Suzy Gershman's Born to Shop Hong Kong, Shanghai & Beijing

The Ultimate Guide for People Who Love to ShopBy Suzy Gershman

John Wiley & Sons

Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
All right reserved.
ISBN: 978-0-470-53769-5

Chapter One

The Best of Hong Kong & Beyond

A Chinese Blessing

There is an old Chinese curse that says, "May you live in interesting times." I'd like to amend the ancient curse into a prayer for you and yours:

May you shop in somewhat dirty street markets but contract no disease. May you never pay more than 100 of anything (yuan, Hong Kong dollars, euros-whatever). May you gaze at the new China and understand that you see the future-and it is powerful. May you return often, in joy and safety.

With the 2008 Beijing Olympics considered to be a turning point for the Chinese government, everything has become cleaner and more generic, brighter, and even garish. Hong Kong still shimmers as an oasis, although prices are higher on most items (except designer goods, which cost 20% less than in mainland China). This is the new China, and it has been built by the world's finest architects. You can't help but be impressed. Stay tuned for World Expo 2010, opening in Shanghai as you open these pages.

If you're antsy about the rate of exchange on the dollar against the euro, Asia is your new best friend. The rush is on, so get going now. This chapter will help guide you to the best, the brightest, and the most brilliant according to budget.

This is a short chapter with short sentences. If you also like pictures, please see my blog, http://www.borntoshoplady. blogspot.com, and go to the portions on the various explorations done for research trips. There's little repeat information, so you won't get bored and you can see some snapshots of the merchandise available.

Please remember that coming up with a single best of anything is difficult. "Best" is a subjective thing. Each choice here is based on a combination of location, value, and convenience.

Also note that I find little crossover in merchandise in the cities this book covers; once you have left a destination, you may not have the luxury of another crack at a particular item, often resulting in the "Why didn't I buy more?" syndrome. Remember the Moscow Rule of Shopping and grab it when you see it-after bargaining, of course.

The 10 Best Stores

Along with my alphabetical list below comes the usual disclaimer-these choices are based on my personal visits. China is changing fast. As soon as we go to press, a bigger or better store might pop up.

Ashneil

Far East Mansions, 5-6 Middle Rd., shop 114 (up the stairs), Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong (MTR: TST).

Calling this a store may lead you to believe it is bigger than a postage stamp, which it is not. More than two shoppers make it feel crowded. But that's only because it's piled high and deep with handbags of all sorts. These babies are no fakes either. They're excellent-quality items that look like styles you know and love-but, with no phony parts; they're totally legal. Prices begin at around $250 and go up (sometimes way up), but you often can't tell the difference between these bags and the $2,000 versions. You can have your purchases delivered to the U.S. (saving on the Customs allowance), order something made in a custom color, or buy small leather goods such as belts and wallets. Credit cards accepted. Yes, Birkin.

Blanc de Chine

Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St., room 201, Central, Hong Kong (MTR: Central).

Armani meets Shanghai Tang (see below). Expect to pay $500 or more for a jacket, but the quality and appearance will melt you. Men's, women's, and home-styles.

City Super

Times Square mall (MTR: Causeway Bay); Ocean Terminal, Harbour City, Kowloon (MTR: TST); IFC2 mall (MTR: Central); all Hong Kong.

As the name implies, this is a supermarket. The branches are not all equal-the one at Times Square is the best-but all are good enough to qualify for this list. You can buy Asian products (which make great gifts) as well as bath and beauty items and housewares.

Hu & Hu Antiques

1685 Wuzhong Lu, Shanghai (no nearby Metro).

If you aren't interested in furniture, then you can skip this establishment. If you love to look at pretty things and adore high style with ultrapanache, this is the most chic furniture store in all of China. The woman who runs it is American-Chinese and speaks English like few others in Shanghai. In addition to two warehouses filled with furniture, you'll also find smaller tabletop and gift items. I bought an ancestor scroll once. Have your taxi wait ... even if it's for a few days.

Maylin

Peninsula Hotel Shopping Arcade, Salisbury Rd., Kowloon, Hong Kong (MTR: TST).

The Birkin bags are all gone but the store has expanded and is now heavy into woven leathers that look surprisingly like, hmmmm, what was that Italian brand? Prices hover around $250 for a nice sac. They take credit cards but are not big on charm.

Shanghai Tang

Pedder Building, 12 Pedder St., Central, Hong Kong (MTR: Central).

This is undoubtedly one of the must sees, must dos of Hong Kong, even if you don't buy anything. In fact, there is a good chance you won't buy anything. Still, the store is gorgeous to look at and inspirational in its creativity.

Shanghai Tang stocks souvenirs and fashions, Mao mania, and original artwork by contemporary artists-all imported from China. Get a load of the gift wrap! Wander, drool, buy, have a cigar, sit down for tea, or shop 'til you're late for your next appointment.

Note: In Kowloon, Tang has moved out of the Pen and into its own little cutie-pie building (was that a police station?) in the Heritage 1888 complex at Salisbury Road and Canton Road. It's not as glam as the flagship, but worth a look-see.

Shiatzy Chen

7 the Bund, Shanghai.

Religious encounter of the fourth dimension. Okay, so that's a little glib, but I am sincere. The first few times I walked into this store it was truly a religious experience; the earth moved. The Taiwanese designer makes men's and women's clothes as well as accessories; they have stores all over Asia. The look is "Armani meets Blanc de Chine" kicked up many notches into couture. In short, this is gorgeous clothing, usually beginning at $1,000.

Space 798

Dashanzi Art District (no nearby Metro).

Yes, I know it's off the beaten path; but this trendsetting reclaimed factory is well worth it, with all sorts of shopper's delights in store for you: photography, art, and a little bit of clothing. Look, touch, and splurge. You can even grab a drink or a light meal to reward yourself for making it out there. (See p. 292 in chapter 10 for tips on how to get there and make the most of your excursion.)

Suzhou Cobbler

3 Fuchow Rd., Shanghai.

Don't sneeze or you will miss this tiny shop that specializes in a sophisticated twist on an old Chinese art: the embroidered slipper. About $50 a pair, but they look like a million.

Urban Tribe

133 Fuxing Rd. W., Shanghai.

This is a lifestyle brand that sells ethnic Chinese, nomadic, north country almost looks Tunisian (I know, I know) fabulous clothes, and home-style. If you can't get to the flagship, pop into the boutique in the Portman Ritz-Carlton.

Great Inexpensive Gifts

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