219 Best Places to Shop in Hong Kong, China

This is one of those unique places that make you want to buy something even if there's nothing you need. Lianca, first and foremost a manufacturer, sells well-made leather bags, wallets, frames, key chains, and home accessories in timeless, simple designs. It's an unbranded way to be stylish.

The Chan Brothers have an illustrious history in Hong Kong and have certainly left a trail of satisfied customers in their wake; however, reviews these days speak of hit-and-miss experiences at this bespoke shoe boutique. Prices have also shot up over the last few years (from around HK$1,500 for sandals and HK$2,300 for high heels). Still, when they are good, they are very, very good.

It's one of the best of the old-fashioned cheongsam tailors, in operation since the 1960s. Master tailor Mr. Leung takes clients through the entire process and reveals a surprising number of variations in style. Prices are affordable, but vary according to fabric, which ranges from basics to special brocades and beautifully embroidered silks.

With thick carpets, club chairs, and wooden shelves bearing an impressive array of tomes, Lok Man Rare Books calls to mind an old private study. Whether you’re looking for volumes from the 16th century, pre-1900 classics (like a complete set of Dickens), or recent first and second editions, you just might find it here. The collection runs the gamut from children's favorites to books on wine, food, history, and sport.

A fixture on the Hong Kong fashion scene for decades, Lu Lu Cheung creates designs that ooze comfort and warmth. In both daytime and evening wear, natural fabrics and forms are represented in practical yet imaginative ways.

Savor views of Victoria Harbour from the 24th floor while you tame your tresses at the Mandarin Beauty Salon. No-nonsense Betty employs hair-removal techniques that are whispered about in the best of circles, and Samuel So has perfected his famous Shanghainese pedicure over the past 20 years. On the second floor in the Mandarin's 1930s Shanghai–inspired barber shop, your man can enjoy his own grooming, complete with in-mirror TVs and VIP rooms.

Open to walk-ins seven days a week, this warehouse in the Wong Chuk Hang industrial district features 20th-century decorative arts, European antiques, and Scandinavian furniture, all proffered by the delightful Susan Man. For those who'd prefer to stick closer to the center of town, there's also a showroom in Wan Chai.

Found throughout the city, this chain sells everything from shampoo and lotions to emery boards and cough medicine (western and Chinese brands). Some stores have pharmacies.

A name frequently passed on by expert Hong Kong shoppers, Margaret Wong's tailoring services run from women's daywear to gowns to Chinese cheongsam. Prices tend to be midrange.

Classic, good-quality clothing is what this British retailer has built an empire on—its underwear, in particular, is viewed as a national treasure. Although basics are on the staid side, the newer Per Una, Autograph, and Limited collections are decidedly trendier. Marks & Spencer is also one of the few stores in town to stock a full range of sizes, which includes women's shoes up to a US size 10 and men's up to US size 12. There are branches in many of Hong Kong's malls, the biggest of which is in Cityplaza; most have a British specialty food section, too, with a good range of wines.

When Hong Kong–based Dutch designer and mother Marleen Molenaar discovered how limited her choices were for children's pajamas and sleepwear, she founded her own label. The gorgeous 100% cotton, high-quality classic European collections are sold around the world, in Lane Crawford's home department, and through her showroom, by appointment.

After you've found a handful of reputable, high-quality tailors, one way to choose between them is price. Maxwell's is known for its competitive rates. It's also a wonderful place to have favorite men’s and women’s shirts and suits copied. It was founded by third-generation tailor Ken Maxwell in 1961 and follows Shanghai tailoring traditions, while also providing the fabled 24-hour suit upon request. The showroom and workshop are in Kowloon, but son Andy and his team take appointments in the United States, Canada, Australia, and Europe twice annually.

Since the 1960s, Mayer has been making excellent custom-order shoes and accessories in leather, lizard, crocodile, and ostrich. Go to them for the classic pieces for which they became famous rather than this season's "it" bag. Prices for ladies shoes start at several hundred U.S. dollars and peak at roughly US$2,000.

Anyone who loves a good thrift-store rummage will delight in the messy abandon of Me & George (also known as Mee & Gee), not to mention the rock-bottom prices. Clothing here start at HK$10. Yes, you heard right! Expect a mix of poorly made factory rejects and vintage dresses, shoes, and handbags. Fitting is not usually allowed (as is the case with most small fashion import outlets), but staff are often tolerant of quick try-ons in front of a mirror.

This 18-story mall is a great option for family shopping expeditions: those with minimal retail stamina can amuse themselves at the video arcade, the IMAX theater, or the skating rink, and there are also numerous onsite eateries. However, unlike other malls that are in walking distance from MTR stations, visitors need to take a free shuttle here from the Kowloon Bay MTR station. To catch it, exit the MTR station at Exit A and go through Telford Plaza; you can always ask the Plaza concierge if you're confused. Shuttles run about every 10 minutes.

Even if you're willing to shell out for an Hermès Kelly bag, how can anyone expect you to survive the waitlist? Milan Station resells the "it" bags of yesterday that have been retrieved from Hong Kong's fickle fashionistas. Inexplicably, the shop entrances (there are more than half a dozen here) were designed to look like MTR stations. The concept has been so successful, unimaginatively named copycats have sprung up, such as Paris Station. Discounts vary according to brand and trends, but the merchandise is in good condition.

Not to be confused with the neighboring Miramar Shopping Centre, this mall opened in 2012 as the latest addition to The Mira (a design-driven luxury hotel). With offerings like Twist, Tommy Hilfiger, and Coach, it targets Hong Kong's young elite. Asian talent is a focal point at the four-story galleria, where you'll find Hong Kong–based Ika Butoni and her colorful Indonesian creations. Other noteworthy brands include Noriem, Cocomojo, and Sebago. Don't miss the huge Collect Point flagship store in the basement.

Don't be deterred by the somewhat dated mannequins in the windows. Mode Elegante is a favorite source for custom-made suits among women and men in the know. Tailors here specialize in European cuts. You'll have your choice of fabrics from the United Kingdom, Italy, and elsewhere. Your records are put on file so you can place orders from abroad. It'll even ship the completed garment to you almost anywhere on the planet. Alternatively, you can make an appointment with director Gary Zee, one of Hong Kong's traveling tailors, who makes regular visits to North America, Australia, Europe, and Japan.

As if running a magazine, website, and radio station weren’t enough, Monocle also has a handful of retail outlets, and Hong Kong devotees of the London-based media brand rejoiced when its store-cum-office opened on Star Street's St. Francis Yard in 2010. Whether shopping for excellent reading material or stylish accessories (picture trendy totes, linen-bound notebooks, greeting cards, and embossed card cases), you'll be in good company.

A little old-fashioned bell chimes as you open the door to this fantastic shop filled with handicrafts and antiques from around China. Amid the old treasures, carved woodwork, rugs, and curios, are stunning folk-print fabrics.

To reach the store from Queen's Road Central, walk up D'Aguilar Street toward Lan Kwai Fong, then turn right onto Wo On Lane.

This midrange Japanese brand arrived in town in 2006. The tight-fitting tees and vintage-wash jeans are a big hit among young local women who are going for the rock-star look.

One of the top children's clothing stalls in Stanley Market sells everything from play-date clothes to Christmas Day bests. Push your way through the piles and hanging examples of tasteful, brand-name pieces for babies, boys, and girls. Come here first, then do some comparison shopping before pulling out your wallet.

A cosmopolitan oasis in the heart of the Central Business District, Mu-lan Spa takes design inspiration from across Asia. It provides facial and body treatments for both women and men, and also carries deep-pore cleansing products from unisex skin-care line Skin Nursery.

Those familiar with this Japanese brand are often delighted to find one of its stores, and Hong Kong now has more than a dozen branches. The full name is Mujirishi Ryohin (meaning "no-brand quality goods"), which only partly describes the sleek minimalism of everything from household items and stationery to clothing and simply packaged snacks.

If you're looking to come down to fashion earth after the designer heaven that is Central, Sha Tin's New Town Plaza is a great bet. Decidedly off the beaten path, the New Territories' best mall has more than 350 midrange shops and restaurants anchored by Marks & Spencer. The usual local suspects abound, but lesser known local brands like Pedder Red have stores here, too. A huge multiplex cinema draws crowds on weekends. New Town Plaza is also home to one of Hong Kong's kitschier attractions: Snoopy's World, celebrating Schultz's famous cartoon dog.

Some of the items at Nlostnfound could use a bath, but the clutter has a lot of character. Take the time to browse through the jumble of old-world trinkets—1940s clocks, Shanghai lamps, 20s-era luggage trunks, antique furniture, colorful wind-up walking toys, typewriters, and postcards—and you'll likely unearth something worth salvaging.

Part art gallery, part Aussie coffee shop, Odd One Out is an unpretentious addition to the gentrified Star Street precinct. Aiming to bring affordable and approachable art to everyday folks, the down-to-earth gallery café specializes in print and home products that have been handmade by local artists. Expect to spend around HK$55–HK$6,000 on any given piece, which could include stationery, wood cuttings, screen-printed totes, or original art prints made using masterful intaglio and lithography techniques, sans digital shortcuts.

This beautiful showroom displays Chinese antique furniture, scholar's items, terracotta, bronze, and archaeological stone works. Owner Oi Ling Chiang gives frequent talks.

Irish expat Olive Forrest has cleverly retained original elements of the former print shop that houses her bright-red store. With a unique sense of style, she brings together Chinese and Tibetan antiques, modern lighting designed in-house, home accessories, high-quality bed linens for children and adults, and a line of colorful contemporary furniture.