Hong Kong Day 6: Hollywood Road & Upper Lascar Row

One of the nice things about my hotel in Hong Kong (SoHotel) being in the Sheung Wan district was that we were very near Hollywood Road (also called Antique Street) and Upper Lascar Row (Cat Street). Hong Kong is quite unique for its “themed streets”, where certain streets are known for particular products and wares. Hollywood Road is known for its arts and antiques while Upper Lascar Row is the place to go to for thrifty finds and knickknacks. These famous streets are parallel to each other and is about a 3 minute walk away from our hotel.

We saw the sights in Hollywood Road on our fifth day in Hong Kong while on our way for a walking tour of Central.  Some snaps from Hollywood Road:

On the morning of my sixth day there, I decided to venture out by myself and explore Upper Lascar Row, with just my camera as my companion.  Scouring for vintage finds is quite my thing, especially when I’m traveling.

Upper Lascar Row is quite literally one street filled with stores selling vintage stuff and thrift finds.

It was still quite early and some shops have not yet opened, but there were some who have already displayed their wares and were open for business.

Upper Lascar Row is actually reputed for its shady beginnings, when thieves and robbers still thrived in Hong Kong. It became notorious for being the place where thieves sold their loot.  Today, it’s a place that combines  Hong Kong commercialism and nostalgic authenticity at the same time.

If you’re after vintage junk, then this is probably the one place in Hong Kong where you can still find “authentic” vintage treasures, like thrift wrist and pocket watches, and alarm clocks.

But perhaps due to its popularity, the commercialism of Upper Lascar Row doesn’t make it immune to generic mainland China-made souvenir items, which I still found mixed in with the rest of the vintage stuff.

The goods were displayed haphazardly and there wasn’t much order in the way they were arranged.  There were a lot of the same goods available in most of the stores, so if you see something you like, it’s a good idea to look around first before committing to buy.

I wasn’t there so much to shop but to look around and take photos.  Some shopkeepers didn’t mind me taking pictures without buying, while some were obviously displeased.  I simply enjoyed looking and taking photos of the various knickknacks, which you probably won’t find anywhere else in Hong Kong.

Upper Lascar Row is also a great place to buy Buddha figurines, if that is your thing, as they are in abundance here.

At the end of the street, I saw some Caucasian tourists haggling with the shopkeepers. Yes, haggling is a skill that you must know how to use when shopping in Upper Lascar Row!  I find the shopkeepers here nicer than the brusque, loud ones in Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok so I can say that shopping in Upper Lascar Row was a more pleasant, relaxing experience.  You’ll actually enjoy haggling here, instead of fearing for your life! Hihi

One morning may actually not be enough to go through all the goods on sale at Upper Lascar Row, especially if you plan to do some heavy shopping. Just remember to be discerning about what you buy, and be patient because you might need to look and sift through a lot of junk in order to come home with real treasures.

As always, wishing you fabulous travels (hopefully with fab shopping finds too)! Cheers!

How to get to Upper Lascar Row:
MTR Sheung Wan station, exit A2
Follow street signs to Man Mo Temple/ Hollywood Road