Mong Kok, meaning “busy corner” in Cantonese, is the busiest area in Hong Kong and one of the most densely populated areas in the world. The lively neighbourhood may seem daunting at first, but a closer inspection will reveal an eclectic collection of popular shops and street markets, including specialty stores selling anything from goldfish to wedding dresses.

Join locals and visitors as they buy, sell and haggle over a diverse variety of goods on the streets of Mong Kok, which are lined with a mix of old and new buildings. The area has maintained its traditional cultural features in the small authentic stores and stalls that have all but disappeared elsewhere in the city.

Some of the neighbourhood’s charm is owed to the very specific nicknames given to the different streets, depending on what the stores there specialise in. Ladies’ Street offers a variety of women’s clothing and accessories. The aptly named and centrally located Goldfish Street is filled with stores selling tropical fish and aquariums. Flower Market Road is where you’ll find the best blooms and Photocopy Street is packed with photocopying shops.

Shantung and Dundas streets offer contemporary fashion in Western and Japanese styles. Shop for international brand names in the shopping centre on Langham Place, one of many in the area. Argyle Centre is a busy precinct that specialises in affordable clothing and heavy metal music retailers. Explore three levels of computer hardware, software and accessories at the Mong Kok Computer Centre.

Stop by one of Mong Kok’s many food stalls to enjoy traditional Chinese street food such as dim sum, fried tofu and fish balls. Japanese, Thai and Italian food is also available in the area.

This shopping district is easily accessible from the Mong Kok train station. Note that this is a different stop to Mong Kok East. The shopping precinct is open every day and there is no fee to stroll around.