There’s nothing like opening a book and diving into a new world for an hour or two! Even better when you find the perfect bookshop (perhaps coffee, too) with a vibe that brings out your inner bookworm. For your next reading diversion, head to these fab bookshops in Hong Kong offering a great range of English books and more! Or if you prefer to shop online, some have online bookstores with home delivery in Hong Kong, too. Happy reading!
Bookazine
Over 30 years ago, a young couple launched their bookselling career by starting one of Hong Kong’s largest distribution companies. They passed down their love of storytelling and the joy of opening a brand new book to their children, who today run the company. These family-run bookstores are located across Hong Kong, from Central to Causeway Bay, and Kowloon Tong to Lantau. Aside from great English books, Bookazine also sells gifts, cards, magazines and more, plus they support local writers and host book launches. Check out the excellent website for more information.
Multiple locations | bookazine.com.hk
Eslite
First opened in Taipei in 1989, Eslite branched out into Hong Kong in 2012, and it boasts a good mix of Chinese and English books. The modern stores are designed to emphasise a calm atmosphere – and certainly the Causeway Bay location is a spacious urban escape (the largest bookstore in Hong Kong, in fact). There are half a dozen stores dotted around HK, including in TST, Tai Koo and Tuen Mun.
Multiple locations | eslitecorp.com
Lok Man Rare Books
Located on Hong Kong’s Chancery Lane, this bookstore offers a wide range of signed, high-end and rare first editions, folios and books. The shop itself is a gorgeous and sophisticated literary treasure trove with an antique-inspired interior and organised floor-to-ceiling bookcases. You’ll find a variety of genres and celebrated authors and illustrators on their shelves, from modern, classic and children’s literature, to books about food, wine, history and travel, plus sections focused on economics, finance, sport and hobbies.
6 Chancery Lane, Central
2868 1056 | lokmanbooks.com
Kidnapped Bookshop
Previously Dymocks Sai Kung, this colourful bookshop might be small, but it packs a punch, with well over 2,000 books, around half of them for kids and teens. (It’s named after a book that Robert Louis Stevenson wrote for young readers.) Kidnapped also hosts fun readings and book signings, plus themed events during the holidays such as storytelling with Santa. Adults will find lots of Hong Kong related books and magazines here, including hiking guides, plus a wide range of gifts and cards – even party balloons, which they’ll fill with helium for you!
G/F, 7 Man Nin Street, Sai Kung
2791 9110 | fb.com/kidnappedbookshop
Vibe Lantau
This super cool vinyl and bookstore in Mui Wo brings some seriously trendy vibes to Lantau in the form of music, film, photography, books and more. Find new and pre-loved English, Chinese and foreign books, vinyl LPs, CDs, DVDs, record turntables, stationery and merchandise. The store also supports local artists, authors and musicians by stocking their creations and running events to showcase their work.
Shop E, Silver Centre, Silvermine Bay
Mui Wo, Lantau Island
9088 2370 | vibehk.com
TasChen
Located in the courtyard of the former Central Police Station, with a beautiful terrace overlooking Hollywood Road, TasChen has become a hotspot for book and art lovers alike. If you want an elegant setting to order a coffee or tea while you read, this is the place to come. Keep an eye out for details of upcoming book signings and dialogues.
Shop 01-G02 Tai Kwun, 10 Hollywood Road, Central
2544 8016 | store-hk@taschen.com | taschen.com
Swindon Book Company
Swindon Book Company operated in Hong Kong for over a century, and while the well-known Lock Road retail store has closed, it’s business as usual online at swindonbooks.com, and also at Swindon’s affiliate bookstores, Hong Kong Book Centre on Des Voeux Road in Central and Kelly & Walsh at Pacific Place. Swindon works with all major publishers around the world, so if you have a specific book in mind, send an enquiry and they can find it for you. There’s a Shopify page for orders too.
enquiry@hkbookcentre.com | swindonbooks.com
Books & Co
It’s fun to read a second-hand book and wonder if the person before you loved it as much as you did. Books & Co has shelves full of previously owned publications, perfect for avid bookworms who go through books like they’re going out of style. Plus, the unassuming store is a cosy setting to sit down for a cuppa and dive into a new story. In fact, the staff welcome readers to pick a title and escape HK for a couple of hours!
10 Park Road, Mid-Levels
2559 5199 | fb.com/BooksAndCo
Like this article on English bookshops in Hong Kong? Read more useful tips in our Living in Hong Kong section.
This article first appeared in the Summer 2023 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
