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They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Rome, scoot around on a Vespa and drink espresso. When in Hong Kong, shop. For most people in this city, shopping is a leisure activity, whether that means picking out a four-figure party dress, rifling through bins at an outlet, upgrading a cell p
They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Rome, scoot around on a Vespa and drink espresso. When in Hong Kong, shop. For most people in this city, shopping is a leisure activity, whether that means picking out a four-figure party
They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Rome, scoot around on a Vespa and drin
They say the only way to get to know a place is to do what the locals do. When in Rome, scoot around on a Vespa and drink espresso. When in Hong Kong, shop. For most people in this city, shopping is a leisure activity, whether that means picking out a four-figure party dress, rifling through bins at an outlet, upgrading a cell phone, or choosing the freshest fish for dinner.
Shopping is so sacred that sales periods are calendar events, and most stores close on just three days a year—Christmas Day and the first two days of Chinese New Year. Imagine that: 362 days of unbridled purchasing. Opening hours are equally conducive to whiling your life away browsing the racks: all shops are open until 7 or 8 pm; many don't close their doors until midnight.
It's true that the days when everything in Hong Kong was mind-bogglingly cheap are over. It is still a tax-free port, so you can get some good deals. But it isn't just about the savings. Sharp contrasts and the sheer variety of experiences available make shopping here very different from back home.
You might find a bargain or two elbowing your way through a chaotic open-air market filled with haggling vendors selling designer knockoffs, the air reeking of the chou tofu ("stinky" tofu) bubbling at a nearby food stand. But then you could find a designer number going for half the usual price in a hushed marble-floor mall, the air scented by the designer fragrances of your fellow shoppers. What's more, in Hong Kong the two extremes are often within spitting distance of each other.
Needless to say, thanks to travelers like you running out of space in their suitcases, Hong Kong does a roaring trade in luggage. No need to feel guilty, though—shopping here is practically cultural research. All you're doing is seeing what local life is really like.
This was once Hong Kong's most famed bargain trove for visitors, but its ever-growing popularity means that the market in Stanley Village no longer has the best prices around. Still, you can pick up some good buys in sportswear, casual clothing, textiles, and paintings if you comb through the stalls. Good-value linens—especially appliqué tablecloths—also abound. Dozens and dozens of shops line a main street so narrow that awnings from each side meet in the middle, and on busy days your elbows will come in handy. Weekdays are a little more relaxed. One of the best things about Stanley Market is getting here: the winding bus ride from Central (Routes 6 or 66) or Tsim Sha Tsui (Route 973) takes you over the top of Hong Kong Island, with fabulous views along on the way.
Founded in 1981 by Alice King, Alisan Fine Arts was one of the first galleries in Hong Kong to promote contemporary Chinese art and is now an established authority. Styles range from traditional to modern abstract, and mediums include oil, acrylic, and Chinese ink.
7 Tin Wan Praya Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
On the southern side of Hong Kong island, this gallery often features boundary-pushing conceptual artists from Asia, as well as leading ones from Europe and North America. Since opening it in 2004, founder Dominique Perregaux has brought a fresh perspective to the local art scene.
65 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
With a modern approach to an age-old business, a son of the Oriental Carpet Trading House family sells high-quality carpets from China, India, Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan at warehouse prices.
2 Lee Wing St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Elegant lacquerware makes a wonderful gift. The pieces sold here—tabletop items and picture frames among them—are reasonably priced and come in classic red and black as well as silver and gold. In addition to the Stanley Market store, there's a second one in Ap Lei Chau's Horizon Plaza.
40–42D Stanley Main St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Of all the cheaper alternatives to Shanghai Tang, this is the best. It has a fantastic selection of Mao collared jackets for boys and girls. Chinese-style onesies come in muted, non-cartoonish colors, and cost around HK$85.
64 Stanley Main St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
With 28 floors of high-end fashion and housewares, the huge Horizon Plaza is a good choice for shoppers who have more taste than money. Joyce, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Diesel, and others all have outlet stores on the upper floors. If you’re interested in dressing up your home, Tequila Kola has funky furniture, TREE sells eco-chic items, and Shambala’s showroom brims with antique treasures.
2 Lee Wing St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Fashionistas who've fallen on hard times can breathe a sigh of relief. Joyce's outlet on Ap Lei Chau, the island offshore from Aberdeen in Southside, stocks last season's duds from the likes of Jil Sander, Max Mara, Phillip Lim, Hugo Boss, and Anna Sui. Prices for each garment are reduced by about 10% each month, so the longer the piece stays on the rack, the less it costs.
2 Lee Wing St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
Open to walk-ins seven days a week, this warehouse in the Wong Chuk Hang industrial district features 20th-century decorative arts, European antiques, and Scandinavian furniture, all proffered by the delightful Susan Man. For those who'd prefer to stick closer to the center of town, there's also a showroom in Wan Chai.
1 Yip Fat St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
One of the top children's clothing stalls in Stanley Market sells everything from play-date clothes to Christmas Day bests. Push your way through the piles and hanging examples of tasteful, brand-name pieces for babies, boys, and girls. Come here first, then do some comparison shopping before pulling out your wallet.
6 Stanley Main St., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
In the heart of an up-and-coming cultural district down in Aberdeen, this spacious industrial-chic loft-style gallery displays groundbreaking contemporary Chinese art alongside ancient Asian textiles and rugs. To get the most out of it, ask the refreshingly knowledgeable staff to escort you around.
30 Wong Chuk Hang Rd., Hong Kong, n/a Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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