Hong Kong: “exotic” markets in Kowloon

Probably most tourists visiting Kowloon end up visiting the Ladies Market in Mong Kok. While entertaining, in my opinion, mostly junk is sold there or just your average souveniers (like fridge magnets) that you can get elsewhere as well.

If you wander further north (and this is by no means an “insider tip”), you pass some pretty exotic markets.

The first, just a few blocks north of the Ladies Market is the Gold Fish Market on Tung Choi Street North. On the way there you pass several stores selling mice, rats, rabbits, turtles or even dogs. If you are an animal lover, you might want to skip it as the conditions the animals are held in, aren’t always top notch. You’ll then reach the Gold Fish Market which specialises in…wait for it… gold fish. Get any gold fish your heart desires and take it home in a handy plastic bag:

Gold fish to go

The selection is impressive! The price is written on the plastic bag

Continue further up north (there are signs) and you’ll pass the Flower Market. Probably I shouldn’t call it exotic, but it is still worthwhile seeing.

Flower Market

Right at the end of the Flower Market you’ll see the entrance to the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. If you’re into birds (I am not) or handcrafted birdcages (I am not), this is your place to be. But even if you’re not, you’ll enjoy it. It seems to be a very male dominated society and is quite interesting to watch how the men take great care of their birds. There are some stools to just sit there and watch:

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

Yuen Po Street Bird Garden

From there it is around 10-15mins by foot to get to Prince Edward MTR or alternatively go get some food at one of the many dim sum places around!