Joanna James
Hong Kong is the most perfect city for those looking to explore urban settings. From its colonial streets that don't seem to age, to its bustling street markets or sleek modern streets where you will find high street fashion boutiques and high-quality branded goods. Here's what you should explore.
Situated in the Sheung Wan district, Des Voeux Rd West or Dried Seafood Street as it is known more commonly is as its name implies. Vendors on this street sell dried seafood in all its forms. Pickled, salted and sun-dried dishes are a staple in most Chinese seafood cuisine and traditional medicine. You will be exploring the street not just with your eyes but with your sense of smell as well. It makes for a very colourful experience.
Kowloon's Granville Road is the high fashion street, the place you go when you are looking for avante-garde fashion and planning to dress in all the latest trends. There's no end to the high-end boutiques that line this street including leading brands and household names toting everything that was on the runaway that season and any new styles local and international celebrities may be sporting at any given time.
Cat Street is where you go to slip back in time. If what you are searching for are collectables or relics from any bygone era, you will find it here. It is located on Lascar Row on north-western Hong Kong and is quite easy to find from any other part of Hong Kong including your hotel in Wan Chai. You can find curios, artwork, old watches, jade, handicrafts and more on this street and some of them may be authentic vintage pieces you won't be able to find anywhere else in the world.
Named because it is in front of the Eastern Temple, Temple Street is a popular night market in Hong Kong that is quite a tourist attraction as well. It is not just popular for being a traditional street food market where you can eat all the delightful dishes that Hong Kong is famous for. You can also shop for all kinds of other non-food items such as watches, curios, antiques, electronics and tea accessories.
Shanghai Street is easily accessible from hotels the likes of Dorsett Wanchai Hong Kong. The street is considered one of the most interesting streets in Kowloon and has all kinds of buildings and residences that were constructed in the past and have remained so. There are some breath-taking traditional teahouses, the former pumping station as well as vendors selling the best kitchenware in the city.
Li Yuen Street is divided into East and West streets and is located in what has been the centre of Hong Kong's financial district for quite some time. It still maintains its olden day traditional bazaar atmosphere and sells factory outlet clothing, silk and leatherwork among others.
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