Explore the charming neighbourhood of Sheung Wan in Hong Kong — a vibrant mix of historic landmarks, cozy coffee shops, and unique vintage boutiques that perfectly blend tradition and modernity.
Nestled just steps away from Central’s towering skyscrapers, Sheung Wan invites visitors to experience a fascinating fusion of old and new. This eclectic district is home to ancient temples, bustling dried seafood markets, traditional cha chaan tengs, chic cafes, Michelin-starred dining, and an array of indie shops. The best way to absorb Sheung Wan’s character is on foot, with easy access via the MTR and walkable distances from Central and Sai Ying Pun. Key thoroughfares include Queens Road West and Des Voeux Road West.
Once renowned for its herbal medicine stores and dried seafood trade, Sheung Wan has transformed into a vibrant cultural hub. Today, modern art galleries, design studios, and trendy eateries coexist alongside antique curio shops and traditional coffin makers, creating a uniquely layered urban landscape.
Temples and Historic Architecture
Begin your exploration on Hollywood Road at the iconic Man Mo Temple, constructed in 1847. This heritage site impresses with its vast incense coils dangling from the ceiling and imposing deity statues. Locals and visitors alike come here to seek blessings for success, protection, and prosperity. Don’t forget to pick up a lucky charm tailored to your Chinese Zodiac for extra good fortune. Just opposite, Hollywood Road Park offers a peaceful spot for families to relax and watch turtles swim in the pond.
Sheung Wan’s streets are dotted with numerous small temples, many of which memorialize those lost during the 1894 bubonic plague, preserving altar tablets for souls without family. Take a moment to admire the traditional Tong Lau buildings — low-rise shophouses that showcase a blend of Southern Chinese, Victorian, Georgian, and Art Deco influences. These structures, much like Singapore’s shophouses, typically house businesses on the ground floor with residences above.
Don’t miss the Liang Yi Museum on Hollywood Road, a private collection showcasing exquisite antique furniture from the Ming and Qing dynasties. For vintage lovers, the back alleys along Hollywood Road and Upper Lascar Row reveal hidden curios and collectibles.
Further west, wander through Wing Lok Street and Bonham Strand, famous for dried seafood stalls offering scallops, sea cucumbers, and fish maw — staples for traditional Chinese soups. Nearby, Ko Shing Street, or “Medicine Street,” features shops selling rare herbal remedies like bird’s nest, ginseng, and other exotic ingredients believed to boost health and vitality.
Dining and Drinking in Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan’s food scene offers something for every palate and budget. One local favourite is Samsen on Jervois Street, a longstanding Thai restaurant known for dishes like chicken curry, khao soi, and pad thai. To avoid the crowds, try to visit outside peak hours.
Yardbird on Wing Lok Street is a must-visit for yakitori lovers, serving every chicken part grilled to perfection, along with Korean Fried Cauliflower and a creative chicken-and-egg rice dish. Their cocktail menu, featuring highballs, sake, and wine, perfectly complements the meal. Nearby, Always Joy, Yardbird’s younger sister, offers a modern izakaya experience, with highlights like their granola soft serve dessert.
For traditional Hong Kong comfort food, Sang Kee Congee Shop on Burd Street serves rich pork bone broth congee with handmade dace fish balls, a staple for locals for over 40 years.
Coffee lovers should stop by Shui Kee in the Sheung Wan Cooked Food Centre, famous for authentic milk tea served in glass bottles and paired wonderfully with Cantonese-style French toast topped with condensed milk (with an optional peanut butter twist).
Halfway Coffee on Upper Lascar Row charms visitors with its vintage decor and signature Hong Kong porcelain cups — a popular break spot during shopping excursions. Next door, Dandy’s Organic Cafe offers fresh salads and vegan-friendly options, while Mora, a Michelin-starred restaurant with a Green Star, showcases innovative soy-focused dishes by chef Vicky Lau.
Snack Baby, a local gelateria on Hollywood Road, delights with Italian-style gelato including dairy-free options and inventive cocktails like the Affogato Baby and HK Island Iced Tea.
Nordic vibes await at Venner, offering traditional pastries by day and transforming into a cozy organic wine bar by night. For a hearty meal, Yu Kin Fast Food on Tai Ping Shan Street is famed for its pork chop curry fried rice topped with a sunny-side-up egg.
Newcomers like Jean Pierre and Salon de Refuses on Bridges Street bring French and Mediterranean flavours with fine champagnes and curated wine selections.
For cocktails, Bar Leone — recently named one of the World’s 50 Best Bars — offers an exclusive experience (arrive early!). Montana captures the spirit of 1970s Miami with rum-based drinks, while Mrs H’s Coffee House serves delightful coffee by day and transforms into a speakeasy with inventive British-inspired cocktails by evening.
Unique Shopping and Cultural Gems
After visiting Cat Street’s vintage markets, head to Tai Ping Shan’s boutiques. Yee Hand is a treasure trove of secondhand luxury fashion, with items like vintage Chanel and Issey Miyake Pleats Please.
British designer Emma Wallace’s boutique in Po Hing Mansion is beloved for bold prints and flattering cuts. Squarestreet, founded by a Swedish designer, blends Nordic design with a café vibe in the Poho area.
For tea enthusiasts, Yuan Yuan Tang offers premium aged Pu-er teas and elegant teaware, complemented by workshops. Fukien Tea Co, a family-run business with over a century of heritage, provides expertly curated tea selections and a welcoming spot to chat with the owners.
Families will appreciate Rebooked, a nonprofit secondhand bookstore for children featuring a wide range of books in excellent condition.
The streets of Sheung Wan double as a colourful open-air gallery, boasting vibrant murals and street art tucked around every corner.
For a soothing break, Superior Health Care on Cleverly Street offers traditional Chinese foot massages, while Kam Lee Steel Product & Engineering sells professional kitchenware — ideal for a final shopping stop.
Sheung Wan is a neighbourhood where the past and present come alive in harmony — a must-explore for anyone seeking history, culture, and unique experiences in Hong Kong.