“Live poultry?” a vendor jokingly called to another, holding up a particularly energetic chicken. “More like barely alive poultry at this hour!” We’re standing before the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market. A place that’s been a hub of Hong Kong’s poultry trade since 1974. The Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market isn’t exactly a glamorous landmark. But it pulsates with a unique energy. This market occupies a temporary site of 26,000 square meters. The Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market is the only wholesale market for live poultry in all of Hong Kong. Imagine the cacophony of clucking chickens, the flurry of feathers, and the constant chatter of vendors. It’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. The market provides wholesale facilities in the form of 18 stalls. Each stall measures between 19 and 20 square meters. In 2012, the market faced a temporary closure due to an avian influenza scare. A chicken carcass tested positive for the H5N1 virus. Sales and imports halted for 21 days. This incident highlighted the delicate balance between commerce and public health. The Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market is more than just a market. It’s a microcosm of Hong Kong’s resilience and adaptability. A testament to the city’s ability to find solutions even in challenging circumstances. So next time you’re craving chicken in Hong Kong, remember the journey it took to get to your plate. It likely started right here at the Cheung Sha Wan Temporary Wholesale Poultry Market.
Sai Wan Shan
Considering a hike today? Sai Wan Shan is calling us. Sai Wan Shan is a hill within Sai Kung East