Hong Kong, Shoppers' Delight

If New York is the City that never sleeps in the Western part of the world, then there is an Eastern counterpart of this — HONG KONG! Well, the city is actually referred to as the City of Life, a lively cosmopolitan center where the fusion of the old and the new effortlessly combine to create a distinct flavour that is quintessentially and insanely Hong Kong. “overload of the senses”

This former British colony on the South Coast of Mainland China, is comprised of three areas, Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. This bustling Asian city is thriving example of a true melting of cultures, unmistakably Chinese, yet with charmingly British and multi—Asian touches. An overload of the senses in every way — with the exotic smells, shoulder—bumping crowds, flashing signs and an unabashed noise level in its streets, the city is efficient, delicious and a sheer joy to travel to.

Hong Kong has always held a special place in my heart, perhaps because it holds many happy memories of family holidays when I was a child.

Jogging along the harbour with my father on misty mornings, stuffing ourselves with dim sum at overcrowded restaurants, and of course, literally shopping till we dropped. Yes, shopping is one of the most famous pastimes in the city, and its not just for the foreigners.

The locals seem to have mastered the art themselves (with a policy of free trade), and just watching the natives haggle in Cantonese, ending up with an unbelievable settlement, is entertainment in itself. Hong Kong is a city where one can get everything and anything, indeed, it is an impossibility not to visit the city and leave without a single shopping bag.

Once known as the place where you can get the best bargains on the most hi—tech gadgets and latest on designer labels, the city has undoubtedly grown more expensive (compared to the mainland and other Asian cities), but the sheer love of shopping the atmosphere holds makes it all worth while.

To begin your tour of the self—proclaimed ’shopaholics mecca’, start on the Kowloon side at Tsim Sha Tsui where the more budget—friendly bargains can be found. An abundance of malls are situated here, like the sprawling Harbor City, New World Center , the Miramar and the Duty Free Shopping Galleria.

Around the smaller streets, the tailor shops in the area are a great find, where they can actually create fabulous tailor—made clothing in a mere 24 hours. Nearby, the Nathan Road is crammed with jewelry as well as electronic shops, all vying for a sale, so be sure to do a bit of canvassing as these establishments will match the lowest price you find.

Shopping in chic Central is definitely for the well—heeled designer—worshipping types, where one—stop malls like Pacific Place in Admiralty can easily set you back a few quid. For a quieter splurge, the shopping arcade at the Peninsula hotel has a handful of designer boutiques where one can shop discreetly, then smartly proceed for cheesecake and tea at the hotel’s famous lobby cafe.

The open—air markets around the city are a treat for both shoppers and sightseers, as the buzzing activity and utter variety of the goods offered will make for an interesting afternoon (or evening) if nothing else. For cheap accessories In Central, stop by ’Cat Street’ off Hollywood road, and for a wider variety of bargain clothing, pens, silk, gadgets, toys, bags and more, Temple Street night market off Jordan in Kowloon side is open from 8 pm until midnight. For a less touristy crowd, try Tung Choi Street in Mong Kok which has a good selection of ladies items, including clothing, jewelry and accessories. South of the island is Stanley Market, another veritable treasure trove of the usual garments, but also famous for its leather products, silk and linen.

One wonderful thing about the city is the ease of getting from one place to another as whatever you choose — be it a taxi, the MTR, bus, tram or ferry, it is sure to be safe, efficient and affordable — burdened with shopping bags or not.