Hong Kong Specialty Shops

Hong Kong is a treasure trove of obscure gems and one-of-a-kind shops with a bizarrely specific stockroom. Here, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite places that deserve an entry in any self-respecting Hongkonger’s little black book—whether you’re looking for pet lizard or kung fu shoes. Go check ‘em out.

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Published: 4:00pm, 9 Aug 2012Updated: 3:19pm, 19 Oct 2016

Airsoft guns

If you like spending your weekends decked out in combat fatigues playing war games, pay the website of Gunner Toys and Models (2789-8975, www.gunnerairsoft.com) a visit and pick from their collection of sniper rifles, pistols and even grenade launchers for sale. They’ve got accessories like optics, spare magazines, protective headgear and flashlights, too. Though they no longer have a retail store, place an order online and it’ll ship out from their Kwun Tong warehouse.

Calligraphy Supplies

Over at Yau Sang Cheong (3/F-5/F, Cheung Wah Commercial Building, 3-5 Saigon St., Yau Ma Tei, 2332-8881), you won’t find a customer under 40 years of age. But that’s still relatively young, considering the shop is 100 years old—it was founded when the Qing dynasty still ruled China. Since the handover, the cashier says, the three-floored shop chock-full of brushes, paper, ink of all colors, instructional manuals, prints and myriad other accessories has actually seen more customers because the government is actively promoting traditional Chinese arts such as calligraphy. No time like the present to join the crowds, right?