Shopping at Sham Shui Po

There is no shortage of shopping in the mixed business and commercial district that is Sham Shui Po, in fact the choices can be bewildering at first. Unlike most tourist destinations here you will find no shops selling just souvenirs, rather there are shops that cater properly to local needs but as a visitor allow you to see parts of the real Hong Kong.

Check out some of these areas which are dedicated to particular types of shopping.

Apliu Street Electronics Market - This legendary electronics wonderland has been Hong Kong's premier destination for gadgets, vintage electronics, and DIY components since the district's transformation. A true paradise for tech enthusiasts, photographers, and makers, Apliu Street offers everything from LED lamps and coaxial cables to rare electronic components like TTL 555 chips. Professional photographers treasure this market for its extensive selection of lighting equipment, camera accessories, umbrellas, clamps, and studio stands at unbeatable prices.

Current Hours & Pricing (2025): Open daily 10:00 AM–10:00 PM (weekends until 9:00 PM). The best bargains are found during weekday mornings when crowds are lighter. Expect to pay HK$50–HK$500+ for electronics depending on the item, with prices typically increasing after 7:00 PM. The market transforms into a pedestrian-only zone after noon, creating a vibrant shopping atmosphere that buzzes with energy, especially on weekends.

Pro Tips: Use MTR Exit C2 for direct access to the electronics section. The southern end of Apliu Street, past Maple Street Playground, houses wholesale fabric shops operating during office hours only. Many vendors speak basic English, but having a translator app helps for technical specifications. Official website

For a complete insider's guide to Apliu Street including haggling tips, vendor recommendations, and detailed product categories, see our comprehensive Apliu Street Electronics Market Guide.

Golden Computer Centre & Arcade - A legendary two-part complex that has served as Hong Kong's computer shopping epicenter since the dawn of personal computing. Located at 146-152 Fuk Wing Street (Arcade) and 94A Yen Chow Street (Centre), this bustling maze of technology vendors has been so synonymous with computer culture that for decades, "Sham Shui Po" was practically synonymous with "Golden Computer Centre" among Hong Kong's tech community.

Originally a fashion wholesale hub in the 1970s, it has evolved into a gamer's paradise where you can find everything from high-end graphics cards to vintage gaming consoles. The tightly packed stores create an intense shopping experience where savvy buyers can find deals by comparing prices among neighboring vendors.

Access & Hours: MTR Exit D2 brings you directly across from the Golden Computer Arcade entrance, while the Golden Computer Plaza is accessible from the middle of Fuk Wing Street. Both locations operate with varying hours, but most shops are open 10:00 AM–8:00 PM daily.

Dragon Centre - This impressive nine-story shopping complex at 37 Yen Chow Street stands as the largest and most modern mall in the area, located strategically next to the historic Sham Shui Po Police Station and Cheung Sha Wan Government offices. Far more than just a shopping center, Dragon Centre offers a complete entertainment experience with its diverse mix of retail, dining, and leisure facilities including Hong Kong's most accessible ice skating rink.

The complex houses everything from high-tech electronics shops to local fashion brands across its multiple levels. The highlight is Apple Mall, a mini-shopping area within the center that specializes in cutting-edge funky fashions, accessories, and youth-oriented brands. Families particularly love the indoor ice-skating rink (admission HK$40–HK$65) and arcade games, while the extensive food court provides affordable dining options. Dragon Centre also features the historic Sky Train roller coaster track, remnant of Hong Kong's first indoor roller coaster (1994-2003).

Hours: Open daily 10:00 AM–10:00 PM. The ice-skating rink operates with different sessions throughout the day, and weekends tend to be particularly crowded with families and young shoppers. For complete details on Dragon Centre's entertainment options, ice skating schedules, and historical significance, see our dedicated Dragon Centre Guide.

Fuk Wing Street (Toy Street) - A delightful stretch featuring over 30 specialized toy shops that transform this ordinary street into a wonderland for children and collectors alike. This pedestrian-friendly area showcases an impressive array of model kits, board games, building blocks, educational toys, and seasonal decorations that create a festive atmosphere throughout the year.

Collectors of model trains, action figures, and vintage toys will find rare items alongside the latest releases from popular brands. The street becomes particularly magical during holidays when shops display elaborate decorations. Most stores operate until 7:00 PM daily, with slightly extended hours during peak shopping seasons.

Sham Shui Po Fabric Market (Tung Chau Street Temporary Market) - A crafter's paradise featuring over 50 stalls selling an extensive range of fabric products, including deadstock fabrics from Chinese mills. This bustling market offers everything from basic cotton to luxury silks, with many vendors providing swatch cards for ordering larger quantities (1-100+ meters). It's an ideal place for sampling fabrics before making major purchases for fashion design or home decoration projects. For complete coverage of Hong Kong's premier textile destination including all specialized streets, shopping strategies, and designer secrets, see our comprehensive Fabric Market & Wholesale Shopping Guide.

Pei Ho Street Market - This typical Hong Kong "wet market" in the municipal services building is a great introduction to daily life in Hong Kong. See where fresh fruit, vegetables, meat and fish are purchased on the lower floors. While upstaris the cooked food market offers traditional cafe and street food in an indoor setting with shared tables and stools. Authentic Hong Kong dining at its best with fast and delicious foods at budget prices, be prepared to order via pointing if your Cantonese skills are not good though as there is little English spoken here.

Ki Lung Street - With fabric, both wholesale and retail, Buttons and wholesale Gems for sale in this street it has everything that an enthusiastic crafter or seamstress would want. Check out the neighbouring Nam Cheong Street, Yu Chau Street and Ki Lung Street for ribbons, beads and buttons together with all manner of exotic fabrics and materials. These specialized streets form the heart of Hong Kong's textile district, where international designers like Versace and Calvin Klein source materials alongside local craftspeople and fashion students. For detailed street-by-street coverage and insider shopping strategies, explore our complete Fabric Market & Wholesale Shopping Guide.