Beads Galore in Shum Shui Po, Hong Kong

Ah, finally got to check out this place, which I heard is a must-go destination for any avid beader. So during a recent holiday in Hong Kong, I made it a point to stop by Shum Shui Po in between all the other sightseeing and shopping in this exciting Asian city.

The area of Shum Shui Po in Kowloon is famous for the Apliu Street flea markets peddling everything from electronic goods to household knick-knacks, as well as wholesale shops brimming with clothing and fashion accessories. Moreover, those looking to top up their beads stash will go ga-ga at Yu Chau Street/Pei Ho Street, lined with shop after shop selling beads, beads and more beads.

Even if you're not planning to buy, simply peering into the shops will leave you awed by the countless varieties of beads on sale. Entire drawers are filled to the brim with crystals, wooden beads, acrylic baubles and everything in between.

And that's not all; around the corner is another entire street dedicated to buttons and ribbons. I randomly stepped into one shop just to take a look-see, but ended up buying a couple of packets of buttons and what-nots, simply because everything was just so cute!

How to go: Take the MTR train and alight at Sham Shui Po station, Exit A1.