You’re just as likely to come across songbirds and goldfish on Hong Kong’s street markets as antique watches and Chinese dresses. Street markets are always exciting and full of life, in contrast with the often stuffy shopping malls. And in Hong Kong you can find a market at any time of the day... Or night.
In a metropolis bursting with over 100 shopping centres, you’re never far away from air conditioning and polished shop windows. Still, many Hong Kong residents pick up their fresh vegetables, a new goldfish or parakeet from the market. You’ll come across one surprise after another. In contrast to the peaceful bird market in Kowloon, Chun Yeung’s Wet Market is alive with trolleys of fresh produce being sold among the shopping public. Hong Kong is blessed with dozens of street markets, and these 3 are definitely worth a visit.
Chinese women go crazy for abalone, sea cucumbers and fish bladders. They believe that these items can improve their health and skin, and are willing to spend vast amounts of money on them. They can spend up to EUR 4,000 on a single kati (617 grams) of Japanese abalone. The streets of Sheung Wan, where these dried fruits of the sea are on display, become especially busy around the Chinese New Year. As you wander through this district, you’ll also come across other specialities: fancy some dried lizard or bird’s nests?