Up your snap game at these photogenic street markets in Hong Kong (and you may end up shopping till your drop, too!)
From the Chinese temples frozen in time to the historic buildings showcasing the colonial era, Hong Kong’s rich history and culture is all around us. Along this note, another strikingly unique feature of our city has got to be the street markets – local vendors selling everything from quirky souvenirs to Hong Kong-themed art, to dried seafood. Here we present: the most photogenic street markets in Hong Kong.
Grab your cameras and head to these photogenic street markets in Hong Kong
1. Fa Yuen Street Market (Sneakers Street)
During the Ming and Qing Dynasties, this very street belonged to a village in Mong Kok and it was used to grow flowers, hence the name “Fa Yuen Street” which translates to “Garden Street”. Located between Boundary Street and Dundas Street in Mong Kok, the best view of this market has to be from the overhead footbridge that leads to Moko in Mong Kok East. There are about 50 stalls predominantly selling clothes for adults and kids. The market also holds the name Sneakers Street, given the great bargains for sportswear, sports gear and, of course, super chic sneakers.
2. Temple Street Market
During the Qing Dynasty, a row of five adjacent Tin Hau temples were built in Yau Ma Tei along the neighbourhood of this busy flea market, hence the name “Temple Street”. Temple Street Market is home to not only numerous vendors’ stalls, but also some lip-smacking restaurants. These road-side eateries offer classic snacks, authentic local cuisine (hot pot, anyone?), and freshly cooked seafood. To boost the night market vibes, the Hong Kong Tourism Board has been adding even more food stalls to the mix since December 2023, as well as illuminated art installations and vibrant lantern decors across the dining and retail sections of the Market. With your phone camera in one hand and tanghulu (candied fruit skewers) in the other, get ready to have your hands full at Temple Street Market – literally!
3. Fuk Wing Street Market (Sham Shui Po Toy Street)
Of course Sham Shui Po has to be included in our list of photogenic street markets in Hong Kong! Fuk Wing Street, also known as Toy Street, offers toy and stationery galore. Entertaining kids and adults alike, this is where you can find toy buses, taxis, minibuses, and trams – perfect for the transport geeks amongst you! Come festive season, Fuk Wing Street Market has rows upon rows of Christmas ornaments and Lunar New Year decorations, so be sure to visit and seize the awesome deals.
4. Tai Kiu Market (Yuen Long Lantern Street)
On the topic of festive decorations: Tai Kiu Market in Yuen Long is your next best bet for an immersive cultural experience. Most famous for its staggering selection of lanterns during the Mid-Autumn Festival season, this photogenic street market in the New Territories may be a little off the beaten track for some of us, but the spectacle (and the photos) will be well worth the journey – not to mention the beautiful lanterns you’ll most likely end up with on your trip home!
5. Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street)
Though the street is called Upper Lascar Row, it’s more commonly referred to as Cat Street. Why this peculiar name? Well, back in the 1920s, a lot of stolen goods were believed to be sold here; in Cantonese, “rat” refers to stolen goods and their consumers are referred to as “cats”. Don’t worry, this doesn’t happen anymore! What you can find on Cat Street nowadays are shops selling jade, Terracotta warrior statues, Mao statues, along with some crystals and precious stone bracelets. We love heading to this area to pick up trinkets for ourselves – it’s no surprise that Upper Lascar Row is also featured in our neighbourhood guide to Sheung Wan.
6. Chun Yeung Street Market
Watch out! Chun Yeung Street Market has trams going through it, much like the Maeklong Railway Market in Bangkok where a train runs through every now and then. The postcard-worthy Chun Yeung Street Market is located in North Point, a neighbourhood in the Eastern District where you’ll find lines of old buildings in the midst of new residential areas. If you’re planning to drop by via the Ding Ding, our DIY tram tour will help you get there. Head over for clothes and handbags on the cheap, and grab some groceries while you’re at it.
