered a spiritual material and is worn for good luck, good health and protection from evil spirits. The Chinese imperial court considered the stone an imperial gem and used it symbolically for ceremonial objects. But since the stone was neither rare nor extraordinarily expensive, it became a common accessory and part of Chinese society and even language. The Chinese name for jade, 'yu', translates as 'precious stone' but is also used to signify 'treasure' and 'wealth', and is frequently affixed to other Chinese words to enrich their meanings.

While many stores in Hong Kong sell jade, the most popular visitor's destination for the imperial gem is the Jade Market. Located within walking distance of Temple Street Night Market, the Jade Market is a mecca for jade collectors. With more than 400 hawker stalls, visitors can 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, so be sure to read up on the stone if you are searching for an authentic piece. Just in case you don't know, the value of jade is determined by its clarity and transparency, vivacity and texture, and colour and intensity.

There are two forms of jade: nephrite and jadeite. Nephrite is lighter and creamier in colour, whereas jadeite is pure green with more colour variations, very expensive and quite rare. The most common faux jade is serpentine, often dyed to imitate jadeite.

Whatever your choice, most forms of jade are easy on the eyes, and the Jade Market is an ideal place to pick up some trinkets from your visit to Hong Kong. The market is located on the corner of Kansu and Battery Streets in Kowloon and open daily from 11am-6pm. MTR: Yau Ma Tei, exit C