Shop 'Til You Drop

Hong Kong is a shopper's paradise. (The fact is that retail therapy is a favourite practice among the locals.)

Here's where visitors should go for the best buys:

ANTIQUES

From wooden furniture to silk paintings, ivory designs, bronze knick-knacks and artistic treasures, you can turn a search for Chinese antiques into an adventurous treasure hunt. The only word of advice is: beware of goods offered by illegal street traders. Well, no caution is necessary if you're buying cheap gifts. But only part with a lot of money if you know your antiques, can spot a gem from an imitation, and are familiar with pricing. Renowned as Hong Kong's antique trove is Hollywood Road in Central, lined with expensive, classy and genuine stores. Many of these shops are so serious about their wares that you feel like you've walked into an art gallery or museum. However, those just seeking a fun trip should head to nearby Cat Street Bazaar, which also offers plenty of Chinese propaganda kitsch and second-hand delights. Out in Sai Kung, in the New Territories, is a string of antique furniture stores on Chan Man Street that offer better bargains than their city counterparts. Professional collectors may wish to contact the Christie's or Sotheby's auction houses.

CAMERAS AND VIDEO CAMERAS

The easiest tip to remember about shopping for a camera or video-recording equipment is to skip the stores that do not have price tags or shops that do not display signboards showing their names. If you are interested in buying expensive, top-of-the-range models, it is good to research on the Internet beforehand, or shop around at home to get a fair idea of general prices, or choose a mechant showing the 'Quality Tourism Services'. Also remember to check customer after-sales service, whether the instruction manual is in English, voltage and plug conversions, international warranties and overseas repair services. The easiest, safest option for tourists is to buy from big-name chain stores such as Fortress or Broadway. They have outlets in major shopping malls and tourist locales, and follow fair trade practices. Those who want to bargain can try the many stores along Sai Yueng Choi Street in Mong Kok and Stanley Street in Central. The popular retail districts of Causeway Bay and Tsim Sha Tsui offer many chances to find a camera while shopping for other goods. For second-hand cameras, try Kimberley Road in Tsim Sha Tsui.

CHILDREN'S GOODS