I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve visited Hong Kong over the past 30 years, but I always make a point of spending at least half a day in Stanley. Compared with the hustle and bustle of Central or Kowloon, Stanley feels like a short, refreshing getaway. The 30-minute ride on the double-decker bus from Central is part of the charm: it winds around curves, climbs and drops over hills, and offers tempting glimpses of the South China Sea. While bargain shopping excites me, I also always plan for a relaxed meal by the water.
Stanley village, located on a peninsula along the south side of Hong Kong Island, has a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere that attracts both residents from overseas and visitors. Just a minute’s walk from the bus stop, Stanley Market is the area’s top draw: a compact maze of narrow lanes filled with stalls and shops selling clothing for every member of the family — shoes, watches, linens — as well as a wide array of Chinese souvenirs.
On a recent visit, a vendor noticed me admiring a silk scarf and, believing the first customer brings good luck, offered me a generous price. I ended up buying several scarves; when you purchase multiple items from the same stall, vendors often offer even better deals.
The market is full of affordable clothing options such as silk dresses, linen blazers, cashmere sweaters and sportswear. You can also find Chinese art—framed calligraphy of your English name remains a popular choice—beaded purses, jewelry, embroidered tablecloths and many other handcrafted items and keepsakes.
After shopping, treat yourself to a meal at one of the open-air restaurants along the waterfront promenade at the far end of the market. From there you can watch boats bobbing in the harbor and take in views of the historic Murray House, originally built as officers’ quarters in Central in 1844 and painstakingly relocated here stone by stone in 2002. Nearby Blake Pier offers ferry service to Aberdeen and Po Toi Island, adding to the seaside charm.
For something different, visit the Hong Kong Correctional Services Museum, which displays canes, handcuffs, a replica gallows and reconstructed jail cells, along with artifacts that trace more than 170 years of the territory’s colonial past. The name Stanley actually derives from its Cantonese name Chek Chue, which means “Bandit’s Post,” a nod to a local legend about a notorious pirate who supposedly hoarded treasure in a nearby cave.
Today, Stanley is far removed from its swashbuckling reputation. Instead, it offers visitors a relaxed seaside escape where shopping, history and good food come together. Every visit feels like a small victory—like finding a hidden treasure—making a trip to Stanley an essential part of any Hong Kong stay.