An Illustrated Encyclopedia of Hong Kong's Historic Shops (Get to Know Hong Kong Series)

Travel back in time and learn about the economic and livelihood development of Hong Kong through 15 traditional Hong Kong shops.

*Story of the old store
The book's corner shops take readers back to Hong Kong before the 1980s, where they visit 15 historic shops and learn about their role in local life and the city's overall economy. Each story concludes with a snapshot of their current status, allowing young readers to compare the past and the present and understand the changing landscape of Hong Kong.

*Traditional craft short film:
The chefs in traditional shops are well-versed in skills. Readers can scan the QR codes in the book to watch short videos on "making milk tea", "making hand-made lanterns", "mending clothes" and "shining shoes" to gain a deeper understanding of traditional crafts.

*Handmade paper from an old shop:
After reading the story, readers can download and print the handmade accessories from the old shops online, unleash their creativity, and build their ideal "commercial street." In addition to the handmade paper from the 15 old shops featured in the book, there are also handmade paper from four equally interesting old shops.

Today, Hong Kong boasts numerous large shopping malls and department stores, offering a wide range of daily necessities and entertainment. People can also choose to shop online, allowing them to shop without leaving their homes. However, did you know that before the 1980s, shops of all sizes provided the basic necessities of life for residents. These included: shops selling daily necessities, clothing repair shops and shoe shine stalls providing daily necessities, cheongsam shops selling and renting wedding dresses, and herbal tea shops and snake shops offering entertainment, leisure, and authentic local cuisine. Although small and lacking in glamorous or trendy decor, these old shops carry Hong Kong's culture and memories, witnessing the development of the city's economy and people's livelihoods, and even recording the stories of generations.
In this book, Big Head Buddha, Lion Head, Uncle Deng, and Xiao Lan will be your guides, taking you on a journey through time and space into the streets and alleys of Hong Kong before the 1980s, visiting 15 traditional shops. When you return to the present day, please remember to take a look at what similar shops look like today and reflect on the insights they bring to you!