Overlooking Victoria Harbour, Sheung Wan is a bustling shopping district in the north-west of Hong Kong Island. It’s home to a historic temple that played an important role in settling disputes during British colonial rule and is crisscrossed by streets named after the goods that are predominantly sold there.
Things to do in Sheung Wan
At the heart of Sheung Wan’s shopping district is the Western Market, a four-storey Edwardian building that dates back to the early 20th century. Step inside to admire the vaulted ceilings while shopping for handicrafts and fabrics, then browse the unique offerings available on Dried Seafood Street.
On Medicine Street, you’ll find shops packed with traditional Chinese remedies while Antique Street is renowned for its bric-a-brac. When it’s time to eat, head to the Graham Street Market, which is lined with grocers, delis and ready-to-go eateries and is one of the oldest continuously operating street markets in Hong Kong.
One of Sheung Wan’s most important religious sights is the Man Mo Temple, which is dedicated to the civil god Man Cheong and the martial god Kwan Tai. Constructed in 1847, it is atmospherically adorned with incense spirals that hang from its roof. Take note of the 19th-century sedan chairs used to carry the gods during festivals and the Kung Sor, a hall that once served as a court of justice for the Chinese community.
Getting around Sheung Wan
Sheung Wan is a five-minute drive or 15-minute walk from Central and can be accessed by metro services to Sheung Wan Station. Hong Kong International Airport is 35 minutes’ drive from the district and has flights to destinations across the globe. Trams run through Sheung Wan and the Hong Kong-Macau Ferry Terminal connects to Mainland China.