Top Rated Shopping in Hong Kong

The name should automatically conjure up rarefied pictures of equestrian weekend gatherings made up of the beautiful rich, all attired in honey-colored leathers, and beige suede and cashmeres. The ties and ascots will be flourishes of color, the shoes and riding boots will be immaculate and even the teacups seem out of some neo-classical English oil painting. Yes, you can certainly decorate this fantasy, and many others, from the Hermès shop in Central. Just walking into it is an almost pastoral sensation, from the chaos of Hong Kong outside. All is a hushed understatement and the prices are extreme.

The Asia Fine Art Gallery is located at the end of narrow alleyway off busy, bustling Queens Road East, the main thorough the Central and Western district, Wan Chai. The Asia Fine Art Gallery aims to promote the artworks of relatively new and up-and-coming Asian artists who hail from countries like Vietnam, China, Myanmar, Philippines, Indonesia and Hong Kong. Moreover, the gallery has now somewhat broadened its horizons to promote western artists, sculptors and photographers. The gallery also regularly hosts exhibitions and events to promote and popularize the works of the various artists on its roster.

Harbour City complex is one of the largest shopping complexes in Asia and boasts more than 700 shops and 50 restaurants. It is segregated into five sections including the Ocean Centre, Marco Polo Hong Kong Hotel Arcade, Gateway Arcade, Star Annex and Ocean Terminal. The shops are connected to one another by covered walkways making it easy to lose all sense of direction. You will find everything here from designer labels to local fashion chains, department stores, art, lifestyle and household items, jewelry and watches, bookshops, confectionery shops and infant care merchandise. Cruise ships that are visiting the territory dock at Ocean Terminal.

The classy Elements Mall is located above the Kowloon MTR station, which is also functions as a stop on Hong Kong's Airport Express service. The mall, which offers access to two luxury hotels (the W Hotel and the Ritz Carlton) offers nearly a million square feet of dining and retail space. Elements uses the five elements of Chinese philosophy as its central theme. Hence, the mall is divided into five sections: the Metal section (which hosts luxury goods and fine dining outlets), the Water section (which hosts outlets that retail modern fashions and international eats), the Wood section (which plays host to outlets that retail health and beauty products), the Earth section (which is home to many fashion outlets), and the Fire section (which offers an Ice Rink and the Grand Cinemas).

Gucci shops are always a pleasure, if one can endure the rehearsed snobbism of the sales staff. Antiseptically cool, it makes viewing all the delicious leather and silver accessories, or some of those sleek, narrow shoes, an intensely visual experience. A few suits are also discreetly available, near the back, but you will have to ask. Gaze at the cufflinks for lessons in pure aesthetics, but do not salivate on the display cases or one of the slim, beautifully attired assistants might call the security. Additional locations: The Peninsula, Tsim Sha Tsui.

This well-known American casual shoes and clothing company is well spread out in Hong Kong, with about 10 shops scattered around, offering sturdy, very informal clothing for the sporty-minded. The shirts are cotton and plaid, the shoes last forever and the urban backpacks are sensible and strong. You may look like you just arrived from Oregon, but you will not look bad. The shop is small, but the staff are very friendly and you are sure to find something you absolutely need to own. Additional branches: World Trade Centre, Causeway Bay, The Landmark, Central.