Hong Kong Day 8: Sheung Wan

For my 2011 holiday in Hong Kong, it was a good coincidence that our hotel was located in Sheung Wan, an interesting neighborhood where one can very much see the “old” Hong Kong and get to experience the island at a more authentic level. It’s part of the Central & Western District, and is just one MTR stop from Central, Hong Kong’s central business district.

Sheung Wan has several streets that are known for the wares and produce being sold by numerous shops located along these streets. I noticed that most of the stuff being sold are more of gearing towards traditional Chinese medicine or food. My hotel is located along Bonham Strand West, which is known as Ginseng and Bird’s Nest Street.

There is also a Dried Seafood Street (Des Voeux Road West) and a Herbal Medicine Street (Ko Shing Street). As you can imagine, there are a lot of small, specialty shops around here. Some definitely still look traditional while the others are noticeably more modern. But of course, all with a Chinese family-run-store atmosphere.

Another attraction in Shueng Wan is the Western Market. This is an Edwardian-style building that used to be a harbour office then became a food market before becoming one of Hong Kong’s historical monuments. Not surprsingly, it’s now a shopping and restaurant arcade.

More than the attractions, what I love about Sheung Wan is its authentic and laidback vibe. While walking through its streets, I felt less like a tourist but really a traveler, as if I was actually staying a while. Unlike other areas like Mong Kok or TST, there was less of a touristy vibe in Sheung Wan, and I really appreciated this true-to-the-local experience. Also, I noticed that most of the tourists in this area were Caucasians, while we saw more Filipinos in Kowloon.

I love the fact that Sheung Wan is very much a walking neighborhood, encouraging you to explore.

I also love the fact that just a few steps away from our hotel, there were fruit stands where we can readily experience the local flavors.

And when you see school kids walking home from school or old men walking about, that’s a good sign that you’re in an authentic local neighborhood, right?

I also adore the Wellcome mini-supermarket just around the corner along Queen’s Road West, where we bought water and food, just like the locals in the area.

There’s also an area near the hotel with this square, where locals rest and sit around, again another good sign that you’re not in a touristy neighborhood.

There’s also some good shopping nearby, where they have giant department store Wing On and there were also small, trendy boutiques like Maple, where I got a kimono coverup for just about HK$80.

And I even saw a thrift/vintage store:

This is still central Hong Kong and so you will find that Sheung Wan still has its bustle and busy areas.

But compared to other districts, Sheung Wan is definitely quieter and more authentic than touristy.

There is a harmonious co-existence here of a unique Chinese living culture as well as copious sprinkling of colonial touches, a fact which makes Sheung Wan attract ingenues and modern galleries and cafes. It’s no wonder that it has become a favorite district for Hong Kong expats.

I myself simply love the laidback vibe, as exemplified by this “sitting-out area” which I discovered in one of my walkabouts of Sheung Wan. Isn’t the idea of “sitting-out” area just so lovely?

I’m glad I was able to stay in SoHotel in Sheung Wan. If my hotel was located somewhere else, perhaps I wouldn’t have been able to explore this unique and very interesting district. If you’re considering booking a hotel or apartment in Hong Kong that is not for the usual tourist’s appetite, do consider Sheung Wan. I’m sure you will find it as lovely and layered as I did.

Cheers! 🙂

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