Hong Kong Temple Street

If the people in Central Hong Kong shows the intelligence and the fashion of Hong Kong, people on the Temple Street will be a real residence for you to know the real local lifestyle. Popular with tourists and locals alike in the evening, it is common to see the place crowded at dusk. It sells cheap merchandise and food items. The place is sometimes known as Men's Street. Famous as a party goods night market, many Hong Kong films directors prefer to take scenes here because it is another real face of this metropolis.

History of Temple Street

Temple Street’s story is deeply tied to the Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple—a 19th-century temple dedicated to Tin Hau, the goddess of the sea, which gives the street its name.

The earliest records of Temple Street date to an 1887 Kowloon map, where it was split into two sections by the Tin Hau Temple. The northern stretch was called “Miao Bei Street” (North Temple Street), and the southern part “Miao Nan Street” (South Temple Street). Back then, it was a quiet residential area, with only a handful of small shops serving nearby fishing communities. By the 1920s, a square opposite the Tin Hau Temple evolved into an informal gathering spot for street vendors. They sold cheap snacks, daily necessities, and secondhand goods, drawing locals who sought affordable deals and marking the start of Temple Street’s reputation as a “people’s market.”

In 1968, the Hong Kong municipal government planned to build a Yau Ma Tei Community Service Center on the land where many vendors operated. Fearing displacement, vendors protested—prompting the government to create a “Vendor Legal Possession Area” to relocate and regulate them. This policy brought order to the market: fixed stalls replaced makeshift carts, and basic facilities (like lighting and waste bins) were added. By the 1970s, Temple Street had fully transformed into the night market we know today, with a mix of shops, food stalls, and entertainment. Its gritty, authentic vibe later made it a favorite filming location for Hong Kong directors; films like God of Gamblers (1989) and Infernal Affairs II (2003) featured scenes here, cementing its status as a symbol of old Hong Kong.
 

What to do in Temple Street

Temple Street comes alive after 5 PM (stalls typically open 5 PM–midnight, with peak hours 7 PM–10 PM) and offers far more than just shopping. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Shopping: Hunt for Bargains & Unique Finds

True to its “Men’s Street” nickname, Temple Street is a haven for affordable men’s fashion—but it also caters to all tastes. Bargaining is expected (aim for 10–30% off the initial price), so don’t be shy to negotiate. Men’s apparel is the star of the market, with casual t-shirts, jeans, jackets, and sportswear most priced between HK$50–HK$200; it’s perfect for picking up everyday basics or souvenir hoodies with Hong Kong motifs. You’ll also find traditional and handmade goods like jade jewelry (inspect carefully for quality), bamboo steamers, tea sets, and calligraphy brushes—great gifts with prices starting at HK$30. Near the Tin Hau Temple, stalls specialize in party supplies, from balloons and streamers to costumes for Halloween or festivals. A few stalls even sell vintage cameras, old vinyl records, and retro watches, ideal for collectors (just check for functionality before buying). Some vendors offer secondhand phones or small gadgets too, but quality varies—stick to reputable stalls (look for busy ones with local customers) if you’re interested.
 

Eating: Savor Authentic Hong Kong Street Food

No visit to Temple Street is complete without trying its iconic snacks. Most food stalls cluster near the Jordan Road end, with plastic stools set up on the sidewalk for diners. Wonton noodles are a must: al dente noodles tossed in sesame oil, served with plump wontons filled with shrimp and pork—try the stall at the corner of Temple Street and Nanking Street, a local favorite. Another classic is curry fish balls: chewy fish balls simmered in spicy, aromatic curry sauce, priced at HK$10–HK$15 for a skewer. For something heartier, go for clay pot rice—fragrant rice cooked in a clay pot, topped with sausage, chicken, and a crispy burnt rice crust, served with soy sauce. Sweet tooths will love egg waffles (gai daan jai), crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with options for sweet or savory toppings like peanut butter or cheese. Fresh seafood is also available, with shrimp, squid, and scallops grilled to order with garlic and chili—look for stalls with tanks of live seafood to ensure freshness. Many food stalls only accept cash, so carry small bills (HK$10, HK$20, HK$50) for easy payment.
 

Entertainment: Dive Into Old-Hong Kong Culture

Temple Street is one of the last places in Hong Kong to experience traditional street entertainment, so don’t miss these unique activities. On the east side of the market, near the Tin Hau Temple, local performers set up temporary stages after 7 PM to sing Cantonese opera. They wear simple costumes and use portable speakers, drawing small crowds of spectators; you can even request a song (for a small donation, usually HK$20–HK$50) and take photos with the performers. Tucked away in the side alleys, mahjong parlors have been around for decades—most cater to locals (and require knowing the game), but some welcome curious visitors, so just ask politely if you can watch a round. Note that gambling is illegal in public, but private mahjong games among friends are common here. Near the Tin Hau Temple, you’ll also find fortune-tellers offering palm-reading, face-reading, or tarot services. Prices start at HK$100 for a 15-minute session—it’s a fun, nostalgic experience, though take predictions with a grain of salt.
 

Visit the Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple

Before leaving, stop by the Yau Ma Tei Tin Hau Temple at the northern end of Temple Street. Built in 1865, this historic temple is a quiet contrast to the bustling market outside. It’s dedicated to Tin Hau (protector of sailors) and other deities like Pak Tai (god of the north), and locals come here to pray for safety, good health, and fortune—you can watch them light incense or leave offerings like fruit or pastries. The temple’s architecture, with its red pillars and intricate carvings, is also worth admiring, making it a peaceful spot to pause amid the market’s energy.

How to Get There

• MTR Yau Ma Tei Station (Exit C): Take the Tsuen Wan Line to Yau Ma Tei Station. Exit C, then walk along Man Ming Lane for 2 minutes—you’ll see the market’s bright lights ahead.
• MTR Jordan Station (Exit A): Take the Tsuen Wan Line to Jordan Station. Exit A, turn right onto Jordan Road, then right again onto Temple Street. The walk takes about 3 minutes.
• Bus: Take buses 1, 2, 6, 6C, 13X, or 26 to the “Yau Ma Tei Temple Street” stop, which drops you directly at the market.
• Taxi: Tell the driver “Temple Street Night Market, Yau Ma Tei”—it’s a short ride from most parts of Kowloon (around HK$50–HK$80 from Tsim Sha Tsui) or Hong Kong Island (HK$100–HK$150 from Central).

5. Pro Tips for a Great Visit

1. Most stalls (shopping and food) don’t accept credit cards or mobile payment (Alipay/WeChat Pay). Bring enough HK$ cash—HK$300–HK$500 per person is sufficient for shopping and snacks.
2. Wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes—you’ll be walking and standing a lot. Avoid valuables (like expensive jewelry) to stay safe in crowds.
3.  When visiting the Tin Hau Temple, avoid wearing revealing clothes (cover shoulders and knees) and speak quietly. For Cantonese opera performances, don’t interrupt the singers—wait for a break to clap or take photos.
4.  Extend your trip by visiting nearby spots like Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market (a wholesale market open early morning) or Langham Place (a modern mall in Mong Kok, 10 minutes by MTR) for more shopping.