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Fun facts

Apliu Street
Apliu Street

Mong Kok may have the Ladies' Market (Tung Choi Street), but Sham Shui Po has ‘men’s heaven’ in Apliu Street, which gets its name from an old village nearby that was famous for raising ducks. Local residents would sell items at low prices to help out their families and the bazaar gradually became the stalls you see today. The street now attracts those who are hunting for electronics and second-hand goods.

Fun facts

Dragon Centre
Dragon Centre

The excited screams of people could be heard in the Dragon Centre when Hong Kong’s first indoor roller coaster, the ‘Sky Train’, was completed in the mall in 1994. It remained very popular until it stopped operating in 2003. However, the memories of Sky Train and the glory days of the Dragon Centre are kept alive, thanks to the photos and celebrity autographs on the mall’s eighth floor.

Photography tips

Dragon Centre

From the centre of the lower floor, take a low angle photo. The background spirals with colourful lights from each floor and you can see the roller coaster track at the highest point.

Dragon Centre

Go to the 9/F and hold your camera (or phone) up to capture the roller coaster’s winding track. It’s best to use a wide-angle lens (or phone function) here.

Uncovering hidden gems in Sham Shui Po

Time Out Hong Kong
  • Written by Time Out Hong Kong

Sham Shui Po’s open-air street markets are a fantastic way to experience the lively local culture. And if you’re in the mood for treasure hunting, you have to check out these places of discovery for a maze-like shopping complex or hidden stores. Aside from these time-honoured stores attractions, the neighbourhood has also become a hub for a new wave of creativity, featuring hip and happening start-ups that are well-worth visiting.


Street markets

Apliu Street

Apliu Street

This busy street is lined with shops and stalls selling all sorts of electronic gadgets. You’ll never know what bargain you might find here, from the latest mobile phone accessories to vintage typewriters and home appliances. While you’re here, be sure to check out Audio Space (Address: 1/F, 151 Apliu Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon; Tel: +852 2729 7271/2781 1687). Not only is this store known for its high-quality audio products, it was also featured in the iconic 2002 Hong Kong crime-thriller, Infernal Affairs, starring Andy Lau and Tony Leung.

Audio guide
Fuk Wing Street (Toy Street)

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Also known as Toy Street, this spot is a go-to for those looking for children’s toys, affordable stationery, knock-offs and party accessories. With more than 30 stores, kids and grown-ups alike can experience the joys of discovering hidden gems at any one of these treasure troves.

Pei Ho Street

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This bustling wet market is the perfect place to experience Sham Shui Po like a local. The street is lined with stores and stalls that sell fresh fruits and vegetables, meats and all sorts of daily necessities. The street also houses numerous snack stalls, so you can grab a quick bite to eat while you browse through all the goods on offer.


Places of discovery

Dragon Centre

Dragon Centre

The only established mall in Sham Shui Po, Dragon Centre Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info is especially popular with local teenagers as well as families with kids. The labyrinthine complex boasts a lot of tiny boutiques, eateries and snack stores selling fun and quirky items. Aside from shopping and eating, Dragon Centre also boasts an ice-skating rink if you fancy a cool spin. There’s also an indoor rollercoaster which, although no longer in operation, is still a sight to behold. 

Sun Nga Shing Umbrella Store

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Established in 1842, Sun Nga Shing is one of the last stores in Hong Kong that still offer umbrella repair services. Aside from getting your umbrella fixed, you can also admire the numerous handcrafted umbrellas that fifth-generation owner Yau Yiu-wai has made himself (although they’re unfortunately not for sale). Incredibly friendly, Mr Yau is always happy to have a chat about the art of making umbrellas and how best to maintain them.

Vinyl Hero

Vinyl Hero

Tucked away in a residential building on busy Cheung Sha Wan Road is the treasure trove that is Paul’s record collection. In a small, cosy space, owner Paul has boxes upon boxes of vinyl records from the 1960s-1980s. The prices are low and the records span all genres, making it a must-visit for music fans. Be sure to call ahead to make sure Paul is around to let you in.

Golden Computer Centre and Arcade

Golden Computer Centre and Arcade

Originally dedicated to fashion wholesale in the 1970s, the mall eventually morphed into the mecca for gamers that it is today. Occupying the first floor and basement, Golden Computer Centre Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info and Arcade is a maze of tightly packed stores that stocks the latest gear, games and gadgets. Prices vary from store to store, so be sure to visit multiple shops and compare prices before you make a purchase.

Bo Wah Effigies

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Bo Wah specialises in paper effigies that are burned in traditional Chinese rituals as offerings to honour the deceased. Aside from market-standard effigies such as clothes and houses, this museum-like store also offers more modern items and custom-made products such as smartphones, electric guitars and even a Darth Vader helmet inspired by the Star Wars films.

Wah Ngai Canvas

Wah Ngai Canvas

Opened in 1954, Wah Ngai is best known as the birthplace of the red, white and blue bag. The founder Lee Wah started hand-making these nylon carryalls in the 1960s. Cheap but durable, these bags became extremely popular, especially with those who wanted to bring gifts back to relatives in Mainland China. Still widely seen throughout the city, these bags have gone on to become an icon of Hong Kong culture. Today, you can pick up this classic bag at Wah Ngai Canvas Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info , Tsuen Kee Canvas (Address: 219 Yee Kuk Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon ; Tel: +852 2729 1054) or Sun Kee Canvas (Address: 37 Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon ; Tel: +852 2393 5073).

Garden Hill

Garden Hill

Get a completely different perspective of Sham Shui Po from the summit of Garden Hill Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info . A quiet escape from the hustle and bustle of the densely packed neighbourhood, this short urban hike also affords great views of the district below, especially during sunset and evening hours. To access, simply walk up the foot of the hill, which is the slope right by the YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel on Berwick Street.


New wave of creativity

Midway Shop

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This charming concept store is inspired by the people and stories that the owners have come across during their travels. The boutique stocks products and trinkets from all corners of the world.​ Feel free to browse through all the products on offer, and ask about the stories behind each of them.

Savon Workshop

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This fragrant shop is a great spot to visit if you want a momentary escape from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Sham Shui Po. The store sells handmade bars of soap crafted from a range of all-natural ingredients such as lavender, rose and coffee. If you have some extra time, consider signing up for one of the classes or private workshops, where you can learn how to make your own bars of soap at home. Classes are available in Cantonese, Mandarin and English.

Form Society

Form Society

Artist Wong Tin-yan founded Form Society Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info with the hopes of bringing the community closer together. The 1,300 sq ft space is split into five main areas, including a collaboration space and a multipurpose exhibition area. This creative space also hosts regular guest speaker sessions, workshops and pop-up events — all open to the public — so be sure to check ahead to see what they have coming up.

Siugreat Stationery

Siugreat Stationery

Fans of stationery, especially the Japanese-made variety, will surely be delighted by the remarkable selection offered at this hidden fifth-floor store. Aside from the standard supply of pens and paper, Siugreat stocks an array of lesser-seen Japanese fountain pens and more than 100 types of ink imported from Japan and Europe. Note that the shop only opens on weekends.

Parallel Space

Parallel Space

Founded and curated by Kim Lam, Parallel Space Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info is an independent art gallery-slash-exhibition venue that curates and organises all sorts of ’art-ivities’, including cultural workshops and artist talks. Past events include a pop-up show featuring only live plants and an Instagram photo exhibition curated by renowned photographer Wing Shya. There is simply no limit to what the gallery presents.

D2 Place

D2 Place

D2 Place Get me there {{title}} {{taRatingReviewTotal}} {{taRatingReviewText}} Address {{address}} Website {{website}} More info is more than just another shopping mall in Hong Kong. Instead of massive chain stores and cookie-cutter retail shops, it houses stylish boutiques and pop-up stores from indie local and regional brands. The popular weekend markets also shine a spotlight on local culture and businesses, offering shopaholics a more meaningful shopping experience than what they would otherwise find at mega malls. A world of retail therapy awaits from MTR Lai Chi Kok Station Exit D2.

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The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.


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