Immigrating to Hong Kong and living in Hong Kong makes reading an essential part of life. To read, one must buy books from bookstores. However, many bookstores have relocated repeatedly due to various issues, becoming increasingly hidden and lacking clear signage. Readers often find it difficult to locate them, much like being in a desert and unable to find an oasis. Therefore, for those unfamiliar with Hong Kong, finding a bookstore can sometimes feel like searching for an oasis in the desert. Although some media outlets have recommended bookstores in Hong Kong, some of the recommended shops have long since closed or relocated. For example, the Sai Wan branch of的精神书局 (Spirit Bookshop) has closed, with a new location in Shek Tong Tsui; The Book Gallery, once selected by CNN as one of the ten best independent bookstores in Hong Kong, ultimately could not escape the fate of closure; and bookstores like A-Ma Books and Youth Literary Bookstore, recommended on Douban, have been closed for a long time.
1. The Booktique
The Booktique is relatively artistic among independent bookstores. The area by the window is equipped with cafe seating, and it frequently hosts lectures or reading groups. It is a bookstore with great ideals. There is a black cat in the shop that is slightly disabled and loves to act spoiled. If you want to buy a book that is not in stock, you can ask the owner to help you find it. Address: 7/F, 68 Sai Yeung Choi Street South, Mong Kok, Kowloon
2. Eslite Bookstore
Taiwan's Eslite Bookstore now has three branches in Hong Kong. The first is the branch in Hysan Place, Causeway Bay, occupying the 8th, 9th, and 10th floors, which has long become a new landmark in the bustling Causeway Bay. The second branch, which opened in October last year, is located on the waterfront of Victoria Harbour in Tsim Sha Tsui. During renovation, Eslite specifically preserved 29 floor-to-ceiling windows, hoping that people could overlook the scenery of Victoria Harbour while reading. Address: Hysan Place Branch, Tsim Sha Tsui Branch, Taikoo Shing Branch
3. Kubrick
Named after the film master Stanley Kubrick, KUBRICK is located at the Broadway Cinematheque in Yau Ma Tei and is full of cultural and artistic atmosphere. The decoration is simple and stylish, and because the ceiling is exceptionally high, the bookstore feels very spacious and deep. No matter where readers are in the bookstore, they can find their own spot and read in the most beautiful posture. Address: Shop H2, Prosperous Garden, 3 Public Square Street, Yau Ma Tei, Kowloon
4. Joint Publishing "Wan Chai Cultural Life Hub"
The four-story Joint Publishing bookstore located near the Wan Chai MTR station exit carries the memories of a generation. The bookstore, which once had floor-to-ceiling windows on the top floor with the words "Knowledge is Power" posted on them, has now relocated directly to the Wan Chai MTR exit. It has been transformed into the four-story Joint Publishing Cultural Life Hub, a public reading space with a rich cultural atmosphere. Address: 1-1A O'Brien Road, Wan Chai (Wan Chai MTR Station Exit A3)
5. Small Light Bookstore
Small Light Bookstore opened in November 2014. Rooted in the community, it aims to "cultivate a culture" and promote a reading atmosphere using books as a medium. The bookstore manager once said, "We sell books, but we also don't sell books." Small Light is a break. In the approximately 400-square-foot space, the layout is not as crowded as typical independent bookstores, with only two or three books placed on each shelf. The design of the bookstore also emphasizes a sense of space, replacing stone walls with floor-to-ceiling glass. By the window, there is a rattan table and two rattan chairs, with the view of old tenement buildings outside, which is a unique landscape of Sham Shui Po. Address: 11/F, Chang Li Commercial Building, 137-143 Cheung Sha Wan Road
6. Art and Culture Outreach
Art and Culture Outreach is located in a commercial building and was organized by veteran art worker May Fung. It can accommodate about 30 seats and hosts various cultural activities such as exhibitions, concerts, and film screenings. It is also an independent bookstore with more than 3,000 books in its collection. The bookstore holds a large number of niche titles, but many books are priced lower than those on the market. Some of the brand-new second-hand books are favorites among many book lovers. In addition, the store consigns works by independent artists and craftspeople, including CDs, text collections, and organic soap. Address: 1/F, Foo Tak Building, 365 Hennessy Road, Wan Chai
7. Page One Flagship Store
Page One is a bookstore chain founded in Singapore that mainly sells English publications. There are two branches in Hong Kong. The collection of the new Page One store has increased by 20% compared to the old one. It also has dedicated areas for themed books, such as a design book section. Designed with a cinema as the blueprint, it features an all-black theme, with spotlights highlighting the colors of book covers, creating a visual impact. Furthermore, it frequently launches artist exhibitions inside, which is something literature and art lovers should not miss! Address: Festival Walk Branch, Kowloon Tong; Harbour City Branch, Tsim Sha Tsui
8. Lok Man Rare Books
Over decades of development, Lok Man has gradually formed a style centered on books from Taiwan and also provides a service for ordering magazines from Taiwan. Its collection of literature, history, and philosophy books is quite complete, and books on social sciences, popular science, psychology, art, film, music, and economic investment are also very well-stocked. Coupled with popular reading materials, it is a major destination for Hong Kong people to buy traditional Chinese books. Address: 3/F, 62 Sai Yeung Choi Street, Mong Kok, Kowloon (Mong Kok Branch); 2/F, 506 Lockhart Road, Causeway Bay (Causeway Bay Branch)
9. My Book Room
"My Book Room" is a second-hand bookstore located on the 23rd floor of Nan Fung Centre in Tsuen Wan. If you like literature, this will be your paradise. From classic works like "Dream of the Red Chamber" and "Crime and Punishment" to popular novels like "Twilight" and "Harry Potter," you can basically find what you want here. Address: Room 2301D-5B, 23/F, Nan Fung Centre, Tsuen Wan
10. Yat Kee Second-hand Bookstore
Address: Shop T30, 3/F, New Town Mall, 163-165 Wan Chai Road