Explore an area of Hong Kong that has preserved its heritage over time, where you will find a world of specialty shops, art galleries, and temples. Here's our guide to Sheung Wan.
Sheung Wan is one of the coolest places in Hong Kong thanks to its quirky mix of historic temples, antiques stores, colourful street art, dog-friendly cafes, and fine dining restaurants. We love the relaxed and artsy vibe of the neighbourhood, as it’s the perfect place to chill with friends and family. Enjoy exploring with our Sheung Wan guide!
Uncover hidden gems with our guide to Sheung Wan
Guide to Sheung Wan: What to eat and drink
1. El Vaso de Oro
Make way, make way for some of the best Spanish cuisine in town! Made by Barcelona-born Chef Carlos Salvador Asensio and his team using authentic recipes and the freshest ingredients, the dishes at El Vaso de Oro are worth a special visit to the area. Sample traditional Spanish flavours with the hearty Braised Beef Tripe; the signature Seafood Paella; and the Chicken Liver Pate, served with toast, salad, and a unique lychee marmalade (which pairs surprisingly well!). We also recommend the off-menu Fried Baby Squid, as it’s juicy, tender, and simply addictive with the thin but perfectly seasoned batter. Last but not least, wrap up your meal with Grandmother’s Flan. Rustic, casual, and vibrant, El Vaso de Oro is a gem not to be missed in Sheung Wan.
El Vaso de Oro, G/F, 44 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2506 2518
2. Chachawan
Isaan food, the incendiary cuisine of Thailand’s northeastern province, has spread far beyond its rural origins. At Chachawan, the kitchen pounds up fiery larps and som tums in immense mortars. We’re fans of the pork larp moo, which is a fiery version of the classic mixed salad; and the flavourful gai yung, which are chicken thighs that have been marinated for 24 hours. Finally, the mango sticky rice is a great way to balance out all that spiciness!
Chachawan, 206 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2549 0020
3. Mrs H’s Coffee House and The Holywell’s
Walking along Hollywood Road, you’ll come across a bright yellow door just across the street from Man Mo Temple. By day, you’ll find office workers and coffee lovers huddling around the chic coffee counter of Mrs H’s Coffee House; by night, the mysterious yellow door is illuminated by some bright red Chinese lanterns hanging from above. With a gentle knock on the door, you’ll be greeted by The Holywell’s bartender as they invite you into the speakeasy. Inside, you can sample a menu of innovative British-inspired cocktails in a cosy, living room-esque interior. Pro tip: take a look at the first few pages of the menu and join the treasure hunt around the shop for a spicy reward!
Mrs H’s Coffee House and The Holywell’s, 140 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 6848 5291
4. 69 on Jervois and Behind 69
In search of a bar in Sheung Wan for a chilled drink? Slip your way into Behind 69. A speakeasy behind the British restaurant 69 on Jervois, this intimate bar seats only 14 and serves killer drinks. With a menu inspired by the history and influences of the area, Behind 69 gives the ultimate Sheung Wan experience. If you’re hungry, the neighbouring bar and grill is a great place to grab a bite, as it offers a variety of Western comfort food and British classics.
69 on Jervois Bar & Grill and Behind 69, The Chelsea, 69 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9758 6715
5. Hei Baat Fong
Slurp up the noods at Hei Baat Fong! This renowned dumpling restaurant is ideal for a quick lunch when you find yourself in the Sheung Wan neighbourhood. All of Hei Baat Fong’s dumplings are housemade, and you can pair them with noodles plus other protein and veg toppings. But be warned – this place gets quite packed during the lunch rush, so make sure to arrive early to grab a seat.
Hei Baat Fong, G/F, 3-3A Upper Station Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p, 2590 0800
6. Dandy’s Organic Cafe
Nestled amongst the antique stalls on Upper Lascar Row is Dandy’s Organic Cafe. This cosy eatery serves a health-conscious menu of delectable snacks, mains, and desserts. From New Zealand Kumara Crispy Wedges to Chicken Penne, to Mushroom and Kale Risotto, Dandy’s is the perfect place to wind down after a morning of exploring the neighbourhood. We also love the fact that Dandy’s is a fully gluten-free restaurant, with options that cater to a wide range of dietary requirements – nobody gets left out here!
Dandy’s Organic Cafe, 32 Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2838 6166
7. Enishi
Enjoy dinner with a show at Enishi! The sister restaurant of Censu, the popular Japanese restaurant on Gough Street, Enishi is an intimate teppanyaki eatery serving a menu of comfort dishes, all bursting with umami. Watch as expert chefs prepare your food on the sizzling teppan, using the freshest seasonal ingredients.
Enishi, G/F, The Strand, 49 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2626 9096
8. For Kee
A fried pork cutlet specialist tucked away on Tai Ping Shan Street, For Kee is a local cha chaan teng that serves a straightforward menu. You can get your pork cutlet as an individual dish, or pair it with rice tossed with vegetables. Add some variety to your bowl with toppings, like a fried egg and tomato sauce. Coming with a hot or cold drink, a set meal at For Kee is a wallet-friendly and filling option in the area.
For Kee, Shop F-G, G/F, 200 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2546 8947
9. Oldish
Sheung Wan is undoubtedly the hub for hipster cafes. If you’re a lover of all things vintage, then Oldish will be your little heaven. This cosy cafe in Hong Kong is picturesque to say the least, from the details in decor to the colourfully plated dishes. We’re big fans of their tiramisu, the signature eggs benedict, and the rosa latte.
Oldish, 53 Tung Street, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2697 3313
Guide to Sheung Wan: Experience local art and culture
10. Liang Yi Museum
One of Hong Kong’s largest private museums, the four-storey Liang Yi Museum houses one of the finest collections of Chinese antique furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. The museum regularly holds special exhibitions of its furniture pieces and shows pieces from its collection at museums across the globe. For lovers of European craftsmanship, Liang Yi Museum also houses a collection of bejewelled clutches, compacts, and powder boxes from houses such as Cartier, Boucheron, and Van Cleef & Arpels. Antiques aficionados and collectors are sure to love all of the treasures at this museum!
Discover all our favourite Hong Kong museums.
Liang Yi Museum, 181-199 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2806 8280
11. Man Mo Temple
Experience local heritage at Man Mo Temple, one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples and a declared monument. Built in 1847 during the Qing Dynasty by wealthy Chinese merchants, the beautiful temple is dedicated to the gods of literature (“Man”, the one holding a writing brush) and war (“Mo”, the one wielding a sword). Lending the temple its beguiling and smoky air are rows of large, earth-coloured incense spirals, suspended from the roof. Seek your future as fortune tellers beckon from within and worshippers bring offerings for the gods. No Sheung Wan guide would be complete without this beautiful spot.
Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2540 0350
12. Soluna Fine Arts
Soluna Fine Arts specialises in showcasing emerging Korean artists and craftspeople to local audiences. In its bright and spacious Sai Street gallery, you’ll find engaging exhibitions popping up from time to time. You can also learn more about each showcase by booking a private viewing online.
Soluna Fine Arts, G/F, 52 Sai Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2955 5166
13. Hike the Sheung Wan stretch of the Central and Western Heritage Trail
For a bit of history, take a walk through Sheung Wan along the Central and Western Heritage Trail. The tour takes you from Man Mo Temple to Western Market near the coast, with 16 historical buildings and streets to discover in between. Bring a camera and prepare to snap some pics for the ’gram!
Find out more about the Sheung Wan Route of the Central and Western Heritage Trail.
14. Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall (Pak Shing Temple)
If you’re intrigued by the incense-fuelled scene inside Man Mo Temple, then you should check out Pak Shing Temple. Despite being nestled between old buildings along Tai Ping Shan Street, Pak Shing Temple’s bright red facade makes it hard to miss. In the past, Pak Shing Temple had housed bodies awaiting burial, as well as critical Chinese patients who couldn’t afford to be admitted to European-run hospitals. Today, people visit the sanctuary to pray for good relationships and health, bringing with them all kinds of offerings.
Kwong Fuk Ancestral Hall (Pak Shing Temple), 40 Tai Ping Shan Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
15. Double Q Gallery
This is another hidden gallery showcasing peculiar and vibrant artworks in Sheung Wan. Located on the bend of Lok Ku Road, Double Q Gallery features a rotation of international and local artists throughout the year. Keep an eye out on its social media platforms for updates on the latest exhibitions!
Double Q Gallery, 68 Lok Ku Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 3797 2922
16. Up your Insta game
Feeling inspired after visiting all the temples and art galleries in Sheung Wan? It’s time to become an artist yourself! Thanks to the myriad art-filled shops and cafes in Sheung Wan, many walls in the neighbourhood have been covered in street art. If you’re looking for great Instagram spots in Hong Kong, then this suburb definitely needs to be on your list. Although the works are often changing, you’ll be sure to find loads of inspiration.
Guide to Sheung Wan: Things to do
17. Get your hair done at Shhh
Hidden away on Hollywood Road, Shhh is all about refined luxury and quality hairstyling. Though you’ll probably have to book ahead to nab a spot, it’s well worth it for the amazing ambience and great design. Plus, you can pick up a range of eclectic hair accessories, products, and exclusive fragrances here.
Here’s our full review of Shhh.
Shhh, G/F, 118-120 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2915 1001
18. Dried seafood at On Kee
Just follow the sharp, salty smell that pervades the air and you’ll definitely find this store. On Kee is a place where customers willingly pay the hefty price tag for all types of dried seafood! From its opening time of 8am, you’ll begin to see people carrying paper boxes full of goods onto minivans; curious tourists taking photos of molluscs and other sea life alongside sacks full of herbs and glass jars containing and exotic snakes. Although a little expensive, we at Honeycombers are huge fans of sea cucumbers, as they’re believed to have anti-aging effects.
On Kee Dry Seafood, 8C-8J Cleverly Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2544 6336
19. Pick up antiques and accessories on Cat Street and Upper Lascar Row
Along Cat Street, you can practise your bargaining skills for jade jewellery, Mao memorabilia, porcelain ware, and much more. If you want to take home a piece of antique, do step into one of the shops along the street and have a browse. Here, you’ll find all kinds of porcelain vases and bronze statues.
Cat Street and Upper Lascar Row, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
20. Shop at Western Market
The Western Market is one of the oldest buildings in Sheung Wan, which is still in its original form from when it was built in the 1900s. Inside you can find small dessert joints, souvenirs shops, and a second floor of local silk fabric vendors. If you’re looking to find Hong-Kong themed gifts, Western Market is a great find.
Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
[This article was originally published in June 2017 and updated in 2024 by Celia Lee.]
