CnC Living Travel Log: Follow the crowds and escape from them at IFC Mall and Sheung Wan, Hong Kong

October 18, 2012

What kind of tourist are you?

Are you someone that loves to see all the famous sites of a city?

Or do you like to go off the beaten path and mingle with the locals?

I’m probably a mix of the two types.  I don’t have to see every single tourist attraction in the city.  But I’m not one of those uber tourists that shun the sight of other foreigners in search of an “authentic” experience.  I just want to see beautiful things and eat great, local food.

I wanted to present these two different views on my last trip to Hong Kong.

A landmark (for shopping!) in Hong Kong is the IFC mall.
IFC Mall red lips by Chic n Cheap Living

I know, not everyone travels to go to a mall.  But there are a few nice things about this one:

1. There are really interesting stores, particularly consignment shops with ridiculously awesome/pricey purses, right by the mall (it’s like all the it bags got together and are having a party).

2. There are some beautiful brands here from Lanvin (I finally discovered I was buying a shoe that was a half size too small – oh internet shopping!) to Repetto (love this window display!)
IFC Mall Repetto window by Chic n Cheap Living

3. It is air conditioned.  Hong Kong during the warmer months is muggy at best.  Get inside!
IFC Mall My Melody purse by Chic n Cheap Living
Ahh, My Melody purses!

When I don’t mind being outside, I explore other neighborhoods.  Sheung Wan, where my friend’s teahouse resides, is a fun neighborhood full of cute boutiques, a fab housewares store, and fun eats.
Hong Kong heart by Chic n Cheap Living
Hong Kong peek into boutique by Chic n Cheap Living
I love wandering along the rolling streets of Hong Kong.
Hong Kong hill by Chic n Cheap Living
Where would you go if you were in Hong Kong?

 

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  • jamie-lee October 18, 2012 at 01:31

    I think I would definitely be going to that mall – the shopping looks amazing!

  • honeymyheart October 18, 2012 at 02:47

    i like seeing famous sites/museums/monuments, eating where the locals eat, and getting a few gifts at the tourist shops. if i make it to hong kong, i’d really like to enjoy restaurants and the mall! when we were in manila we liked the malls because of the a/c!

  • Cafe Fashionista October 18, 2012 at 08:54

    Swoon! Shopping is one of my favorite reasons for travel – I LOVE the Repetto window display! 🙂

  • Dawn {The Alternative Wife} October 18, 2012 at 09:23

    I would definitely do a combo of both too. Totally the type of tourist I am 🙂 xoxo

  • A Fine Balance October 18, 2012 at 09:37

    Traveling like a tourist and amongst the locals! you need to have a balance for sure but you’re making me want to pack my bags and go somewhere asap!

  • Kim October 18, 2012 at 09:49

    My travel style is a mix of both. I would definitely go to that mall, and your friend’s tea house 🙂

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living October 18, 2012 at 12:41

      Hehe you should go! I know we are blog buddies for a reason!

  • FASHION TALES October 18, 2012 at 11:47

    I think for me if I’ve never been to a city before I go to a few tourist places, but generally speaking I definitely hang with the locals always. I travel quite a lot and enjoy going off to new areas. -xx Hope you’re doing well dear. /Madison

  • phiphisblog October 18, 2012 at 15:19

    i love to explore the sights, and hubby likes to “live like the locals” so our trips are a compromise for us both.
    hope you are having a great time!
    xox P

    phiphisblog.com

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living October 18, 2012 at 19:26

      I am like your husband and your husband is like you so our trips are a compromise as well!

  • Krysten October 18, 2012 at 17:58

    I prefer to see the sites… and drink fruity drinks, lol.

  • Bravoerunway October 18, 2012 at 18:22

    Oh man, I really hope to make a trip to hk someday. I would love to eat the yummy dimsum, shop shop and do more shopping!!!!

  • Sam October 18, 2012 at 18:25

    I think I am a mix of both tourists as well, I like mingling with the locals and finding about their culture and lifestyles. I think I’ve been to this mall in HK, its looking and sounds very familiar!

  • Elly @ Caribbean Living October 18, 2012 at 22:12

    Well I AM in Hong Kong, and I have to say Sheung Wan gets my vote! We live right around the corner from where you took those pics – is your friends teahouse Teakha?? Love that place!

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living October 19, 2012 at 00:03

      Yes, her teahouse is Teakha!

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  • Mary Jo October 22, 2012 at 15:17

    I would want to go everywhere you photographed. I love going to the mall in different countries, it gives such a unique perspectives and of course I love nothing better than wandering the streets and coming upon wonderful little spots for food and shopping. Love your finds!
    xo Mary Jo

    • Chic 'n Cheap Living October 22, 2012 at 19:47

      Thank you Mary Jo! I am fortunate to be able to travel as much as I do and even a common set of stores, like a mall, can be so different from country to country.

  • Johanna October 22, 2012 at 21:13

    Anytime I travel…I want to be where the locals are. Where they eat…beach…etc. It’s all about the food for me!

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