Hong Kong Markets | The Heart of Hong Kong — X-RAY MAGAZINE

Hong Kong is ranked as one of the most expensive cities to live in the world, so local areas and merchandisers are vital to Hong Kongers.

Markets, street food and local shops that have been run by the same families for generations in Hong Kong are what gives this city its celebrated vibrancy.

One day this all might become irrelevant and disappear as younger generations move away from their heritage in pursuit of more lucrative opportunities.

In a city of two halves, the saying ‘East meets West’ has never been more true than in Hong Kong, as a former British colony the influence on the city’s infrastructure and culture is apparent. Jumping on the famous Star Ferry and venturing into the local district of Kowloon feels like walking back in time to an old, traditional Hong Kong with much of the area generally being untouched by development. Even the way people dress looks like something that hasn’t been updated since the 90s.

These sellers offer value for money which is essential. Especially when you are living in one of the most expensive cities in the world, you need these places to save your cash for those holidays (when we are finally allowed to travel again!)

Also, who doesn’t love a bargain?! You can buy anything from a keyring to top of the range camera lenses having prices significantly cheaper in areas such as Jordon, Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po with little to no difference in quality.

With COVID-19 slowing the pace of a once-bustling, touristic city these areas have taken a hard hit.

Kowloon and New Territories often referred to as ‘The Dark Side’ tends to be forgotten or rarely visited by many ex-pats in Hong Kong who rarely manage to leave the comfort of the island to experience the budding culture that exists beyond the central bubble.

A once thriving Ladies Market is now just sparse stalls popping up randomly throughout a street that used to glow with lights and bartering tourists.

Ho: “I’ve been working at this stall selling clothing for over 30 years. When I started working business was great. But now, with tourism rates lower than ever many traders have been forced to close.”

This old authentic Hong Kong, which still maintains its character and heritage needs to be preserved for the sake of the local community, for the sake of culture, and for the sake of Hong Kong to remain a place that is truly one of a kind.

Photography and text by | Abigail Burbidge