A hip hive of independent retailers, PMQ is one of Hong Kong's most unique shopping experiences. Dozens of local design, fashion, art, homeware and jewelry shops have taken over units in what was the Police Married Quarters (c. 1951), a restored, modernist housing complex once reserved for families of Chinese police serving on the Hong Kong force.
Pop-up creative events and street art fill the central courtyard, while the two six-story blocks are home to boutiques selling clothing, leatherware, furniture, metalwork, mahjong sets, shoes, quirky boardgames and more. You’ll also find architect and art studios, painting workshops, pop-up shops, the Korean Cultural Centre, and a scatter of cafes and eateries. A smart history exhibition on Level 5 of the Staunton Block introduces the police families who once occupied the 140 single-room and 28 double-doom units. The last tenants moved out in 2003.
The site's earliest incarnation was a temple built in 1843, which was subsequently replaced by Central School, where Nationalist leader Dr Sun Yatsen once studied. Remnants of the school remain. PMQ is bounded by Hollywood Rd (north), Staunton St (south), Aberdeen St (east) and Shing Wong St (west).