Cat Street

I don't know how it is now, but "Cat Street" (an alley in Sheung Wan near Hollywood Road) used to have a reputation as a tourist trap mainly because of the antiques shops. It is still a popular tourist destination so maybe the vendors are "nicer" now? I would say it's worth a visit as I too, saw some interesting stuff, but be very smart if you want to make a purchase ;p, eg, I don't think those are antiques in this photo, so, you know what I mean (wink wink)! Cat Street's official name is Upper Lascar Row, and here's the background of the names: "Lascars" were seamen from the East Indies who frequented the area, giving it a reputation for lawlessness and criminal behaviour. In the past it was a common joke that, if you had something stolen, you were almost certain to find it for sale back in Cat Street. In Cantonese slang thieves are called rats, and the dealers who purchase goods from the rats are cats. Thus this street is also known as "Cat Street" in Cantonese. Link: another shot Tags: Sheung Wan|Cat Street|Upper Lascar Row|antiques|street scene|Hong Kong|photos