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!
Guide to Sheung Wan
1. Stop by Square Street
Shopping in Sheung Wan doesn’t get any cooler than this. Pick up a stunning watch designed right here in Hong Kong by Swedish-born Alexis Holm, and then settle in at the in-store KAFFE and enjoy a cup of Swedish coffee. It’s all about fika here, so expect good vibes, friendly service, and tasty bites.
Squarestreet, 15 Square Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
2. Discover the nutritional benefits of 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 pay HK$1,000 for a kilogram of black fungus that looks like human hair!
From 8am to 5pm, people come to bargain with vendors they have known since childhood; stiff paper boxes full of dried seafood are carried onto minivans; and curious tourists take photos of molluscs and other sea life, alongside sacks full of herbs, and snakes displayed in glass jars.
Although super expensive, we at Honeycombers are huge fans of sea cucumbers as they are believed to have anti-aging effects. They can be eaten after being soaked and boiled. How easy is that?
On Kee Dry Seafood, 8C-8J Cleverly Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2544 6336, 上環急庇利街8號金豐大廈1樓及地下F-G鋪
3. Uncover lost antiques at 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 also shows pieces from its collection at museums across the globe.
For lovers of European craftsmanship, Liang Yi Museum also houses a collection of bejewelled cutches, 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 Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2806 8280, 香港上環荷李活道181至199號
4. Up your Insta game
Thanks to its art-filled shops and cafes, many walls in Sheung Wan 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, we’re sure you’ll find loads of inspiration.
5. Soak up Chinese culture at Man Mo Temple
Enjoy Chinese culture at one of Hong Kong’s oldest temples and a declared monument. Built in 1847 during the Qing Dynasty by wealthy Chinese merchants, atmospheric Man Mo Temple is dedicated to the gods of literature (‘Man’), holding a writing brush, and of war (‘Mo’), 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 inside, and as worshippers bring offerings for the Gods. No Sheung Wan guide would be complete without this favourite spot.
Man Mo Temple, 124-126 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2540 0350, 上環荷李活道124-126號
6. Get your hair did 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 (including the first perfume launch from Cire Trudon) here.
Here’s our full review of SHHH.
SHHH, G/F 94 Hollywood Road, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2915 1001, 上環荷李活道94號
7. Wander through all the art and antiques on Cat Street
Itching to use your uber cool purchase at Lomography? Grab the chance to snap that #OOTD, as you’ll find some of the best Hong Kong street art right outside this store. Along Cat Street, you can practice your bargaining skills for jade jewellery, Mao memorabilia, porcelain ware and much more. If you’re looking for bronze-lacquered Buddha statue to fill your home, look no further than Arch Angel Antiques. Browsing this treasure trove of Asian antiques and art can easily fill a few hours for serious antiques hunters.
Arch Angel Antiques, 70 Hollywood Rd, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 28516848
8. Learn how to bake at The Mixing Bowl
Hosting baking workshops for adults and kids for the past three years, the passionate owners of The Mixing Bowl wish to share the joy of baking with everyone. The 2,000 sq-ft space means the duo are able to hold big classes with lots of variety. Look out for new classes including cake decorating, fresh pastry, a wide selection of bread workshops and the Junior Baker Summer Camp, which kids are going to love!
The Mixing Bowl, 23/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2524 0001, 香港上環文咸東街22-26號栢庭坊23樓
9. Swing by Chachawan for lunch
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 are fans of the pork larp moo, which is a fiery version of the classic mixed salad and the flavourful gai yung, chicken thighs that have been marinated for 24 hours. And 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, 上環荷里活道206號地舖
10. Rejuvenate at Beijing Tong Ren Tang
Everyone’s aware of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and how it works wonders – so why not try it out for yourself? With a long history that originated in ancient China, Beijing Tong Ren Tang is a trusted store for most locals if they’re looking for herbal medicines, acupuncture, massage (Tuina) and dietary therapy. They also offer Chinese herbal teas such as the Snow Pear Loquat Tea.
Beijing Tong Ren Tang Chinese Medicine Co., Shop No. 242-243, 2/F Shun Tak Centre, 168-200 Connaught Road Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2858 0723, 上環干諾道中168-200號信德中心2樓242-243號舖
11. Enjoy a cold beverage at 208 Duecento Otto
We just love this rustic yet fashionable bi-level Italian joint, which was actually a meat warehouse back in the day. Free your calendars every Wednesday from 7pm for their Highballs and Meatballs evenings when selected drinks are just $50 and come with snacks such as sliced pizza and wagyu meatballs. But it gets even better as their happy hour is every day from 3-7pm where you get two-for-one drinks – yes!
208 Duecento Otto, 208 Hollywood Road, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p 2549 0208, 上環荷李活道208號地舖
12. Try out one of the many vegetarian restaurants
There are a number of vegetarian restaurants in Sheung Wan, making it the perfect spot for any plant-based eaters. From Chinese-style places like Harvester to restaurants that serve dishes from around the globe, like Confusion Plant Based Kitchen, check out full guide to vegetarian restaurants in Sheung Wan, and you’ll never go hungry again!
13. Indulge in fine dining at Table
This fine-dining seafood restaurant is a must-visit when in Sheung Wan. Run by self-taught chef Sandy Keung, it delivers the freshest seafood in Hong Kong thanks to its depuration concept, and incorporates a wonderful array of local ingredients into its dishes, meaning the food you try here will be truly unique.
Read our full review of Table.
Table, 8/F, The Pemberton, 22-26 Bonham Strand, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p.2815 2367, 上環文咸東街22-26號柏廷坊8樓
14. See if you can spot Meimei and Snowy
These two sisters can often be spotted frequenting the many cafes in Sheung Wan or just cruising streets. See if you can spot them as you explore the colourful street of Sheung Wan.
Take a look at our interview with Meimei and Snowy.
15. Eat up a storm at Honjo
We like Honjo for brunch, lunch, and dinner, and it has some of the best service in Hong Kong. Step into the lush interiors and get ready for a dining experience that will definitely be one for the books. The weekend brunches offer a good chance to taste a little bit of everything, while the dinner menu has an array of Japanese classics with a twist.
Read our full review on Honjo here
Honjo, 1/F Hollywood Centre, 77-91 Queen’s Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2663 3772
16. Enjoy cheap eats
Cheap & cheerful eats are easy to find in the neighbourhood if you know where to look. From damn good Cantonese to tasty Indian and Korean, you’ll find everything you’re salivating for on our guide to cheap eats in Sheung Wan.
17. Get inked at Blackout Tattoo
Rob Kelly set up his studio in Sheung Wan in 2010 and quickly became known as THE custom artist in town. This is where you go for truly unique creations and for that piece you’ve always been dreaming of; big or small, they’ll make sure it’s what you want.
Blackout Tattoo, 502 Hing Tai Commercial Building, 114 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 9427 2278, 香港上環永樂街114號興泰商業大廈502室
18. 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 the second floor is completely filled with local merchants selling silk fabric. If you’re looking to find Hong-Kong themed gifts, Western Market is a great find.
Western Market, 323 Des Voeux Rd Central, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
19. Grab a cuppa in nostalgic Oldish
Sheung Wan is undoubtedly the hub for aesthetic cafes (you know, the hipster ones). If you’re a lover of all things vintage, then Oldish will be your little heaven. This cosy cafe is picturesque to say the least, from the minute 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 St, Tai Ping Shan, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong, p. 2697 3313
20. Shop for CBD products at Found
Sure you can get an instant CBD fix with their coffees, pastries, and chocolate, but if you’re looking to invest in a CBD product for longer-term use, Found sells CBD oils, tinctures, balms, and capsules from various brands. We love the earthly vibe the cafe boasts and plus, it is pet-friendly!
Read our full guide on CBD products.
Found, Unit A, G/F, 8 Tai On Terrace, Hong Kong, p. 5288 2281
