Hong Kong is known among many of its visitors as a high end shopping destination packed with trendy clothes, cutting edge electronics equipment and expensive luxury items. Shopping in Hong Kong is not just limited to air conditioned malls and department stores. Perhaps some of the best bargains and the most interesting items can be found in these street markets.

Many street markets in Hong Kong either ply a certain variety of goods or goods that represent a certain ethnic group. One of the best places to buy something special for your relatives or friends back is the Stanley Market. It is a traditional open air street market that has become a major tourist attraction in Hong Kong. The market sells everything from clothes to souvenirs and is known as a bargain hunter’s paradise. The silk clothes and traditional Chinese toys and garments are of special interest here.

Many residential areas in Hong Kong are filled with the melodious song of caged birds, where do they all come from? Most probably from the bird market in Yuen Po Street, many song birds are bought and sold in this market which also a place of congregation for bird enthusiasts and song bird owners. This dark and rather derelict alleyway is usually frequented by old men who proudly show off their birds to their peers, not necessarily with intention of selling but mostly for show. Intricately crafted bird cages, bird feed and a variety of song birds of various species from all over the world can be found at this market.

The Hong Kong Flower market is the perfect place to buy a bunch of sweet smelling flowers for that special someone back home, a variety of flowers from local Chinese varieties to expensive imported flowers can be found here. Bonsai plants, rare houseplant and certain varieties of plants that bring good fortune to your family can be found here as well. The novelty of visiting a brightly colored and delightfully fragrant market is the major draw for tourists however many locals purchase flowers for weddings, funerals and traditional festivals here.

There are many street markets in Hong Kong and chances are that any hotel in Hong Kong will have one close by; a visit is worthwhile and gives you a chance to experience a distinctly different way of shopping.