Trifter

 Hong Kong, also known by such nicknames as “The Pearl of the East” and “The Shopping Paradise”, has earned its reputation for a reason. A brilliant mixture of chic shopping malls and shady back-alley rooms, astronomical prices and eye-popping discounts, Hong Kong stands at far beyond even the highest salivating points of the most insatiable shoppers.

Starting off at the glitzy end is Pacific Place. Situated near the central business district on Hong Kong Island, this shopping mall with its wide and airy walkways features such world-famous brands as Prada, Hermes, Chanel, and much more. Unfortunately, not even in Hong Kong can the elementary laws of the universe be bent, and all this quality shopping has to be atoned for by astonishingly fast-emptying wallets.

For those still hungry after a stint at Pacific Place, Tsim Sha Tsui is the next stop. A major tourist hub, Hong Kong’s most prominent and renowned hotels can be found here, including the Peninsula (coincidentally the world-ranked number one hotel), the Kowloon Shangri-la Hotel and the Sheraton Hotel. Half of the major museums in Hong Kong are also situated in Tsim Sha Tsui, including the Hong Kong Space. Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of Art and the Hong Kong Museum of History. Other tourist attractions in Tsim Sha Tsui include the Star Ferry terminal, the Avenue of Stars and the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront, with its view of the famous skyline of Hong Kong, particularly enchanting at night-time. But this is all digression. The true gems of Tsim Sha Tsui are its numerous shopping centers, which include the New World Centre, the Sogo Department Store and Harbour City.

Harbour City is a huge, labyrinthine shopping haven, once again densely concentrated with luxury brands. Comprising of four parts – Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel, Ocean Terminal, Ocean Centre, the Gateway – this mega-facility features many branded boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton, Burberry and Hugo Boss.

But one will never have truly experienced all aspects of Hong Kong’s shopping experience without a visit to Mongkok. As the most densely populated area on Earth, crowds swarm over the streets in alarming numbers. In the end, however, battling any crowd is worth it, for here is the Ladies’ Market, reputedly one of the best fashion markets in Hong Kong. And contrary to its name, not all the products are only for women.

At the market, some stalls display laminated catalogues of luxury accessories, such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Gucci bags, which seem rather out of place here on the dingy streets. If you want to see the goods, the salesperson may lead you to a “display room” nearby. Often, this display room is a room upstairs in a grungy apartment building – not the most respectable-looking place. However, those brave, gullible or fool-hardy enough to follow the salesperson are to be rewarded.

The display room is usually amazing. It’s as though popular products from the glitzy malls you visited above were copied and all shoved into one room, then given an amazing discount. Everything from handbags and wallets to watches and ties are featured, and although the authenticity of many products seems doubtful, it is undeniable that the Ladies’ Market on Mongkok is a phenomenon.

Hong Kong, with its rich mix of different shopping experiences, is a must for any shopper with self-respect. And make sure you don’t leave with cash still left in your wallet!