Route 17 - Stanley－Stanley Village Road－Stanley Gap Road－Repulse Bay Road (The Repulse Bay) Flashcards
Route 17 - Points to Mention:
(Stanley－Stanley Village Road－Stanley Gap Road－Repulse Bay Road (The Repulse Bay)
this section ends at the Ferrari’s showroom at Repulse Bay
4 Bulletpoints - 8 minutes
- Shopping in Hong Kong
- Rights of consumers
- Southern District Literary Trail (front)
- The Repulse Bay Hotel (right)
2 Shopping-related subject + 2 sites
Shopping in Hong Kong
1. Introduction:
* Welcome back, everyone! I hope you all had a great time exploring Stanley Market—did anyone find some good deals or unique souvenirs?
* Shopping in Hong Kong is more than just buying things; it’s a cultural experience.
* As we continue our tour, let me introduce you to some of the best shopping spots across the city, from luxury malls to bustling street markets!”
2. Luxury Shopping:
* If you’re interested in high-end fashion and designer brands, visit Central and Causeway Bay.
* Landmark and IFC Mall in Central and Times Square in Causeway Bay are some of the best places to find luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.
* Citygate Outlets in Tung Chung next to the airport is also a great destination for bargain hunters looking for discounted designer brands in a comfortable setting. However, for those seeking the latest collections or exclusive luxury pieces, it may not be the best option.
3. Street Markets and Bargain Shopping:
* For a more local experience, explore Hong Kong’s vibrant street markets:
* The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok is perfect for trendy clothes, souvenirs, accessories and more at bargain prices.
* Temple Street Night Market in Jordan is a great place for souvenirs, jade, traditional Chinese goods, antiques and the chance to enjoy local cuisine in a lively Chinese market atmosphere.
* Remember, bargaining is common at street markets, so feel free to negotiate for the best price!
4. Electronics and Gadgets:
* Hong Kong is also known for its affordable electronics.
* Head to Sham Shui Po for computer accessories, or check out Mong Kok’s Sai Yeung Choi Street for mobile phones and gadgets.
* Always ask about warranties and compare prices before purchasing.”
5. Souvenirs and Traditional Goods:
* If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, Cat Street in Sheung Wan is perfect for antiques and vintage items.
6. Shopping Tips:
* When shopping in Hong Kong, remember that most big malls accept credit cards, but cash is preferred at street markets.
* Also, Hong Kong has no sales tax, so it’s a great place for shopping sprees!
* Finally, always check store policies, especially for electronics, to ensure you’re getting genuine products with warranties.”
Conclusion:
“Whether you’re a luxury shopper or a bargain hunter, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Enjoy exploring the city’s shopping scene and happy shopping!”
Luxury Shopping:
“If you’re interested in high-end fashion and designer brands, visit Central and Causeway Bay. Landmark, IFC Mall, and Times Square are some of the best places to find luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci.”
Street Markets and Bargain Shopping:
“For a more local experience, explore Hong Kong’s vibrant street markets. The Ladies’ Market in Mong Kok is perfect for trendy clothes and accessories at bargain prices. Temple Street Night Market in Jordan is a great place for souvenirs, electronics, and traditional Chinese goods. Remember, bargaining is common at street markets, so feel free to negotiate for the best price!”
Electronics and Gadgets:
“Hong Kong is also known for its affordable electronics. Head to Sham Shui Po for computer accessories, or check out Mong Kok’s Sai Yeung Choi Street for mobile phones and gadgets. Always ask about warranties and compare prices before purchasing.”
Souvenirs and Traditional Goods:
“If you’re looking for unique souvenirs, Cat Street in Sheung Wan is perfect for antiques and vintage items. Stanley Market on the south side of Hong Kong Island is also a great spot for silk clothing, Chinese paintings, and handmade crafts.”
Shopping Tips:
“When shopping in Hong Kong, remember that most big malls accept credit cards, but cash is preferred at street markets. Also, Hong Kong has no sales tax, so it’s a great place for shopping sprees! Finally, always check store policies, especially for electronics, to ensure you’re getting genuine products with warranties.”
Conclusion:
“Whether you’re a luxury shopper or a bargain hunter, Hong Kong has something for everyone. Enjoy exploring the city’s shopping scene and happy shopping!”
Consumer Rights
1. Know Your Rights:
* In Hong Kong, consumer protection laws ensure fair trade practices and product safety.
* The Trade Descriptions Ordinance prohibits false advertising, misleading prices, and counterfeit goods.
2. Shopping Smart:
* Look for the QTS Logo - Shop at stores with the “Quality Tourism Services” (QTS) logo—they meet strict quality standards for clear pricing, transparent info, and good service. These covers retail shops, restaurants and visitor accommodation. The logo shows a golden Q with a black Chinese character inside meaning “excellent”.
* Compare Before You Buy - Check prices at at least three stores to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
* Pay attention to price tags and units—ask for details if unclear.
* Fixed vs. Negotiable Prices - Shopping malls, department stores, and chain stores have fixed prices. This applies also to local wet markets.
* Small shops and open markets may not display prices—bargaining is expected!
* As a rule: Whereever there is a price tag, the price is fixed, i.e. local wet markets. But in the Jade market in Yau Ma Tei, you will not find price tags, and bargaining is expected.
* Many stores display a “No Refund, No Exchange” policy—check return terms before buying.
* Always request a receipt when making a purchase.
* Also, since late 2022, Hong Kong has implemented a plastic shopping bag levy - plastic bags cost at least HK$1 each, so we recommend supporting environmental protection by bringing your own shopping bags.
3. Where to Get Help:
* If you encounter unfair practices, contact the Consumer Council (Hotline: +852 2929 2222).
* Report scams or counterfeit goods to the Customs and Excise Department (Hotline: +852 2815 7711).
Southern District Literary Trail
1. Overview:
The Southern District Literary Trail is a cultural initiative in Hong Kong that celebrates renowned Chinese literary figures who had ties to the area. The trail features monuments and art installations inspired by the works and lives of famous writers such as Eileen Chang, Jin Yong, Xiao Hong, and Dai Wangshu.
2. Key Attractions:
* Hong Kong Journeys – A set of benches on the seashore in Repulse Bay Gardens, on the walkway connecting Repulse Bay Road and Beach Road, serves as a memorial to Eileen Chang , a talented Chinese authoress who came here twice in two decades, to get literary inspiration and write romantic novels.
* “Tic Tac Toe” at the pavement opposite to St. Stephen’s College at Stanley to commemorate Hu Shih (Chinese academic, writer, and politician.)
* “Stroll the Past” at Aberdeen Praya Road near the entrance of Aberdeen Chinese Permanent Cemetery to commemorate Cai Yuanpai (Chinese philosopher and politician who was an influential figure in the history of Chinese modern education.)
* “Stray Birds 31” at Repulse Bay Beach to commemorate Xiao Hong (Chinese novelist, short story writer, and poet)
* “Plain” at the Victoria Road / Consort Rise Sitting-out Area to commemorate Xu Dishan (Chinese author, translator and folklorist).
The Repulse Bay Hotel
1. Introduction:
* The Repulse Bay Hotel was originally a historic hotel located at 109 Repulse Bay Road, where The Repulse Bay complex now stands.
* Completed in 1920, the hotel occupied 62,000 square feet and was a significant tourist landmark in Hong Kong, blending English colonial design with Oriental elements.
2. Historical Significance:
* Construction and Design: Built in 1920 by the Kadoorie family (who later in 1928 built the Peninsula), the hotel featured strong English-style architecture with Oriental influences, making it a symbol of luxury and elegance.
* World War II Era: During the Battle of Hong Kong in World War II, the hotel was repurposed as a military hospital by Japanese forces.
3. Notable Guests:
* Literary Figures: The Repulse Bay Hotel welcomed renowned authors like Ernest Hemingway and George Bernard Shaw.
* Hollywood Celebrities: It attracted stars such as Marlon Brando and William Holden.
* Royalty: Various royal figures also visited, enhancing its status as a premier destination.
4. Cultural Impact:
* Film Location: The hotel was featured in the 1955 movie Love Is a Many-Splendored Thing.
* Literary References: It has been mentioned in numerous books, cementing its place in history.
* The Verandah: One of the hotel’s most famous features was The Verandah, a colonial-style restaurant offering fine dining with breathtaking sea views. While The Verandah in The Repulse Bay complex is a reproduction of the original interior, its grand 1920s decor and elegance offer a nostalgic dip into the past, preserving the timeless charm of the original hotel.
5. Demolition and Legacy:
* Demolition: The hotel was demolished in 1982 and redeveloped as The Repulse Bay complex.
* Preserved Architecture: Although rebuilt, the complex retains much of the original hotel’s exterior and brick structure. The colonial-style decoration, in white and brown tones, exudes European charm.
