Being famous as a "Shoppers' Paradise", Hong Kong is especially visited for its shopping spots. But this amusing city offers more than just sizeable malls and department stores. It has unique and picturesque street markets as well. From herbal medicine to branded fashion items, the open-air markets in Hong Kong preserve this territory's living culture. The next walking tour will take you through the most interesting markets in Central-Western District.
1) Li Yuen Street East & West
Li Yuen Street East and West are two parallel alleys packed with shops and stalls. Here, visitors can find plenty of items, such as souvenirs, clothing, watches or shoes. The market is mostly known for fine silk clothing and traditional dresses.
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2) Graham Street Wet Market
Located between Staunton street and the Center skyscraper, in the SOHO area, Graham Street is easy to find if you're around. It features one of the oldest open-air markets in Central, with two lines of stalls selling fresh vegetables, seafood and meat. Together with Peel street, Graham forms the old Central Street Market.
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3) Peel Street
Peel street, together with the previous attraction forms the old street market area of central Hong Kong. The market stalls are located at the street's lower end, featuring mostly fresh food but also clothing and other items. Along with food stalls, there are also many cafes and dining places.
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4) Cat Street Market
The Cat Street Market is located on Upper Lascar Row, in Hong Kong. The market is a popular tourist spot and is literally a walking distance from Central. The Cat Street Market can also be reached through the Sheung Wan MTR station. The market sells antiques, beautiful paintings, and even replicas of antiques and original paintings (Tourists should watch out for duplicate pieces). Usually the antiques include jade carvings, expensive Ming vases and snuff bottles, as well as Mao memorabilia. The market has an overall a flea-market like atmosphere. One can also find Chinese souvenirs like old Hong Kong post cards, posters and also fake, antique watches. Carpet shops and ceramic shops abound on Cat Street, with carpets imported from India and The Middle East. Furniture can also be found on the market. Many stalls, full of “Red” themed Mao memorabilia line the street, and most tourists can find unusual and unique books, pictures and even relics from the 1950s era when the Peoples Republic of China had recently come to power. Unlike the expensive shops in Kowloon, the Cat Street Market is a place to purchase bargain goods. Most imported goods that are found here are tax free, and bargaining can save buyers even more money.
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5) Bonham Strand West
For anyone looking for unusual street markets in Hong Kong, the Bonham Strand West is the right place to go. The market sells traditional Chinese medicine, composed of medicinal herbs, crushed pearls, ginseng and dried seafood. Most of the products are recommended by sellers as essential for longevity and energy.
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6) Dried Seafood Street Market
This market can be found on Des Voeux Road West. In this area hawkers gather to sell dried seafood and traditional Chinese medicine. The place is also famous for selling such rare products as dried abalone or dried scallops.
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