Stanley Market
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Stanley Market - by Monalissa Mondigo on Google
Description
Stanley market is a traditional open-air market held daily in Stanley village, on the southern shores of Hong Kong Island. Most of the stalls sell souvenirs, clothes, paintings and other Chinese arts and crafts. Besides the market, there is the Stanley Fort (not opened to tourists) and two beaches. After the annexation of the territory in 1842, the British made Stanley (named after the British Secretary of State for the Colonies at the time) their temporary administrative center before moving it to Victoria City (now Central). Stanley Fort was where the Commonwealth forces made their last stand in HK against the invading Japanese forces in Dec. 1941. The village of Stanley is nowadays very popular with tourists and expatriates.
Access & Transport
The best way to get there is by taxi or bus (several routes going under the Aberdeen tunnel or through Repulse Bay rd and connecting to Central / Causeway Bay or on Tai Tam reservoir and connecting to the Eastern side of HK Island). The closest MTR stop is Ocean Park station on the South Island line.
Instructions & Recommendations
Stanley market and village offer quite a different vibe and scenery to the northern side of Hong Kong Island and are worth visiting for the market and enjoy the readily apparent alternative lifestyle. It makes sense to visit Stanley as a combo with Repulse Bay or "The Twins" hike and tack on a lunch or dinner in the village.
Environmental & Social
If you are environmentally conscious and wish to encourage sustainable activities and businesses, this type of market with plenty of trinkets probably will not be top of your list. Recycling, sourcing policies basically do not exist. Nothing negative about the village itself. The market has been there for a long time but both the influx of expatriates in the village and of tourists have had a negative impact on residents although it does also provide them with sources of income.
Conclusion
Stanley market offers a good range of items for purchase in a setting that is very different from other markets in the city: the surroundings are enjoyable and the shopping experience more relaxed. The village itself is quite charming (by HK standards) and also worth spending some time in, be it at a restaurant or at the beach (or both).
Key positive
Different setting for a more enjoyable HK market experience
Village is enjoyable with some good restaurants
Key negative
It has become too touristy
Quite some way out of town, especially if not staying on Hong Kong Island
Suitability
Suitable for all ages and visitors with reduced mobility.
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 45m
est. visit time:3h
Monday10:00 - 18:00
Tuesday10:00 - 18:00
Wednesday10:00 - 18:00
Thursday10:00 - 18:00
Friday10:00 - 18:00
Saturday10:00 - 18:00
Sunday10:00 - 18:00