China, Hong Kong SAR, Kowloon - Aquatic Wonderland on a Crowded Street

Hong Kong is a small city crammed with people and more people. Yet, Hong Kong is a very interesting place with just about anything and everything all packed into a small city with a total land area of about 2750 square kilometres. 

In my many visits to Hong Kong, which is just under 4 hours by flight from my home in Singapore, I have almost always make it a point to visit the famed Goldfish Market. The name Goldfish Market is a slight misnomer. Because in the streets that make up this so-called Goldfish Market, shops lining the narrow streets peddled all kinds of tropical and marine fishes, besides the traditional goldfish. 

Colourful freshwater shrimps for sale, Goldfish Market, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

There are also many shops which sell reptiles including many types of Geckos as well as the occasional Chameleons. Various types of tortoises and turtles are also sold as pets here. These include species such as the Star Tortoises, Leopard Tortoises, African Spurred Tortoises, Pig-nosed Turtles, Chinese Gold Thread Turtles and Soft-shell Turtles amongst many others which I couldn't identify by species. I hope all of these animals find their way to good homes with owners who can and know how to take good care of them. 

A young family looking at the fishes on an evening outing, Goldfish Market, Mongkok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

Of course, I couldn't buy anything from here apart from the occasional accessories for my tropical fish aquarium back home. But it is still a very interesting experience to wander through the crowded streets to look at the fishes and reptiles. And this experience can be enjoyed totally free of charge! There are also many pet shops selling puppies and kittens which had opened fairly recently along the same streets. This add to the variety of pets and draw in more crowds, both local and tourists, especially during the weekends.

One unique feature of the Goldfish Market is the way the shops display their fishes. Due to the lack of space in the small shops, the shopkeepers packed the fishes in small plastic bags filled with oxygen. These packs are then hanged individually on the walls via grills for display. 

Fishes in bags on display, Goldfish Market, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

More fishes, Goldfish Market, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

Besides the live fishes and animals on sale here, there are also many shops selling aquarium accessories such as lights, air pumps, exotic displays, fish and reptile food, supplements and medications.

A shop specialising in aquarium accessories, Goldfish Market, Mong Kok, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, China (2016)

There are two ways to get here via the MTR (a.k.a. Subway or Metro). 

Alight at the Mong Kok East Station and take Exit C. From here, you will see a large overhead bridge. Cross this bridge to get to the other side of the road and you will immediately see some small pet shops. Take your time and stroll along this street and the crowd will get more dense as you start to see more and more shops selling all kinds of fishes, reptiles and pet keeping accessories.

Alternatively, you may alight at the Prince Edward Station and take Exit B2. Look for Prince Edward Road West and walk eastwards until you reach the streets of the Goldfish Market. This is my favourite and usual route because this MTR Station is a lot less crowded than the Mong Kok East Station.

If you have never been to Hong Kong and plan to visit any time soon, do factor in an evening to visit this very interesting street market. If you have been to Hong Kong before but have never visited this market, plan a visit on your next trip. And if you are like me who have walked the streets of the Goldfish Market before, more visits should still be on your itinerary because you never know what interesting sights you will see here!