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From being the centre of Hong Kong’s textiles industry to now one of the hippest neighbourhoods in the city, Sham Shui Po has undergone huge transformations over the past century. Today, in the midst of its historical buildings and traditional restaurants, an ever-expanding community of contemporary shops, art studios and coffee spots have begun to flourish, instilling new life into the district. Whether you’re in search of hip concept stores and secret art hubs, or just dropping by for a cup of coffee, Sham Shui Po will always impress you with its heritage and creative energy.
Stop 1: Muze Pens
Established in 1958, Muze Pens is one of the oldest pen shops in Hong Kong. From fountain pens and inks to papers and other accessories, this specialist shop has it all. In efforts to promote the art of penmanship and encourage more people to put pen to paper, the shop also provides professional advice and recommendations, repair and maintenance services, as well as custom nib-grinding and engraving services. Whether you’re looking for bespoke gifts or just curious about the inks and calligraphy, drop by Muze Pens to discover the beauty of penmanship today.
Stop 2: Aurora Leathercraft
Founded in 2011, Aurora Leathercraft is a local wholesale and retail company specialising in imported leather goods, leathercraft tools, and materials. Aside from being the authorised distributor of Kyoshin Elle, a famous Japanese leathercraft store, Aurora also offers customisable goods, as well as repairing and gifting services. Dedicated to the cultivation of the leathercraft culture in Hong Kong, Aurora hosts DIY workshops and trial classes too. Beginners can start off with making bracelets and keychains, whilst more advanced learners can tackle items such as clutches, long wallets and handbags.
Stop 3: Mudheytong Gallery
Denoting ‘clayware space’, Mudheytong is a gallery founded by three local ceramic artists committed to exhibiting and promoting contemporary ceramic art in Hong Kong. Aside from holding regular exhibitions, Mudheytong frequently runs public workshops, courses and lectures in their studio space to engage the wider community. Those looking to dabble in the medium can take part in one-day trial classes or commit to a four-session regular workshop, to get hands-on with wheel-throwing, trimming, building and glazing. Kids are also welcome to attend.
Stop 4: The Soulroom
The Soulroom is a coffee shop that aims to help replenish the body, mind and spirit of those who come by. Featuring a large hanging moon installation, coupled with botanicals aplenty and wooden fixtures, the cafe also offers astrology and tarot reading sessions on-site. Take your pick from a selection of coffee made from single-origin beans or locally roasted coffee beans.
Stop 5: Whatever. Coffee
Whatever. Coffee on Tai Nan Street is more than a cafe. It’s also an art space that co-organises exhibitions with different groups every month to bring art and culture into the everyday life. Catch showcases of film posters, vintage vinyl and local artworks, while sipping on a cup of fruity and refreshing homemade lemon-flavoured cold brew coffee.
Stop 6: Colour Brown x CoffeeGoOn
Marked by a green gated doorway and a large spiral staircase in the middle of the shop, Colour Brown is a regular stomping ground for Instagrammers of all sorts. The cafe uses single-origin beans from Ethiopia, Costa Rica, Yunnan, and more, and offers signature drinks like the store milk tea and iced red bean coffee. If you’re looking for more than great java, however, the cafe often puts different pieces of artwork up on the walls of the ground floor. Or, you can make your way up to the first floor where the cafe’s exhibition space, CoffeeGoOn, holds monthly art shows and events, most of which will even be themed around coffee!
Stop 7: CITY IN TIME – Tai Po Road Rest Garden
Jump into a time warp and see the history of Tai Po Road Rest Garden come alive in front of your very eyes — or at least, in your mobile phones. Combining art with technology, the CITY IN TIME campaign features brightly coloured poles where panoramic scenery of days gone by can be viewed at specific locations around the city through augmented reality. Simply download the City In Time mobile app, point your phone camera at the AR clock on the poles, and move the slider on screen to instantly see the contrast of old and new. Head to Tai Po Road Rest Garden to see illustrations created by local artist Don Mak come alive. Other illustrations can be found at different CITY IN TIME poles around Sham Shui Po featuring works by local artists Flyingpig and Kinchoi Lam.
Stop 8: Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre (JCCAC)
Constructed in 1977, JCCAC used to house many small, family-run factories. Although it was gradually vacated due to the decline of the light industries, the building was successfully converted into an artist village in 2008. Since then, JCCAC has been providing space and facilities at affordable prices for those who wish to set up their own art studios and exhibits, and is now the base for over a hundred artists and cultural organisations.
Information in this article is subject to change without advance notice. Please contact the relevant product or service providers for enquiries.
The Hong Kong Tourism Board disclaims any liability as to the quality or fitness for purpose of third party products and services; and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, adequacy or reliability of any information contained herein.
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