(The flea markets in Hong Kong are mostly along a narrow street flanked by old buildings in busy business areas. A walk through the flea markets is in itself an experience. This is the Ladies' Market in Mongkok)
Is Hong Kong still a shopping paradise? Yes, according to the Global Travel and Tourism Survey findings just released by CNN. Hong Kong ranked above all in the Asia Pacific region on tourism categories of shopping, night life and vibrant city life.
For shopping, Hong Kong can undoubtedly offers you the best experience in the region and even in the whole whorld.
(A tourist wandering in a Fa Yuen Street flea market, overlooked by Winnie the Pooh)
Apart from the ubiquituous first-rate, big shopping malls across the territory, the flea markets give a different experience of shopping which I preferred. The flea markets are unique in its own right. They are mostly crowded but systematic, old without being off-putting or smelly. The flea markets I have been to, in Athens, Paris, the Notting Hill, the Aussie and South East Asian cities, are either too haphazardly crowed, systematically arranged, extremely sparsed apart, in shabby existence. Those in Hong Kong are not superior. They are just made with the right mix. I just like their atmosphere, not least at night.
The flea markets on my list of recommendation include the Fa Yuen Street flea market (don't miss the flower market and the fish market nearby), the Ladies' Market (best for streetshots) and, the best of all, the Stanley Market (mecca for barflies). Those along the Fuk Wah Street in Shamshuipo are rarely known among tourists, but worth a visit too.
Just in case you are interested, Australia and Japan ranked after Hong Kong for most vibrant city life.
For shopping destinations, Singapore and mainland China are outshore by Hong Kong according to survey results.
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