Mong Kok 旺角 is a neighbourhood in Yau Tsim Mong District on Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong. The neighbourhood is some times spelled Mongkok, and occasionally known by its colonial name Argyle. Until it was made part of Yau Tsim Mong District in 1994, it was part of Mong Kok District.
Mong Kok is a busy commercial part of Kowloon, with the streets lined with shops and multi-storey shopping complexes. There are many shops selling everything from clothes to cameras, restaurants and entertainment outlets. Mong Kok is also a major working-class residential area. With 130,000 people to one kilometer, it has the highest population density in the world.
Nathan Road, Mong Kok
Source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_MK_Mong_Kok_Nathan_Road_mall.JPG Author: MK PETER
The name Mong Kok means "prosperous corner". The name came about because the area was once lush with ferns before it was developed. The British called it Argyle, but the name never caught on with the locals. It does crop up from time to time - the MTR station serving the area was originally called Argyle Station, after Argyle Street, but was eventually renamed Mong Kok MTR Station.
Although Mong Kok was experienced modern development in the early 20th century, archaeological excavation has reveal evidence of human settlement in the area going back to the Jin Dynasty (AD 265-420). This is based on the discovery of pottery shards from that period.
Mong Kok is the place to go to experience the street markets. Some of these have developed to cater to specific niche products or clientele, and are listed on this page. The shopping in Mong Kok are geared towards inexpensive and non-luxury products.
How to go to Mong Kok
Take the Hong Kong MTR to the Mong Kok MTR Station and the Prince Edward MTR Station. Both of these are served by the East Rail Line, Kwun Tong Line and Tsuen Wan Line.
What to see in Mong Kok
Fa Yuen Street Market The vendors on Fa Yuen Street sells a mixed bag of items ranging from clothing to sports shoes.
Flower Market Road Vendors on this road, at the top end of Tung Choi Street, sells cut flowers as wll as plants and gardening accessories.
Goldfish Market The place to get your supply of goldfish for your aquarium is on Tung Choi Street, north of Ladies' Street Market.
Ho King Shopping Centre Shopping centre with shops specializing in video games and video game consoles.
Ladies' Street Market An area in Mong Kok where you find stalls selling women's clothing, cosmetics, shoes, accessories, etc.
Langham Place Shopping mall with office tower. At 59 storeys, this is the tallest building in Mong Kok.
Mong Kok Computer Centre Specialty mall with over 50 retail outlets specializing in computer and computer accessories.
Portland Street The most famous red-light district of Kowloon.
Sai Yeung Choi Street South Area in Mong Kok with shops selling electronic goods, cosmetics and discount books.
Sino Centre Arcade Shopping complex on Nathan Road with stalls selling DVDs, Video CDs and music CDs.
Tile Street Section of Portland Street near intersections with Argyle Street and Bute Street, with a concentration of shops selling building material.
Yuen Po Street Bird Garden Area in Mong Kok selling caged birds and bird-keeping accessories.
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