Dragon Centre

Ever craved authentic Sichuan food in Hong Kong? Dragon Centre was my unlikely savior. This quirky mall in Sham Shui Po isn’t your typical gleaming Hong Kong shopping experience. Dragon Centre pulses with a retro, almost cyberpunk vibe. The name itself comes from a legendary indoor roller coaster, the Sky Train, that once perched on the top floor. Celebrities like Leon Lai and Sammi Cheng rode this dragon, sadly defunct since 2003. It remains a symbol of the mall, shrouded in local ghost stories, thanks to its nine-story, hollow design. Don’t worry, a net prevents any unfortunate incidents. Dragon Centre is a fascinating blend of old and new Hong Kong. You’ll find modern stores like ParknShop and Sasa, but the real charm lies in its old-school character. Think retro posters, vintage shops, and a lingering atmosphere of the last century. The food court on the eighth floor is a culinary adventure. It’s a hub for authentic family-run eateries, a far cry from the usual mall food court. Here, you can find proper hand-shredded chicken and sour spicy noodles, untainted by the sweet flavors often found in larger restaurants. There’s even an often-overlooked ice-skating rink on the same floor. And for a blast from the past, hunt down the cotton candy and popcorn stands scattered throughout the mall. They’ll transport you straight back to the 1990s. While the famed umbrella shop, Liang Su Ji, has moved, you can still find quirky gems. Check out the tiny barbershop where a skilled hairdresser can give you a “Hong Kong style haircut” in under ten minutes. Or explore the little shops filled with unexpected treasures, like vintage cameras and idol blind boxes. Dragon Centre is more than a mall; it’s a living time capsule. A place where old Hong Kong whispers its secrets amidst the modern buzz.