Cover We've listed the best record stores to visit in Hong Kong (Photo: Unsplash.com)

From R&B, jazz, punk to K-pop and Chinese classics, we've rounded up the best places in the city to get your next piece of vinyl

Vinyl is undergoing a revival. Just like analogue photography, vintage pocket watches and vintage cars making a comeback, music is no exception. There's something deeply nostalgic about slipping on a record to listen to music––the vintage feel, and perhaps the longing for a piece of the old days, makes music lovers and hipsters alike clamour to get their hands on vinyl records.

With contemporary artists like award-winning singer-songwriter, Billie Eilish and Korean superstars, BTS combining forces with vinyl-era legends like The Beatles and Queen to release their music in analogue format, vinyl is here to stay.

Despite a number of bigger music stores closing in the city, you'll be pleased to know that independent stores are still keeping the music scene alive. Whether you're planning to hop on the bandwagon of this resurgence, are on the hunt for your next vinyl, or just digging for some artsy inspiration––we've listed the best records stores in Hong Kong for you to visit.

See also: How Elton Yau And Nicholas Cheung Are Making Waves In Hong Kong's Music Scene

1. Rock Gallery Record

If you're looking to support the independent music scene then Rock Gallery Record will be right up your alley. This record store has been bringing music from the US, UK, South Korea, China, Taiwan, and Hong Kong since 1984. They have a full selection of almost any genre you could think of including rock & roll, jazz, Canto-pop, K-pop, and Chinese classical music. Also part of their collection are American, British, Japanese, and Chinese movies and TV shows. Stocking up on newly released vinyl records, you'll be sure to get your hands on what's hot these days.

Shop 202, 2/F, Tai Yau Plaza, 181 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2572 9630; rockgallery.com.hk

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Wan Chai

2. Vinyl Hero

Not only a go-to place for music lovers, but Vinyl Record is also recommended as a tourist spot. This record store is filled with thousands of vinyl records from Ah Paul's own collection––with Paul himself a household name among local record collectors––and records dating back from the '60s to the '80s. Not sure what to get among all the stacks of boxes? Ask Paul for some personal recommendations. Hidden in a residential building in Sham Shui Po, find yourself spending the day literally surrounded by music.

Flat D, 5/F, Wai Hong Building, 239 Cheung Sha Wan Road, Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, +852 9841 7136

See also: Neighbourhood Guide: Where To Eat, Drink And Shop In Sham Shui Po

3. Walls of Sound

Walls of Sound is a paradise for fans of authentic and vintage vinyl lovers. Tucked away in an unknown building near Mid-Levels, this record store has a decent selection of second-hand vinyl from different genres. The shop owner is a big-time jazz enthusiast so expect that a majority of the records available are classic and jazz music. If something has caught your eye but you're still unsure if it's the right choice, you can have a listen before making a purchase.

38 Cochrane Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 805 1584

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4. White Noise Records

Every fan of the indie music scene must have heard of White Noise Records. This quirky record store is perfect for hipsters––with collections ranging from heavy metal, soul, garage to punk. What's more, the store also supports aspiring and up-and-coming musicians by hosting live shows and performances. If that's not enough to convince you to come here, there's a cute cat that hangs around the shop––a perfect companion while record shopping.

G/F, 199 Tai Nan Street, Sham Shui Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2591 0499; facebook.com/WhiteNoiseRec

See also: Tatler's Guide To Being Conversant: Yuen Chi-chung On Popular Music

5. Zoo Records

Mong Kok is an oasis for the hip and artsy youth so it should come as no surprise that a quaint little record shop is located here. Despite its size, Zoo Records boasts a reputable amount of classic and contemporary favourites from pop to experimental, a good portion of which are European indie music. Other than selling records, the store also holds live shows and music festivals showcasing the city's indie talents for you to discover.

Shop 325, 3/F, President Commercial Centre, 608 Nathan Road, Mong Kok, +852 2309 2911; zoo-records.com/main/index.php

See also: From Coachella To Glastonbury: The Best Global Music Festivals To Look Forward To In 2021

6. Kubrick Cafe

Is this a cafe, a book store or a record store? Well, it's all of those. Kubrick Cafe is both a bibliophile and audiophile's haven. Cinephiles, you can still rejoice because next door to the cafe is a cinema, Broadway Cinematheque. After a good meal, you can browse through the shop's range of Asian and indie offerings and spend some time chilling at the listening space. They also sell posters, clothing, and other merchandise––you'll easily find yourself spending hours here. As an extra added treat, the cafe also occasionally has art displays and exhibitions.

3 Public Square Street, Prosperous Garden, Yau Ma Tei, +852 2384 8929; kubrick.com.hk

See also: 10 Books About Hong Kong By Hongkongers

7. Stone Cold Records

Another record store located just a few steps from Mid-Levels is Stone Cold Records. It has an ample amount of brand-new vinyl sold at competitive prices. Compared to other record stores, this one sells relatively mainstream ones but still offer across genres from pop, hip-hop to rock. Given its prime location, dropping by the store is a good way to see another side of the bustling Central district. But hurry because they're only open from 5pm to 8:30 pm.

Room 505, Won Hing Building, 74–78 Stanley Street, Central, Hong Kong, +852 6213 3142; facebook.com/Stone-Cold-Records-HK-461449307543220

See also: The Most Exclusive Residential Neighbourhoods In Hong Kong—And The Properties You Can Expect To Find

8. Lamma Vinyl Record Store

True to vinyl enjoying a comeback, you'll find a record store even in the place you least expect––Lamma Island. This used record store is personally managed by the owner, Ming Ho who is more than happy to dig up your requested genre or give some recommendations. If you're looking to sell your vinyl records, this shop will buy them––which makes up part of their collection. Next time you visit the island, be sure to drop by this neighbourhood shop.

1/F, 45 Main Street Yung Shue Wan, Lamma Island, Hong Kong, +852 2335 0601; lammavinyl.store

See also: Island Guide: What To Eat, Drink And Do In Lamma Island

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