Dec 23, 2014
So many markets
I’ve lost count of the number of markets I stumbled upon in Hong Kong. In the vicinity of Mong Kong/Yau Ma Tei, visitors’ guides are recommending the Bird Market, the Flower Markets, the Ladies’ Market, the Temple Street Night Market and the Jade Market. The variety of things that anyone could buy is just mind-boggling. Not only that, all of these markets could be pretty much visited in one go – they form a complete walking tour route! Somewhere along the way, there are shops and stalls to pick up walkabout snacks. ;)
On the Hong Kong island itself, despite its modern cityscape and towering skyscrapers in the Central, there are still plenty of small markets to visit, some seemingly selling very much niche items (Halloween decors all year round, anyone?) and others on food and drinks. Items sold here are pricier than on mainland Hong Kong, the markets smaller, and there are fewer variety of products; doesn’t make them less interesting though. We even spotted street dividers that have been yarn-bombed – how adorable ;)
The penultimate photo above is a rather interesting cultural phenomenon rather than a market scene per se. A ritual known as villain hitting or petty person hitting, it is even considered as cultural heritage in Hong Kong. I’ve only ever seen it in TVB drama before, so to spot it in person had me all curious, not to mention wondering “who still seek out such a ritual?”. I’ve been told these ladies under the Canal Road Flyover still do brisk business most evenings. It truly makes a case of the traditional alongside the modern.
All posts in this series:
Hong Kong: What can I do in Hong Kong?
Hong Kong: First impression: Hong Kong
Hong Kong: More dim sum, please
Hong Kong: Postcards: The (Victoria) Peak
Hong Kong: Chi Lin Nunnery and Nan Lian Garden
Hong Kong: Wong Tai Sin Temple
Hong Kong: Po Lin Monastery and the Big Buddha
Hong Kong: Tai O fishing village
Hong Kong: Postcards: Stanley
Hong Kong: Chinese desserts galore
Hong Kong: Occupy Central with Love and Peace
Hong Kong: Hong Kong by night
Hong Kong: So many markets
Hong Kong: How to gain a few kilos in a week
Hong Kong: Once upon a clear sky in Hong Kong
Indeed and my fav is still Mong Kok area….there is the sport shoe alley and also gadget alley. There is Sham Shui Po which offers clothing at super low price as well hoohooo
Yes, we went to the sports shoes place, and guess who bought a new pair of running shoes? ;)
Goody….more runs in 2015 :)
Already did two 10Ks since start of year! Next up, a semi-marathon in early March, dum dum dum…
Woohoo.. go Go GO!!!
I’m trying, I’m trying ;)