Hong Kong Shopping
Feb 24th, 2004 | 02:05 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 527
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Hong Kong Shopping
Everybody has been so great in answering my other posts for info on airport transportation and sightseeing. Now how about a shopping question:
Which areas would you recommend as don't miss? We will not be looking for any high-end porcelain or artwork, but I do like to get small things such as watercolors, or small ceramic pieces to use for gifts throughout the year, ranging in price from just a few dollars to $100 or so. I probably won't be looking for clothing for myself, but I do want some scarves or a nice piece of silk fabric. I would also buy a beautiful kimono to use as a wall hanging, and a small one for my 4 year old granddaughter. I saw an all-white silk kimono hanging on a wall in San Francisco's China town a few years ago and I regret not buying it. Kites for my grandsons would also be a thought.
I love shopping at street markets and bargaining, as that's part of the fun. Where is the best place to buy dvd's and how do I know if they'll work at home? I have also read that there are Chinese Department stores--would these be interesting to see?
My husband wants to buy some trousers if we can do that in 2 days--any thoughts?
Thanks in advance to all who share their knowledge; I've been using suggestions from readers of this forum for about 4 years now, helping me to plan some of the most satisfying and memorable vacations I've ever taken.
Which areas would you recommend as don't miss? We will not be looking for any high-end porcelain or artwork, but I do like to get small things such as watercolors, or small ceramic pieces to use for gifts throughout the year, ranging in price from just a few dollars to $100 or so. I probably won't be looking for clothing for myself, but I do want some scarves or a nice piece of silk fabric. I would also buy a beautiful kimono to use as a wall hanging, and a small one for my 4 year old granddaughter. I saw an all-white silk kimono hanging on a wall in San Francisco's China town a few years ago and I regret not buying it. Kites for my grandsons would also be a thought.
I love shopping at street markets and bargaining, as that's part of the fun. Where is the best place to buy dvd's and how do I know if they'll work at home? I have also read that there are Chinese Department stores--would these be interesting to see?
My husband wants to buy some trousers if we can do that in 2 days--any thoughts?
Thanks in advance to all who share their knowledge; I've been using suggestions from readers of this forum for about 4 years now, helping me to plan some of the most satisfying and memorable vacations I've ever taken.
Feb 24th, 2004 | 02:41 PM
#2
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 23,073
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Barb - I can't help you with anything except DVDs, as I'm really not a craft and silk person. 
Anyways, if you are looking for mainstream Hollywood movies on DVDs, then don't bother. Buy them at Best Buy, or used ones at Blockbusters. Not worth the trouble, as some discs have region code (Region 3), making them unplayable on most players sold in the US. Though most DVDs are NTSC, some may be PAL - a different system. And they are not that cheap. The really cheap DVDs are often illegal bootleg copies with questionable picture quality.
If you really want to watch movies cheaply, the lower quality VCDs are everywhere, for about US$2-3 per movie; and these are authentic, licensed discs. VCDs can be played on most DVD players, but picture quality is similar to VHS, and you don't get surround sound.
In short, unless there are some special titles you know of, and are unavailable in the US, I wouldn't bother.
Anyways, if you are looking for mainstream Hollywood movies on DVDs, then don't bother. Buy them at Best Buy, or used ones at Blockbusters. Not worth the trouble, as some discs have region code (Region 3), making them unplayable on most players sold in the US. Though most DVDs are NTSC, some may be PAL - a different system. And they are not that cheap. The really cheap DVDs are often illegal bootleg copies with questionable picture quality.
If you really want to watch movies cheaply, the lower quality VCDs are everywhere, for about US$2-3 per movie; and these are authentic, licensed discs. VCDs can be played on most DVD players, but picture quality is similar to VHS, and you don't get surround sound.
In short, unless there are some special titles you know of, and are unavailable in the US, I wouldn't bother.
Feb 24th, 2004 | 05:03 PM
#3
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 426
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Of course, I haven't bought DVDs in Hong Kong for use in the US, but based on my FRIENDS' experience in Shanghai I'm a little more optimistic. Hopefully others will post their experience in Hong Kong.
I live in Shanghai and most of my FRIENDS' DVDs (pirated) are marked that they come from Hong Kong, but they all work in the US. Video games (X-Box, etc.) don't work, but Nintendo do. Rkkwan is right that it's hit or miss (that is, there is no way of knowing before you come home whether they will work or not), but here in Shanghai, however, the DVD quality is good about 80% of the time and most sellers will tell you if you ask whether or not it's a good copy, and most of my FRIENDS' visiting guests from the US are thrilled to stock up on movies and have never had a problem with non-working or too many bad copies.
In terms of your other shopping, Stanley Market would be a great place to start. They should have a little of everything that you're looking for, and bargaining is the way to go. The Temple Street night market is also worth a look, but has less decor-type stuff and more knock off clothing, bags, and Hong Kong t-shirts, from what I remember. (Not to be overly pedantic, but my Japanese colleagues would be mad at me if I didn't mention that a Kimono is a Japanese garment - you're probably just looking for an embroidered Chinese robe).
I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to Hollywood Road, which is lined with little boutiques selling everything from high-end certified antiques to affordable reproductions. There are also a few "junk" shops with miscellaneous old and fake-old odds and ends that are fun to shop.
While you're there, stop in Wattis Fine Arts, at number 20 and next to the colonial style police station (you need to walk up the small road next to the police station). They sell original and reproduction maps and photograps of old Hong Kong and other places in Asia.
In my opinion the Chinese department stores aren't much different from department stores anywhere, but if you pass by a grocery store that would be well worth stopping in.
For your husband's trousers, do you mean having them made? If so, as long as you do that FIRST you should be OK with 2 days - just make sure you have another fitting with enough time to make changes before you have to leave. I wouldn't do a suit in 2 days, but trousers or a shirt should be ok. I've been really happy with things I've had made in HK.
Have a great trip! I love HK and am going down for the weekend!
I live in Shanghai and most of my FRIENDS' DVDs (pirated) are marked that they come from Hong Kong, but they all work in the US. Video games (X-Box, etc.) don't work, but Nintendo do. Rkkwan is right that it's hit or miss (that is, there is no way of knowing before you come home whether they will work or not), but here in Shanghai, however, the DVD quality is good about 80% of the time and most sellers will tell you if you ask whether or not it's a good copy, and most of my FRIENDS' visiting guests from the US are thrilled to stock up on movies and have never had a problem with non-working or too many bad copies.
In terms of your other shopping, Stanley Market would be a great place to start. They should have a little of everything that you're looking for, and bargaining is the way to go. The Temple Street night market is also worth a look, but has less decor-type stuff and more knock off clothing, bags, and Hong Kong t-shirts, from what I remember. (Not to be overly pedantic, but my Japanese colleagues would be mad at me if I didn't mention that a Kimono is a Japanese garment - you're probably just looking for an embroidered Chinese robe).
I would HIGHLY recommend a trip to Hollywood Road, which is lined with little boutiques selling everything from high-end certified antiques to affordable reproductions. There are also a few "junk" shops with miscellaneous old and fake-old odds and ends that are fun to shop.
While you're there, stop in Wattis Fine Arts, at number 20 and next to the colonial style police station (you need to walk up the small road next to the police station). They sell original and reproduction maps and photograps of old Hong Kong and other places in Asia.
In my opinion the Chinese department stores aren't much different from department stores anywhere, but if you pass by a grocery store that would be well worth stopping in.
For your husband's trousers, do you mean having them made? If so, as long as you do that FIRST you should be OK with 2 days - just make sure you have another fitting with enough time to make changes before you have to leave. I wouldn't do a suit in 2 days, but trousers or a shirt should be ok. I've been really happy with things I've had made in HK.
Have a great trip! I love HK and am going down for the weekend!
Feb 25th, 2004 | 05:24 AM
#4
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 7,689
Likes: 0
Here are some suggestions for shopping:
1. China Arts and Crafts Department Store
Star House, 3 Salisbury Rd. (Tsimshatsui)
(at the Star Ferry Pier)
This is a Chinese department store, perhaps what you were referring to. There are several in Hong Kong, the largest is the one above in Tsim Sha Tsui, and it is located steps from the Star Ferry pier, and not far from your hotel. They have lots of gifts, some expensive porcelain, and some cheaper stuff. They also have porcelain lamp bases and silk shades. Silk clothing, kites, table linens, basically two floors filled with interesting or fun stuff. Prices are fixed. They have some paintings as well, including silk banner paintings. Their jewellery department is very nice, although you can't bargain, but you are at least sure of good quality.
2. Welfare Handicrafts Shops
Salisbury Road near the Star Ferry in Kowloon
Jardine House (basement)
Connaught Place
Hong Kong Island (Central)
Phone: 2524-3356
Have to put in a good word for these shops, as the proceeds go to charity, so you can buy and feel good about it. . .They have a lot of gift items for children, and a very good selection of cards, incldu8ng Christmas cards. Also check out their gift wrap and padded jewelry cases. The Salisbury Road shop is located a few shops down from China Art and Crafts.
3. Wattis Fine Arts
21 Hollywood Road
2nd floor
tel: 2524-5302
I second Andrea's recommendation, excellent selection of maps and other artwork. Please note that the shop is not on the street level.
4. Altfield Gallery
248-249 Prince's Bldg.
10 Chater Rd.
Hong Kong, China
Phone: 2537-6370
Very nice selection of old prints, maps, etc. Expensive. Very reputable. Princes Building is in downtown Central, just around the corner from Pedder Street and the Pedder Building
5. Shanghai Tang/Pedder Building
12 Pedder St.
Phone: 2525-7333
The Pedder Building is about an 8-storey building smack in the middle of the heart of the business district in Central in Hong Kong, Shangahi Tang in the basement and first floor. Very nice silk items (expensive) and kitsch souvenirs like hand watches with Chairman Mao waiving. Fashion forward clothes (think hot pink Mao jackets)
On the other floors, there are many other interesting shops in this building, many of which have designer fashions (like Channel) at quite amazing prices. Its worth a bit exploring the place, don't be put off by dusty stairwells and the slow elevator. My favourite is
Blanc de Chine
The Pedder Building
12 Pedder St.
Phone: 2524-7875
They have gorgeous silk items like whisper thin quilt covers and padded jackets. Nice silver frames as well. Definitely worth a look. Not really a discount shop, just beautiful things.
6. Stanley Market
As Andea noted this is a treasure trove of stuff crowded into open shops in a few very narrow alleys, all part of the fun. They have a lot of watercolours and other local artwork, many already framed for very reasonable prices, about $15 and up. One of my favourite things are the "peasant prints" which are prints of bright watercolour paintings done in a primitave style. You can buy then framed or unframed, an unframed one would probably start at about $50. Always bargain and if you buy several items from one shop, bargain for a volume discount. You will see hundreds of scarves here, but none are silk, beware of fakes. I may have some cards at home from my favourite stalls, I will check.
7. Hollywood Road/Soho
As Andrea has noted, lots of interesting antique and curio shops. The Staunton Street area, known as Soho because it is south of Hollywood (but further uphill) also has a number of antique and curio shops. In the roadside stalls and some shops, you will find used china pieces going for cheap prices, these make nice gifts or mementos, I once found a pair of baby shoes in blue and white porcelain with Chinese characters. Bargain hard. (These are not true antiques like Tang or Ming, which are behind the glass in the upscale antique shops here.) Great for browsing and then have lunch at one of the many restaurants.
8. Tailor
Here is a tailor I have used, as Andrea noted, you will need a fitting as soon as possible. I am not sure they are really a bargain, unless you are talking about good wool trousers for work or a suit, then you may get a bargain, but I am not sure it is worth spending your very limited time in a tailor's shop. (I know you only have 2 days).
Maxwell's Clothiers Ltd.
7A Han Hing Mansion
38-40 Hankow Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
website: maxwellsclothiers.com
e-mail: [email protected]
tel 852-2366-6705
fax: 852-2366-6658
The shop is near the Star Ferry on the Kowloon side, not to far from the Sheraton where you are staying. Go to their website before you leave to get an idea of prices. They have an astonishing array of fabrics, your head will spin . . .
9. Finding a kimono may be difficult, as Chinese do not wear them; you might find something at Chinese Arts and Crafts. You will find cheongsams, which are the lovely garment which Chinese women traditionally wear. A slim woman or girl looks great in a cheongsam, much more flattering than a kimono!
I am not sure I would try to buy a silk scarf in Hong Kong as you run a good chance of getting a fake, maybe someplace like China Arts and Crafts.
10. Finally, a plea from me NOT to buy any fake DVDs. First it is illegal, so you are supporting an illegal business, and second the artists/actors are not getting paid for work that is copied illegally. If we all stop buying them, people will stop making them. . .
11. You might want to get or borrow a copy of "Born to Shop Hong Kong" by Suzy Gershman if you are really interested in major shopping and for specific items like the kimono.
1. China Arts and Crafts Department Store
Star House, 3 Salisbury Rd. (Tsimshatsui)
(at the Star Ferry Pier)
This is a Chinese department store, perhaps what you were referring to. There are several in Hong Kong, the largest is the one above in Tsim Sha Tsui, and it is located steps from the Star Ferry pier, and not far from your hotel. They have lots of gifts, some expensive porcelain, and some cheaper stuff. They also have porcelain lamp bases and silk shades. Silk clothing, kites, table linens, basically two floors filled with interesting or fun stuff. Prices are fixed. They have some paintings as well, including silk banner paintings. Their jewellery department is very nice, although you can't bargain, but you are at least sure of good quality.
2. Welfare Handicrafts Shops
Salisbury Road near the Star Ferry in Kowloon
Jardine House (basement)
Connaught Place
Hong Kong Island (Central)
Phone: 2524-3356
Have to put in a good word for these shops, as the proceeds go to charity, so you can buy and feel good about it. . .They have a lot of gift items for children, and a very good selection of cards, incldu8ng Christmas cards. Also check out their gift wrap and padded jewelry cases. The Salisbury Road shop is located a few shops down from China Art and Crafts.
3. Wattis Fine Arts
21 Hollywood Road
2nd floor
tel: 2524-5302
I second Andrea's recommendation, excellent selection of maps and other artwork. Please note that the shop is not on the street level.
4. Altfield Gallery
248-249 Prince's Bldg.
10 Chater Rd.
Hong Kong, China
Phone: 2537-6370
Very nice selection of old prints, maps, etc. Expensive. Very reputable. Princes Building is in downtown Central, just around the corner from Pedder Street and the Pedder Building
5. Shanghai Tang/Pedder Building
12 Pedder St.
Phone: 2525-7333
The Pedder Building is about an 8-storey building smack in the middle of the heart of the business district in Central in Hong Kong, Shangahi Tang in the basement and first floor. Very nice silk items (expensive) and kitsch souvenirs like hand watches with Chairman Mao waiving. Fashion forward clothes (think hot pink Mao jackets)
On the other floors, there are many other interesting shops in this building, many of which have designer fashions (like Channel) at quite amazing prices. Its worth a bit exploring the place, don't be put off by dusty stairwells and the slow elevator. My favourite is
Blanc de Chine
The Pedder Building
12 Pedder St.
Phone: 2524-7875
They have gorgeous silk items like whisper thin quilt covers and padded jackets. Nice silver frames as well. Definitely worth a look. Not really a discount shop, just beautiful things.
6. Stanley Market
As Andea noted this is a treasure trove of stuff crowded into open shops in a few very narrow alleys, all part of the fun. They have a lot of watercolours and other local artwork, many already framed for very reasonable prices, about $15 and up. One of my favourite things are the "peasant prints" which are prints of bright watercolour paintings done in a primitave style. You can buy then framed or unframed, an unframed one would probably start at about $50. Always bargain and if you buy several items from one shop, bargain for a volume discount. You will see hundreds of scarves here, but none are silk, beware of fakes. I may have some cards at home from my favourite stalls, I will check.
7. Hollywood Road/Soho
As Andrea has noted, lots of interesting antique and curio shops. The Staunton Street area, known as Soho because it is south of Hollywood (but further uphill) also has a number of antique and curio shops. In the roadside stalls and some shops, you will find used china pieces going for cheap prices, these make nice gifts or mementos, I once found a pair of baby shoes in blue and white porcelain with Chinese characters. Bargain hard. (These are not true antiques like Tang or Ming, which are behind the glass in the upscale antique shops here.) Great for browsing and then have lunch at one of the many restaurants.
8. Tailor
Here is a tailor I have used, as Andrea noted, you will need a fitting as soon as possible. I am not sure they are really a bargain, unless you are talking about good wool trousers for work or a suit, then you may get a bargain, but I am not sure it is worth spending your very limited time in a tailor's shop. (I know you only have 2 days).
Maxwell's Clothiers Ltd.
7A Han Hing Mansion
38-40 Hankow Road
Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
website: maxwellsclothiers.com
e-mail: [email protected]
tel 852-2366-6705
fax: 852-2366-6658
The shop is near the Star Ferry on the Kowloon side, not to far from the Sheraton where you are staying. Go to their website before you leave to get an idea of prices. They have an astonishing array of fabrics, your head will spin . . .
9. Finding a kimono may be difficult, as Chinese do not wear them; you might find something at Chinese Arts and Crafts. You will find cheongsams, which are the lovely garment which Chinese women traditionally wear. A slim woman or girl looks great in a cheongsam, much more flattering than a kimono!
I am not sure I would try to buy a silk scarf in Hong Kong as you run a good chance of getting a fake, maybe someplace like China Arts and Crafts.
10. Finally, a plea from me NOT to buy any fake DVDs. First it is illegal, so you are supporting an illegal business, and second the artists/actors are not getting paid for work that is copied illegally. If we all stop buying them, people will stop making them. . .
11. You might want to get or borrow a copy of "Born to Shop Hong Kong" by Suzy Gershman if you are really interested in major shopping and for specific items like the kimono.
