Top Hong Kong souvenirs and the best places to find them

Visiting Hong Kong and hunting for the perfect gifts to bring home? We’ve got you covered – from the iconic T-shirt and antique Buddha statue to the indie rock vinyl.

The ultimate classic

The iconic 'I ♥ Hong Kong' T-shirt

Hong Kong's famous street markets are packed with a variety of cheesy tourist T-shirts, ranging from ones with ‘Lost in Hong Kong’ slogans to MTR maps or even illustrations of a cartoon panda demonstrating tai chi moves.

The best spots to shop include Ladies' Market, Jardine's Bazaar, and Li Yuan East and West Streets. Get ready to flex those negotiation skills for some serious bargaining with the vendors.

Ladies' Market: Take the MTR to Mong Kok Station, Exit E2, then walk two blocks along Nelson Street.

Jardine's Bazaar: Take the MTR to Causeway Bay Station, Exit F.

Li Yuan East and West Streets: Take the MTR to Central Station, Exit C.

Bespoke suits and traditional cheongsam dresses

In the past, Shanghainese tailors were the top choice in Hong Kong, but these days, many people head to Shenzhen for more affordable custom-made suits.

For those who still appreciate the fine craftsmanship of Shanghainese tailors and are willing to invest a bit more for a luxury experience, visit W. W. Chan & Sons, regarded as the finest in the city, or Linva Tailors, famous for designing Maggie Cheung’s stunning cheongsams in 'In the Mood For Love.'

W.W. Chan & Sons Tailor, Unit B, 8/F, Entertainment Building, 30 Queen’s Road Central, Central, Hong Kong +852 2366 9738/2634.

Linva Tailors, 38 Cochrane St., Central, +852 2544 2456

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Chinese souvenirs

Chinese Arts and Crafts is a treasure trove of premium products from China. If you’ve doubted such quality exists, prepare to be amazed. The store offers elegant traditional Chinese clothing, semi-precious gemstones, and beautiful handcrafted goods.

Hong Kong memorabilia

Pun-filled T-shirts featuring Cantonese swears, candles shaped like Chinese characters, squeaky toys resembling Chinese stone lions – that's the quirky style you'll find at the local brand G.O.D.

Authentic and replica antiques

Hollywood Road is lined with antique shops. If you're looking to pass the time, counting the Buddha heads on this street can keep you busy for hours.

Genuine antiques and replicas share space here. While some are easy to distinguish, most are tough to tell apart for the untrained eye.

If you're after a fun, budget-friendly, antique-style decoration, head over to the Cat Street market instead. This outdoor flea market is a favorite among bargain hunters.

Cat Street Market, Cat Street, Sheung Wan MTR station, Exit A2

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Fun plastic keychains

Nothing says 'wish you were here' like a mini plastic bowl of noodles hanging from a keychain.

Pick it up at Temple Street market.

Yau Ma Tai MTR Station, Exit C, turn around to Man Ming Lane, and Temple Street is just two blocks away.

The useful finds

The latest gadgets and tech accessories

It might not be what you'd like to hear, but chain stores like Fortress and Broadway offer the best guarantees when it comes to buying electronics.

The price difference at these chain stores is usually only a few hundred dollars more than at independent retailers. If you ask politely, they might offer you a special discount and a few extra perks. We’ve had success with this at Suning.

For those who know their way around and love a good deal, check out Golden Computer Shopping Arcade or Computer Center in Mong Kok for better prices and even gray market products.

These shopping hubs also offer inexpensive accessories that you never knew you needed but now can't live without.

For a bit of surprise shopping, head to Ap Liu Street market. This vibrant flea market offers everything from secondhand remote controls to classic film cameras.

Golden Computer Shopping Arcade, 146/152 Fuk Wa St., Sham Shui Po MTR Station, Exit D2

Mong Kok Computer Center, 8 Nelson St., Mong Kok MTR Station, Exit D3

Ap Liu Street vintage camera stall, turn right from Sham Shui Po MTR Exit C2, the stall is near 237 Ap Liu St.

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Dried seafood, including conpoy

The aroma hits you as soon as you reach Des Voeux Road West, the street known for dried seafood. Dried scallops for fried rice make a great addition to impress your guests at your next exotic potluck back home.

Other popular dried Chinese ingredients include shiitake mushrooms, dates, and herbal remedies.

Make sure you know the difference between high-quality products and fakes before heading to this area. Also, check the price per unit carefully, as the catty and tael measurements are often hidden.

Designer Oriental-inspired fashion

Short on time for a custom-made cheongsam or Mao suit? Head to Shanghai Tang for something stunning, luxurious, and ready-to-wear.

Alternatively, indulge in the minimalist elegance of Blanc de Chine.

The ultimate conversation starter

Art pieces

Purchase a bold statement artwork by Chinese and other regional artists from the galleries along Hollywood Road.

Indie music

For a taste of the best indie bands in Hong Kong, visit White Noise Records or Zoo Records.

Discover the latest tracks from bands like My Little Airport, Chochukmo, Noughts and Exs, and Poubelle International, and hear how Hong Kong's youth are expressing their politics, dreams, and identities.

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Designed in Hong Kong

For a truly unique Hong Kong style, check out Voulez Vous, Daydream Nation, or Heaven Please, where you'll find local designers and their standout collections.

Look for leather goods from Fungus Workshop, accessories by ZOEE, bags from Hoiming, and the playful body harnesses by Ccchu.

Alternatively, visit Initial, a local fashion brand known for its quirky vintage-inspired styles for both men and women. Expect preppy tailoring with a modern skinny fit.

Voulez Vous, 26 Yiu Wah St., Causeway Bay, +852 2833 0938

Daydream Nation, Shop 3 & 4, No. 101, Level 1, K11, 18 Hanoi Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong +852 2177 7208

Heaven Please, 7th floor, Kolling Centre, 77-79 Granville Rd, Hong Kong, +852 2311 9533

Vintage treasures

For a more high-end experience, visit Select 18, where vintage expert Thomas Lee meticulously curates the collection.

Keep an eye out for authentic vintage designer pieces in both of these stores.

Alternatively, explore Hui Chun Tong, a cluttered gem full of typewriters, jewelry boxes, birdcages, cameras, and leather bags.

Mee & George, 64 Tung Choi St., Mong Kok

Select 18, Shop A, G/F, Grandview Garden, 18 Bridges St., Central

Hui Chun Tong, 3 Lok Ku Road, Sheung Wan

Zoe, a Hong Kong native, writes about the city she grew up in.