94 Best Shopping in Hong Kong, China

Visit this long-established mainland company to blitz through that tiresome list of presents in one fell swoop. It stocks a huge variety of well-priced clothing, porcelain, and giftware. In direct contrast to the thrill of digging through dusty piles at the open-air Jade Market, Chinese Arts & Crafts provides a clean, air-conditioned environment in which to shop for classic jade jewelry—and the prices aren't too outrageous. Other affordable, easily packable items include appliqué tablecloths and cushion covers or silk dressing gowns. There are four branches in Hong Kong, including this spacious shop in Pacific Place.

A quick glance at the directory—Tiffany & Co., Kate Spade, Bvlgari, Chaumet—lets you know that the International Finance Centre isn't for the faint of pocket. Designer department store Lane Crawford chose to open its flagship store here, and J.Crew followed suit in 2014. Even the mall's cinema multiplex is special: the deluxe theaters have super-comfy seats with extra legroom and a wine bar for classy refreshments. If you finish your spending spree at sunset, go for a cocktail at Dear Lilly or LA RAMBLA by Catalunya, two posh spots with fabulous harbor views. The Hong Kong Airport Express station (with in-town check-in service) is under the mall, and the Four Seasons Hotel connects to it.

Avoid the mall between 12:30 and 2, when it's flooded with lunching office workers from the two IFC towers.

This prestigious western-style department store has been the favorite of local label lovers for years—not bad for a brand that started out as a makeshift provisions shop back in 1850. The massive flagship store in the IFC Mall (one of Hong Kong's four Lane Crawford locations) feels like a monument to fashion's biggest names, with exquisitely designed acres divided up into small gallery-like spaces for each designer. In addition to contemporary clothing, the phenomenal brand list covers everything from beauty to home ware.

Make your way past the perfumes, scarves, and silk-embroidered Chinese souvenirs to the second floor, where you'll find a rainbow of fabrics at your fingertips. In addition to the brilliantly hued—and expensive—silk and cashmere clothing, you'll see custom-made suits starting at around HK$30,000, including fabric. You can also have a cheongsam (a sexy slit-skirt silk dress with a Mandarin collar) made for around HK$10,000, including fabric. Ready-to-wear Mandarin suits are in the HK$15,000–HK$20,000 range. There are stores scattered across Hong Kong, including the airport's Terminal One.

On the grounds of the 19th-century Central Police Station complex, Hong Kong's largest revitalization project to date, Tai Kwun debuted in 2018. It stretches across 38,750 square feet and hosts several restaurants, bars, art exhibitions, and local boutiques. Shopping here runs the gamut from traditional tailors like Yuen's Tailor to avant garde apparel by Harrison Wong.

While you're here, check out the Heritage Storytelling Spaces. From the Central Magistry to the old prison, eight distinct areas transport you back in time.

A visit here takes you behind the historic Central Police Station, where walls facing the gallery's distinctive space are still topped by broken glass (a common security measure). Since it opened in 2001, the white-walled gallery has spotlighted emerging artists from all over the world, with a primary focus on ones from the Asia Pacific area. Owner-curator Katie de Tilly has a particularly keen eye for photography, and the gallery often features the works of established names such as Vietnamese-American fine arts photographer Dinh Q. Lê and pioneering Chinese artist Wang Keping.

People often gasp at the very mention of A-Man Hing Cheong, in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. For some it symbolizes the ultimate in fine tailoring, with a reputation that extends back to its founding in 1898. For others it's the lofty prices that elicit a reaction. Regardless, this is a trustworthy source of European-cut suits, custom shirts, and excellent service.

If only your entire home could be outfitted by Altfield. Established in 1980, the elegant gallery carries exquisite antique Chinese furniture, Asia-related maps and topographical prints, Southeast Asian sculpture, and decorative arts from around Asia, including silver and rugs. Altfield Interiors, on nearby Queen's Road, features a selection of larger furniture pieces, framed art, and contemporary home accessories.

Ask for Bonnie Groot, who will enthusiastically and knowledgeably guide you through the three floors of fine ceramics, furniture, ancestor portraits, and more. Across the road, the Groots have opened the Arch Angel Art Gallery, which specializes in contemporary Vietnamese and Southeast Asian art.

This self-titled "gentleman's shirtmaker" makes it easy to find the perfect shirt, even if you could get a better deal in a less prominent shop. Ascot Chang has upheld exacting Shanghainese tailoring traditions in Hong Kong since 1953, and now has stores in New York, Beverly Hills, Manila, and Shanghai. The focus here is on the fit and details, from 22 stitches per inch to collar linings crafted to maintain their shape. Among the countless fabrics, Italian 330s three-ply Egyptian cotton by David & John Anderson is one of the most coveted and expensive. Like many shirtmakers, Ascot Chang does pajamas, robes, boxer shorts, and women's blouses, too. It also has ready-made lines of shirts, T-shirts, neckties, and other accessories available for online ordering. Other branches are located in the IFC Mall, Elements Mall, and the Peninsula Hotel.

One of Hong Kong's best-known local designers, Barney Cheng made a name for himself with his expert tailoring and entrance-making gowns. He's crafted many a bride's dream dress, and his masterfully tailored evening gowns range from HK$40,000–HK$100,000, depending on style, detailing, and fabric. Though he still designs extravagant special-occasion ware, Cheng's services have expanded to include sophisticated menswear, exotic skins, and bespoke jewels. Consultations are available by appointment only.

Relying on word of mouth, Blanc de Chine has catered to high society and celebrities, such as actor Jackie Chan, for years. The small, refined tailoring shop neatly displays exquisite fabrics from Switzerland, France, and Italy used for tailor-made as well as ready-made women's wear, menswear, and home accessories. Items here are extravagances, but they're worth every penny.

Homegrown Bumps to Babes has everything you could possibly need for babies and children, all in one place. In addition to familiar brands of clothing, diapers, toiletries, food, and toys, look for strollers, books, maternity wear, furniture, and more. There's also a Southside branch in Horizon Plaza.

If you’re searching for local handicrafts and worldly finds, then make a beeline for Callixto. Originally launched by Sasha Dennig as an online boutique in 2011, the store recently opened up a bright pink brick-and-mortar shop with a serious case of wanderlust. Look for jewelry from Greece, bags from India, carpets from Uzbekistan, and knickknacks from around the world.

In addition to its contemporary gold, diamond, jade, and wedding collections for the local market, this manufacturer and retailer also sources international brands. It has more than 370 shops in China.

Jade is not the only thing you'll see from this local chain founded in 1929. It also has fine jewelry in diamond, jadeite, ruby, sapphire, emerald, 18K gold, and more-traditional pure gold. And don't worry about tracking one down; Chow Tai Fook has more than 85 Hong Kong locations.

The respected specialists at Christie's focus on Asian art and jewelry. Among the auctions are ones devoted to Chinese ceramics, Chinese calligraphy, and classical, modern, or contemporary paintings from around the continent.

Hong Kong is home to myriad specialty tailors, but for something a little different, head to Classics Anew. Designer Janko Lam has won many an eco-fashion award for her lines of reimagined cheongsams. For a more casual take on the traditionally formal dress, she adds her own unique flair: discarded denim. Skeptical? You may have to see these beautiful pieces in person to appreciate the originality, but they’re definitely one-of-a-kind finds. Expect to pay between HK$1,000 and HK$1,700 for one of Janko’s handmade dresses.

This well-known gallery represents a small batch of modern, mostly figurative Chinese artists, though it also showcases the dreamlike work of Swedish painter Dorina Mocan and dabbles in photography. Recent exhibitions have foregrounded farflung talents, such as French artist Christian Gaillard and his unique portraits of Spanish matadors. The gallery started to push out of its—and Hong Kong's—comfort zone with the opening of Connoisseur Contemporary next door in 2008; it features the often controversial creative output of the sociopolitical group referred to as the "eighties generation"—mainland Chinese emerging artists born in the 1980s under the one-child policy and known for subversive works.

Everything about Edward Chiu is fabulous, from the flamboyant way he dresses to his high-end jade jewelry. The minimalist, geometric pieces use the entire jade spectrum, from deep greens to surprising lavenders. Inspired in part by art deco, Chiu is also famous for contrasting black-and-white jade, setting it in precious metals, and adding diamond or pearl touches.

At this deep emporium of watch brands, seek the advice of one of the older staffers who look like they've been there since the British landed. Brands include Rolex, Patek Philippe, Omega, and Tudor.

Locally owned and designed Episode collections focus on accessories and elegant clothing for working women and Hong Kong "tai tais" (aka ladies who lunch). The looks tend to be simple yet elegant, with an emphasis on high-quality cashmere and knits, stylish business attire, and flowy weekend dresses—beautiful tailoring is a hallmark of the brand. Episode has a second store in Harbour City.

Fang Fong fell in love with the vintage feel of the SoHo district as a design graduate and vowed to move in. She chose a light-filled studio space to display her floaty, 1970s-inspired clothing line, with its bold prints and sexy wisps of lace and silk. She also brought her friends with her, or at least those who suited her vibe.

Track down this tiny gem for secondhand CDs, DVDs, magazines, and wall-to-wall used books in English. The range is extraordinary, and the organizational system baffling, but the owner is knowledgeable, friendly, and willing to poke among the shelves for you. Books here average around HK$40, compared to a few hundred new.

A local favorite for more than 25 years, Fook Ming Tong is known for excellent service and high-quality longjing, oolong, and jasmine teas that have been painstakingly sourced by tea masters. There are six Hong Kong branches, including the main one in the IFC Mall.

The name of this pioneering lifestyle brand stands for “Goods of Desire,” and the items it sells live up to that. G.O.D. plays with ideas, designs, and words drawn from Hong Kong's unique heritage, with imaginative yet functional results. Its huge product range consists mostly of home furnishings and tableware, though there is a renewed focus on fashion—the collection of original design Hong Kong tees is particularly cute. Affordable creations, such as red rubber trays for making "double happiness" character ice cubes, Buddha statues irreverently turned into wine stoppers, and old-fashioned Chinese textiles reimagined in modern settings, manage to be both nostalgic and contemporary. Buy a trendy gift or unique vintage-style postcards for the folks back home.

This is the next-best option for midrange pearls if you can't make it to the Jade Market. Gallery One blends into Hollywood Road's backdrop of trinket-filled storefronts, but its selection of Japanese and freshwater pearls stands out. Prices are reasonable, and they will string together whichever combination of pearls and semiprecious stones you choose. Gallery One also carries Tibetan and Buddhist beads in wood and amber, as well as bronze sculptures.

Director and chief curator Henry Au-yeung writes about, curates, and gives lectures on 20th-century Chinese art. His tucked-away gallery focuses exclusively on local Chinese artists, with an interest in the newest and most avant-garde works. Look for paintings, sculptures, prints, mixed-media pieces, and conceptual installations.

This is a rare opportunity to compare and contrast cutting-edge and experimental Chinese art selected by one of the field's most respected authorities. Unassuming curatorial director Johnson Chang Tsong-zung also cofounded the Asia Art Archive and has curated exhibitions at the São Paolo and Venice biennials.