Yau Ma Tei Walk (Self Guided), Hong Kong

Immerse yourself in Hong Kong's Chinese lifestyle when you visit the Yau Ma Tei neighborhood. Also known as Waterloo, this is a colorful neighborhood where you can explore Chinese markets, catch a Chinese theater performance and dine on Chinese specialties. As with many areas in Hong Kong, you can shop by day and by night.

During the day, the Yau Ma Tei wet market and fruit market draw in lots of hungry shoppers. If you are looking for a few kitchen accessories, point your shoes toward the Yau Ma Tei section of Shanghai Street, one of the oldest roads on the island. Among the well-preserved old Chinese shop-house buildings, you will find lots of kitchen related items for sale. The neighborhood is also known for its jade business and at the Jade Market there are more than 400 stalls selling the ornamental rock and jade accessories such as charms, jewelry and items encrusted with jade. The goods are not only bought for their beauty and utility, but also because some people believe jade is associated with good health and long life.

When night falls, don’t let that stop you from looking for bargains and curiosities. Temple Street Night Market is a very popular street bazaar where you can buy souvenirs, trinkets, electronics and scrumptious seafood and noodles. Then round off your day by watching a Cantonese opera at the Yau Ma Tei Theatre.