I explored so many street markets in Hong Kong that I have a long list of Hong Kong Souvenirs to share with you. Honestly, before the trip, my image of the city was that of a modern city with glittering malls where you mostly get the branded stuff. Brands tend to be pretty global these days, especially if we think of urban areas of the world as a universe. I could not have been more wrong. At the base of tall buildings are these charming street markets full of choices for the Souvenirs from Hong Kong.
# Jade & Other Precious Stone ProductsThe Jade is a favorite stone of the Chinese. They believe that it brings good health, long life and with that a good fortune. No wonder, every market here has Jade accessories. Most popular are the Jade charms. There is a charm for each of the zodiac signs. Tell them your year of birth and they will give you your charm. You can tie it to your wallet, your bag or your bracelet.
Pick up the bracelets or earrings or rings in Jade. I picked up simple Jade earrings from Jade Street.For better quality Jade products, you can visit the shops next to the Jade Street Market. Here you can get the more exquisitely carved Jade Products. They, of course, come at a price.
# ChopSticksI always wondered if I will ever be able to learn to use chopsticks to eat. At Hong Kong, food always came with ChopSticks. At a Chinese restaurant, they even had a card telling you how to eat Dim Sums with chopsticks. Another time I observed people around and managed to finish my bowl of noodles with chopsticks. So, it is not difficult, just demands a bit of practice.
At different markets, I found these lovely sets of chopsticks. The most used ones are the wooden ones, although I saw them in ceramics or porcelain as well. I wonder if I would be too scared to use them or are they meant for some special occasions.
In any case, chopsticks would make a perfect souvenir. They come in lovely packaging along with smallholders used to rest them on.
# Engraved Cypress BlockOn the cross-section of a trunk of Cypress tree – artists write prayers by engraving them. Sometimes they carve a Buddha or a Bodhisattva instead of a prayer. These wooden blocks, when put on a stand, look beautiful.
I could not communicate with the artisans, but I believe if you can, you can get any design of your choice etched on these blocks of wood.
Cypress blocks would be one of my favorite souvenirs to get from Hong Kong.
# Lace Work or White on White EmbroideryAt Stanley market, I saw these shops selling home linen in delicate white on white embroidery. It looks a classic thing to pick as a gift. It was not cheap but then when does exquisiteness come cheap.
You can choose from bedsheets to bed covers to cushion covers. They even had small embroidered bags. It would be one of those classic gifts for family and friends.
# Netsuke ArtNetsuke Art is nothing but the miniature metal figurines. They are usually animal and human figurines. They were probably used as like tassels, suspended at the end of the garments.Today, they can be a miniature collector’s muse.
# Chinese Silk DressesChina is known for its silks. Here you get these shining silk dresses, mostly in red color but sometimes in other bright colors like golden and bright blue too. An alternative to dresses is small pouches or handbags or mobile cases made of same shining silk.
I would pick them up for young girls in the family.
# Gold JewelryLike Indians, Chinese also seem to be fond of heavy gold jewelry. In every market, I could see these heavy gold jewelry on display. They are available both as branded and custom-made jewelry. Designs are very different and always have some defining element that tells you that it is Chinese.Gold Jewelry is obviously is the costliest souvenir you can pick.
# Baggage Tags
In the Ladies Market, I found these quirky baggage tags. They would not just tell you which is your bag but also bring a smile to anyone’s face who sees them on the baggage belt at the airport.
# Creative Memory CardsImagine a plastic Coke bottle that is actually a memory stick. I know some people who collect these funky shaped or quirkily designed memory sticks. I think it would make a great gift for the younger generation who are always in need of memory and who would not love these designs.
# Funny Ladies StuffImagine these manicure sets in colorful designs or some funky colorful wigs. Or a hand mirror that no one can ever guess is a mirror. There are so many of these things available in the markets that you would be spoilt with options to choose from.