Love browsing for classical music or recent indie releases? Find an array of record collections at these cool vinyl stores in Hong Kong.
For those who won’t compromise on the pure-quality audio that only vinyls can produce, there’s nothing better than spending hours going through the bins at a record store. Often featuring a diverse selection of hidden gems such as 90s Cantopop, LGBTQ+ music artists, and even acts seen at live shows around town, vinyl shops in Hong Kong are always full of surprises. While the number of physical music stores may have dwindled over the years, the city is still seeing a vinyl resurgence with bigger sales being recorded every year. In the spirit of keeping that rich sound alive, check out these funky vinyl shops that are still going strong – and definitely worth stopping by to explore.
Drop a needle at these vinyl shops in Hong Kong
1. White Noise Records
Founded by three music fanatics in 2004, White Noise Records is one of the coolest vinyl shops in Hong Kong. You could spend hours browsing the wall-to-wall selection of records that includes indie, post-rock, hip hop, electronic, English dream-pop, and more. One thing we love most about White Noise Records is that we can always discover new Japanese alternative music there, as well as some choice cassette tapes.
White Noise Records, G/F, 199 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, p. 2591 0499
2. Zoo Records
Zoo Records is a much beloved record store located in the heart of Mong Kok. Consistently bringing in new releases and timeless classics, Zoo Records is where you can find everything from the latest hit by Lana Del Rey, to a remastered album by Pink Floyd. In fact, the store regularly posts about exciting, recently stocked titles on its social media (so consider giving it a follow!). With countless indie, jazz, Cantopop, and soundtrack albums lining the bins at Zoo Records, no music lover will leave disappointed.
Zoo Records, Shop 325, 3/F President Commercial Centre, 608 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, Hong Kong, p. 2309 2911
3. Vinyl Hero
Having no official website or social media accounts may make Vinyl Hero seem a little mysterious, but its legacy and word-of-mouth notoriety tells us otherwise. Hidden in a residential building, Vinyl Hero is a haven for music lovers in the edgy Sham Shui Po neighbourhood. This shop houses the personal collections of Paul Au, also known as Hong Kong’s “father of vinyls” or “Paul from Apliu Street”. His records cover most genres from the 1960s to 80s and are surprisingly affordable. If you’d like to access this hideout, don’t forget to give Paul a ring before you drop by. Happy hunting!
Vinyl Hero, Flat D, 5/F, Wai Hong Building, 239 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, p. 9841 7136
4. Stone Cold Records
Specialising in rock and pop LPs, CDs, and box sets, Stone Cold Records constantly sources new releases from different countries. The shop is quite diligent in restocking too, so you won’t have to worry about missing out on your faves. Whether you’re reminiscing about the golden days, or feeling like some alt rock, you’ll be able to buy (and pre-order) whatever you need at Stone Cold Records.
Stone Cold Records, Room 505, Won Hing Building, 74-78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 6213 3142
5. Sam the Record Man (The Record Museum)
Fun fact: the name of the founder and owner of Sam the Record Man is – you guessed it – not Sam. It may be safe to say that James Tang is a walking encyclopaedia of anything related to records, audio, and music. Recognised numerously by academics and audiophiles from around the world, Tang’s Record Museum is home to some of the rarest master tapes, turntables, recording and listening devices, and vinyl records. If you’re a geek for music history or are in a mood to explore, just look for Sam the Record Man.
Sam the Record Man (The Record Museum), 12/F, Nam Hing Fong, 39 Yiu Wa Street, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, p. 2892 1681
6. The Beat Records
Although you’ll have to weave behind the stalls at Ladies Market to find it, The Beat Records is worth the adventure. Covering a great range of new and used international classics as well as local releases on both vinyls and CDs, this record store is where you’ll find your next favourite Asian vinyl. Take a chance on some of the more obscure (and cheaper!) records you come across to truly embrace the thrill of vinyl hunting.
The Beat Records, G/F, 53 Tung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong, p. 2780 0956
7. Analog Dept. Records
Kwun Tong never disappoints with its industrial building gems. To prove our point, just check out Analog Dept Records! This well-stocked vinyl shop features music from all around the world, with many deep cuts from Asian countries such as Japan. With the team from Analog Dept frequently posting reviews of their products on Facebook, you can trust that these people know their stuff.
Analog Dept. Records, 2/F, Ming Sang Industrial Building, 19 Hing Yip Street, Kwun Tong, Hong Kong, p. 2618 0998
8. Lamma Vinyl Record Store
Across the sea on Lamma Island is the Lamma Vinyl Record Store. While it may be off the beaten track for most of us in the city, this store is charming and down-to-earth – perhaps precisely because of its more remote location. Along with an impressive selection of titles in stock, Lamma Vinyl Record Store also buys used vinyls at fair prices. So the next time you visit the area, make sure to pop by for a music and culture fix.
Lamma Vinyl Record Store, 1/F, 45 Yung Shue Wan Main Street, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, p. 2335 0601
9. Infree Records
Almost all the vinyls, CDs, and cassette tapes you could ever imagine are packed into Infree Records. A place where you’re just as likely to find the newest Taylor Swift album as you are a classic rock record from the 80s, just about every genre from jazz to pop to funk is available here. The perfect spot for vinyl newbies, Infree Records also sells a selection of modern turntables, as well as record maintenance and cleaning gear.
Infree Records, Flat B, 2/F, Tung Lok Building, 34-36 Nullah Road, Prince Edward, Hong Kong, p. 6152 3082
10. Kubrick
A bistro, bookstore, and vinyl shop all in one, Kubrick is located next to Broadway Cinematheque (the premier cinema for indie films in Hong Kong), so you can catch a movie and venture into the world of records with a cuppa in hand. You can easily spend a good chunk of time (and change) here, browsing through the expansive Asian collections of indie music vinyls, merchandise, posters, and more. Truly the dream for you audiophiles, bibliophiles, and cinephiles!
Kubrick, 3 Public Square Street, Prosperous Garden, Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong, p. 2384 8929
11. Rock Gallery Record Co. Ltd
An independent music and video shop, Rock Gallery Record Co Ltd has been curating its collection since 1984. From CDs to DVDs to LPs, the best music from the UK, Japan, South Korea, Mainland China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong is right at your fingertips. Whether you’re in the mood for blues, rock, Cantopop, jazz, or even movie soundtracks, Rock Gallery Record Co Ltd has the vinyl for you.
Rock Gallery Record Co. Ltd, Shop 202, 2/F, Tai Yau Plaza, 181 Johnston Road, Wanchai, Hong Kong, p. 2893 7791
12. Walls of Sound
Tucked inside a building in Mid-Levels is a little shop filled to the brim with vintage vinyls. Walls of Sound has a robust collection of second-hand records, particularly in terms of classical and jazz music, so you’re bound to come across some treasures if you dig deep enough. Next time you’re in the area, be sure to track down this hidden gem to find some smooth tunes.
Walls of Sound, 3/F, 38 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, p. 2805 1584
13. Showa City Club
Searching for that elusive, obscure Japanese citypop record? Your best bet will certainly be a rummage around Showa City Club. A haven for Japanese pop culture lovers, the aptly named Showa City Club is the ultimate eclectic shop for vinyls, cassettes, and vintage items. With countless vinyls of 70s and 80s music, the “who’s who” of Jpop and Japanese pressings of international acts, such as Sade and Whitney Houston, can all be found here.
Showa City Club, 15B Wong Chuk Street, Tong Mi, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong
