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Walks of life
By Time Out Hong Kong

Au-yeung Ping-chi, owner of Bo Wah Effigies, recommends places to explore Sham Shui Po’s creative industries
A former design student, Au-yeung Ping-chi started helping out at his father’s paper effigies store after graduating from school. Although he currently lives in Yuen Long in the New Territories, Mr Au-yeung travels to Sham Shui Po almost every day and can often be found at Bo Wah, making paper offerings in the shape of modern-day consumer goods. “Even though this neighbourhood appears old and unglamorous, there’s a lot to eat, see and do here,” he says. For visitors, he recommends Sham Shui Po’s many shopping streets, including the always bustling Pei Ho Street. Those with a creative streak will also enjoy strolling down Yu Chau Street, Ki Lung Street and Nam Cheong Street, where they can shop for all sorts of materials for fun DIY projects.
Ki Lung Street (Button Street)
Ki Lung Street is also known colloquially as Button Street due to the amount of wholesale vendors selling different types of garment fasteners. Aside from buttons, zippers and clasps, you’ll also find stores here that sell ready-to-wear pieces, as well as various textiles. In fact, Ki Lung Street is also home to a fabric market that’s frequented by local designers. If you want to pick up some fabric, note that most stalls start selling from the early morning and are closed over the weekends.
Address: | Ki Lung Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon |
Yu Chau Street (Bead Street)
Yu Chau Street – also affectionately known as Bead Street – is where you can shop for all the beads and sewing supplies you’ll ever need. The stores stock everything from wood and plastic to glass, which can be used for handmade jewellery, bedazzling smartphones and even decorating gel nails. If you’re not sure where to start, try Mei Tat Hong, which offers a wide range of beads, buttons, ribbons and even high-quality Swarovski crystals. Another recommended store is Mee Ngai Wah, which specialises in costume jewellery, especially those made from sterling silver.
Address: | Yu Chau Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon |
Tim Ho Wan
Not only is Tim Ho Wan considered one of the best dim sum spots in Hong Kong, this local neighbourhood gem offers one of the cheapest Michelin-starred dining experiences in the world. Its most famous dish? The baked barbecue pork buns are mouth-watering and addictive.
Address: | 9-11 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon |
Tel: | +852 2788 1226 |
Website: | http://www.timhowan.com.hk/ |
Bo Wah Effigies
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 Stormtrooper helmet inspired by the Star Wars films.
Address: | 2D Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon |
Tel: | +852 2776 9171 |
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 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.
Address: | 146-152 Fuk Wing Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon (Arcade) / 94A Yen Chow Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon (Centre) |
Kwan Kee Store
Locals come to this corner eatery for its homemade Chinese sweets. Recommended in Michelin’s street food guide, the shop is most famous for its bowl puddings – aka put chai koh in Cantonese – which are made with white or brown sugar and studded with red beans. Other traditional treats include white sugar cakes and black sesame rolls.
Address: | 115-117 Fuk Wa Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon |
Tel: | +852 2360 0328 |