Yau Ma Tei

Yau Ma Tei

The name Yau Ma Tei is closely related to the Tin Hau Temple in the area. According to a stone tablet erected in the temple in 1870 (the ninth year of the Tongzhi reign), the place was then called “Ma Di” (literally “Hemp Ground”). By 1875 (the first year of the Guangxu reign), it had become a spot where fishermen dried hemp ropes used on boats. Numerous shops dealing in tung oil and hemp ropes for boat repairs were established there. According to the 1873 Rate Book, residents in Yau Ma Tei were engaged not only in ship repair, hemp rope, oar, blacksmithing, and timber businesses, but also in groceries, barbershops, rice stores, brothels, opium dens, funeral homes, and ceremonial flower arches, among others.

Yau Ma Tei is located in the central part of Hong Kong’s Kowloon Peninsula and is closely connected to Mong Kok. Together with Tsim Sha Tsui, they form the bustling and well-known Yau Tsim Mong District. With a long history, Yau Ma Tei is one of the earliest settled areas in Kowloon. The famous Tin Hau Temple and Temple Street are situated here. Compared to Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei retains a stronger local character, with many people still largely maintaining a traditional Hong Kong way of life.

Like other old districts in Hong Kong, most buildings in Yau Ma Tei have commercial use on the ground and first floors, while the upper floors are residential. The famous Temple Street is located within the district; it is named after the Tin Hau Temple in Yau Ma Tei. Every evening, the street is lined with stalls selling a wide variety of goods and food, resembling a night market in Taiwan. Owing to its relatively low prices and vibrant local flavor, Temple Street has become a popular destination for tourists.

The Kwong Wah Hospital in the district is the first hospital in Kowloon, established in 1911. Yau Ma Tei is a historically rich area, home to many historic buildings such as the Yau Ma Tei Theatre, the Yau Ma Tei Pumping Station Staff Quarters (commonly known as the “Red Brick Building”), and the Yau Ma Tei Police Station. In addition, the fruit market, jade market, and the Yau Ma Tei Rest Garden (commonly referred to as “Yung Shue Tau”) are all unique spots. There is also the traditional-style tea house, Tat Yuen Restaurant.

Canton Road: Close to the jade market, this road hosts a concentration of jade and jewelry companies between numbers 503 and 630. Exit at Yau Ma Tei MTR station.

Shanghai Street: Starting from number 273, this street is a hub for knives, woodenware, kitchen utensils, and also houses several Buddhist goods shops. Exit at Yau Ma Tei Civilization Lane MTR station.

Bute Street: This street specializes in custom-made Chinese cheongsams, floral shoes, and handbags, and also features open-air stalls selling affordable clothing. Exit at Yau Ma Tei Bute Street MTR station.