Guide to Shiu Shing Hong: The Famous Essential Oil Shop on Jervois Street, Hong Kong
Located in the heart of Sheung Wan, Shiu Shing Hong is a well-known essential oil shop on Jervois Street with more than five decades of history. This family-operated business has established itself as a popular destination for aromatherapy lovers, cosmetic creators, and those looking for premium essential oils and fragrance components. The shop represents a fascinating blend of traditional Hong Kong retail culture and modern aromatherapy practices, offering an experience that transports visitors back to a time when personalized service and expert knowledge were the hallmarks of specialty shopping.
The longevity of this establishment speaks volumes about its quality and reliability. In a city where businesses come and go with remarkable speed, surviving for over fifty years requires more than just luck—it demands consistent quality, fair pricing, and genuine expertise. Shiu Shing Hong has managed to maintain its reputation across generations, serving everyone from professional perfumers and cosmetic formulators to home hobbyists and aromatherapy enthusiasts.
The Atmosphere and First Impressions
When you enter Shiu Shing Hong, you'll find shelves filled with hundreds of small glass bottles that evoke the atmosphere of a traditional apothecary. The visual impact is immediate and somewhat overwhelming in the best possible way. The shop feels like stepping into a time capsule, where the focus is entirely on the products rather than flashy marketing or modern retail design. Though the storefront is modest and unpretentious, the shop offers an impressive collection of essential oils, fragrance oils, and raw materials from European and other high-quality suppliers.
The interior layout is practical rather than decorative. Every inch of space is utilized to display the extensive inventory, with bottles organized by type and category. The lighting is functional, designed to help customers read labels rather than create ambiance. There's a certain authenticity to this no-frills approach that many customers find refreshing in an age of over-designed retail spaces. The shop's appearance hasn't changed dramatically over the decades, maintaining its character as a genuine supplier rather than a trendy boutique.
The aromatic experience upon entering is equally memorable. Multiple fragrances mingle in the air, creating a complex and ever-changing olfactory landscape. Depending on which bottles have been recently opened or which products are being sampled, you might catch notes of lavender mixed with citrus, or woody scents blending with floral undertones. For those sensitive to strong scents, it can be initially intense, but most visitors find the experience delightful and inviting.
Extensive Product Selection
Essential Oils Collection
The shop carries popular essential oils including lavender for relaxation and calming, rose for luxury and romance, jasmine for sensual and uplifting effects, tea tree for antibacterial and purifying purposes, and peppermint for refreshing and energizing benefits. However, these common varieties represent just a fraction of what's available. The shelves contain oils from plants and flowers sourced from around the world, including rare and exotic varieties that are difficult to find elsewhere in Hong Kong.
The quality of the essential oils is consistently high, with most products being pure, undiluted oils rather than synthetic fragrances or heavily diluted versions. This commitment to purity means that customers get genuine therapeutic benefits from the products. The oils are typically stored in dark glass bottles to protect them from light degradation, and the shop maintains proper storage conditions to preserve the integrity of these delicate products.
Customers can find essential oils organized by botanical family, therapeutic property, or alphabetically, depending on their preference. The range includes common household staples like eucalyptus, lemon, and chamomile, as well as more specialized oils such as neroli, sandalwood, vetiver, and ylang-ylang. For those interested in traditional Chinese aromatics, the shop also stocks oils that complement Eastern wellness practices.
The pricing structure is notably reasonable, especially considering the quality of the products. While boutique aromatherapy shops in other parts of Hong Kong might charge premium prices for the same oils, Shiu Shing Hong maintains accessible pricing that reflects its roots as a supplier rather than a lifestyle brand. This makes it possible for customers to experiment with different oils and build comprehensive collections without breaking the bank.
Signature Fragrances and Custom Blends
Beyond pure essential oils, Shiu Shing Hong creates custom fragrance blends and provides signature scent copies based on high-end hotels and shopping centers, such as the Four Seasons Hotel Hong Kong, Wynn Macau, and Landmark Hong Kong. This unique offering has made the shop particularly popular among those who want to recreate luxury hotel scents at home. The ability to capture these sophisticated fragrances represents a significant part of the shop's appeal and expertise.
The hotel-inspired fragrances are remarkably accurate recreations of the signature scents that luxury establishments use to create their distinctive atmospheres. These scents are carefully formulated to evoke the same feelings of elegance and comfort that guests experience in these prestigious venues. Whether you want to bring the tranquil spa atmosphere of a five-star hotel into your bathroom or recreate the welcoming lobby scent in your entryway, Shiu Shing Hong can provide the necessary fragrance oils.
Custom blending services allow customers to work directly with the staff to create personalized fragrances. This might involve combining several essential oils to achieve a specific therapeutic effect, such as a sleep-promoting blend of lavender, chamomile, and bergamot, or an energizing mixture of citrus and mint oils. Alternatively, customers might seek to recreate a cherished memory associated with a particular scent, or develop a signature fragrance for personal use or as a thoughtful gift.
The shop's expertise in fragrance blending extends beyond simple combinations. The staff understand fragrance notes—top, middle, and base—and can create well-balanced compositions that evolve pleasantly over time. They consider factors such as scent longevity, intensity, and how different oils interact with each other chemically and aromatically. This level of knowledge elevates the custom blending service from simple mixing to genuine perfumery.
DIY Skincare and Cosmetic Ingredients
For individuals interested in creating homemade skincare and cosmetics, Shiu Shing Hong provides numerous raw ingredients for DIY beauty recipes, whether you're a professional formulator or hobbyist. Available ingredients include zinc oxide for sunscreens and calming skincare, magnesium sulfate for bath soaks and muscle relief, carrier oils like jojoba, sweet almond, and grapeseed for dilution and skincare, natural butters such as shea and cocoa butter for creams and body balms, and color dyes and cosmetic-grade pigments for lip balms, soaps, and candles.
The range of carrier oils deserves special mention, as these are essential for anyone working with essential oils or creating skincare products. Each carrier oil has unique properties and benefits. Jojoba oil, for instance, closely resembles human sebum and is excellent for facial care. Sweet almond oil is gentle and nourishing, perfect for massage oils and baby products. Grapeseed oil is lightweight and easily absorbed, making it ideal for oily skin types. The shop stocks these and many other carrier oils, including argan, rosehip, avocado, and coconut oils, each with specific applications.
Natural butters available at the shop provide the base for many DIY cosmetic formulations. Shea butter is prized for its moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, while cocoa butter offers rich hydration and a subtle chocolate scent. Mango butter, kokum butter, and other specialty butters expand the possibilities for creating unique textures and benefits in homemade products. These butters can be used alone as intensive moisturizers or incorporated into more complex formulations.
The shop also carries fragrance fixatives and emulsifiers that enable customers to make professional-quality products at home. Emulsifiers are crucial for creating stable lotions and creams that properly combine water and oil phases. Without the right emulsifier, homemade creams would separate and become unusable. Fixatives help fragrances last longer, whether in perfumes, candles, or room sprays. These technical ingredients transform amateur DIY projects into polished, professional-quality products.
Beyond the basics, Shiu Shing Hong stocks specialized ingredients that appeal to advanced formulators. This includes various waxes for balms and candles, preservatives for water-based products, botanical extracts for added skincare benefits, and even packaging supplies. The availability of such comprehensive supplies makes it possible to complete entire projects with materials purchased from a single source, saving time and ensuring compatibility between ingredients.
Exceptional Customer Service
A key reason for Shiu Shing Hong's excellent reputation is its knowledgeable and helpful staff. They readily provide expert advice on essential oils and their properties, make suggestions based on specific requirements such as stress relief, skincare, or home fragrances, and help customers develop personalized fragrance combinations. The staff's expertise comes from years, sometimes decades, of experience working with these products daily.
What sets the customer service apart is the genuine willingness to educate rather than simply sell. Staff members take time to explain how different oils work, what safety precautions to observe, and how to get the best results from products. They share insights about dilution ratios for topical application, diffusion methods for aromatherapy, and storage recommendations to maximize shelf life. This educational approach empowers customers to make informed decisions and use products effectively.
The personalized attention extends to problem-solving for specific situations. A customer dealing with insomnia might receive recommendations for a bedtime diffuser blend combined with advice about application timing and complementary practices. Someone interested in natural cleaning products would learn which essential oils have antimicrobial properties and how to formulate effective, safe cleaning solutions. The staff approach each customer's needs individually rather than offering one-size-fits-all solutions.
Language is rarely a barrier at Shiu Shing Hong. Staff members typically speak Cantonese, English, and often Mandarin, accommodating Hong Kong's diverse population and international visitors. This multilingual capability ensures that everyone can access the expertise and guidance offered, regardless of their linguistic background. The staff's communication style is patient and clear, making complex information about chemistry and aromatherapy accessible to beginners while still providing valuable insights for experienced users.
The shop's commitment to customer satisfaction is evident in their return and exchange policies, which are fair and reasonable. If a product doesn't meet expectations or isn't suitable for the intended purpose, the staff work with customers to find alternatives. This flexibility builds trust and encourages customers to experiment with new products without fear of being stuck with something unsuitable.
Why Visit Shiu Shing Hong?
Shiu Shing Hong distinguishes itself through its broad selection of essential oils and fragrance ingredients, competitive pricing versus boutique retailers, signature scents modeled after luxury hotels, raw materials for DIY cosmetics and personal care, and customized customer service with professional guidance. These factors combine to create a shopping experience that's both practical and memorable.
The value proposition is exceptional. Where else in Hong Kong can you find such an extensive range of aromatherapy and cosmetic ingredients at wholesale-style prices with boutique-level service? The shop occupies a unique niche, serving both serious professionals who need reliable supplies and casual enthusiasts who want to explore aromatherapy without excessive expense. This dual appeal has helped the business thrive across changing market conditions and shifting consumer preferences.
The educational value of visiting Shiu Shing Hong shouldn't be underestimated. Even a brief conversation with the staff can provide insights that would take hours of online research to uncover. Learning about the properties of different oils, understanding quality indicators, and discovering new applications for familiar products all contribute to a deeper appreciation of aromatherapy and natural cosmetics. Many customers report that their visits to the shop have inspired new hobbies or even professional pursuits in natural product formulation.
For tourists and visitors to Hong Kong, Shiu Shing Hong offers a glimpse into the city's authentic character. While Hong Kong is known for its modern shopping malls and international brands, shops like this one represent the traditional retail culture that still thrives in older neighborhoods. Visiting provides cultural insight alongside practical shopping, making it a meaningful addition to any Hong Kong itinerary.
The shop also serves as an unexpected community hub. Regular customers often encounter each other during visits, exchanging tips and recommendations. The staff facilitate these connections, sometimes introducing customers with similar interests or complementary expertise. This community aspect adds a social dimension to what might otherwise be a purely transactional shopping experience.
Practical Information
Name: Shiu Shing Hong (兆成行)
Address: G/F, 130A Jervois Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong
Phone: +852 2544 5964
Hours: Generally Monday to Saturday, 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Sundays and public holidays)
It's worth noting that the shop maintains relatively traditional hours, reflecting its long-standing business practices. Unlike many modern retailers that stay open late into the evening, Shiu Shing Hong closes at 6 PM, so plan your visit accordingly. The Sunday closure provides the staff with a regular day of rest, another traditional practice that's becoming increasingly rare in Hong Kong's always-open retail culture.
During public holidays, the shop typically remains closed, following Hong Kong's holiday calendar. Major holidays like Chinese New Year, Christmas, and local festivals mean the shop will be unavailable, so international visitors should check the holiday schedule before planning a special trip. However, the shop is remarkably consistent about its operating hours during regular business days, with closures or changes being rare exceptions.
Getting There and Neighborhood Context
The shop is located in Sheung Wan, one of Hong Kong's most vibrant neighborhoods known for its mix of traditional and modern culture. Jervois Street is easily accessible via the MTR Sheung Wan station. The area is also known for its antique shops, traditional Chinese medicine stores, and trendy cafes, making it worth exploring beyond just the essential oil shop.
Sheung Wan offers a fascinating contrast to the gleaming modernity of Hong Kong's Central district, located just a few MTR stops away. While Central represents contemporary Hong Kong with its skyscrapers and international banks, Sheung Wan retains much of the character that defined Hong Kong in earlier decades. Narrow streets lined with traditional shophouses stand alongside renovated spaces housing contemporary galleries and restaurants. This juxtaposition of old and new creates a uniquely Hong Kong atmosphere.
To reach Shiu Shing Hong from the MTR, exit at Sheung Wan station and head toward the western district. The walk takes approximately five to ten minutes, depending on your pace and which exit you use. The route takes you through streets that showcase the neighborhood's diverse character. You'll pass dried seafood shops with their distinctive aromas, traditional herbalists displaying roots and dried ingredients, and modern coffee shops filled with young professionals and creative types.
Jervois Street itself has an interesting character. It's not a major thoroughfare but rather a local street that serves the neighborhood's residents and specialized shops. The buildings are mostly low-rise, typically four to six stories, with ground-floor retail and residential units above. This creates a human-scale street environment that encourages browsing and discovery. The presence of Shiu Shing Hong alongside other specialty shops contributes to the street's identity as a destination for discerning shoppers seeking particular products.
The surrounding area offers numerous complementary shopping opportunities. Traditional Chinese medicine shops can provide herbs and natural remedies that share philosophical ground with aromatherapy. Antique shops might yield vintage perfume bottles or decorative containers perfect for displaying essential oils at home. Dried goods shops stock ingredients that can complement DIY projects, from dried flowers for potpourri to natural materials for crafts.
For those planning to make a day of their visit, Sheung Wan's dining options range from traditional dai pai dongs (open-air food stalls) serving authentic Cantonese cuisine to contemporary restaurants offering international fare. The neighborhood's cafes provide excellent spots to rest and plan your purchases, perhaps reviewing notes about which oils to buy or researching formulation ideas. The area's walkable nature means you can easily combine a visit to Shiu Shing Hong with other errands or explorations.
The neighborhood's accessibility extends beyond the MTR. Bus routes serve the area extensively, and the historic tram system runs through Sheung Wan, offering a charming and economical way to reach the district. For those willing to walk, the neighborhood connects naturally with Western District's attractions and Central's business heart. Taxis can easily access Jervois Street, though traffic in the area can be congested during peak hours.
Shopping Tips and Recommendations
Don't be intimidated by the vast selection—the staff are genuinely helpful and can guide you to what you need. First-time visitors should consider approaching their visit with an open mind rather than a rigid plan. While it's good to have goals, being flexible allows you to benefit from the staff's recommendations and discover products you might not have considered.
Come with specific goals in mind, whether those are relaxation, skincare, home fragrance, or other applications, to make your shopping more efficient. However, balance this focus with curiosity. Some of the best discoveries happen when customers stumble upon unexpected products or learn about new applications for familiar oils. The staff can help you stay oriented while exploring beyond your initial intentions.
If you're interested in recreating luxury hotel scents, ask specifically about their signature blends. Be prepared to describe the scent memory as clearly as possible—where you encountered it, what emotions or atmosphere it evoked, and any specific notes you remember. The staff have extensive experience with these requests and can often identify the scent family or specific blend from your description.
Consider bringing a notebook or using your phone to take notes during your visit. With so many products and so much information shared, it's easy to forget specific details after you leave. Recording product names, dilution ratios, and application suggestions ensures you can reference this information later. Some customers photograph product labels (with permission) to remember exactly which variety or brand they purchased.
For those planning to purchase larger quantities or multiple items, bringing small containers can be practical. While the shop provides bottles for purchases, having your own containers might allow for more convenient portioning or transfer. However, check with staff before bringing containers, as some products may require specific types of bottles for safety or preservation reasons.
Payment methods are worth confirming in advance. Many traditional Hong Kong shops prefer cash transactions, and while some accept electronic payments, it's wise to have Hong Kong dollars available. The shop's focus on products rather than retail infrastructure means payment systems might be more basic than what you'd find in modern shopping centers. ATMs are readily available in the neighborhood if you need to withdraw cash.
Timing your visit can enhance the experience. Mid-morning on weekdays often provides the most relaxed atmosphere, with fewer crowds and more staff availability for extended consultations. Saturday mornings can be busier as working people run weekend errands, though the energy can be enjoyable. Avoid visiting right before closing time, as this doesn't allow adequate time to browse and consult with staff properly.
For international visitors planning to take products home, consider travel restrictions on liquids and bottles. Essential oils are generally permissible in checked luggage, but quantities and packaging matter. The staff can advise on appropriate bottle sizes and secure packaging for travel. Some customers prefer to have items shipped internationally, though you'd need to arrange this independently or inquire whether the shop offers such services.
Building a relationship with the shop can enhance subsequent visits. Once staff members recognize you and understand your interests, they can offer increasingly personalized recommendations. They might alert you to new arrivals that match your preferences or suggest products that complement previous purchases. This relationship-based shopping represents one of the key advantages of supporting established, family-run businesses.
Florist guide
Whether you're restocking your essential oil collection, interested in making custom fragrances, or exploring DIY skincare, Shiu Shing Hong offers a unique shopping experience that blends old-world charm with high-quality products at accessible prices. The shop represents more than just a retail establishment—it's a preservation of traditional Hong Kong shopping culture, a repository of specialized knowledge, and a community resource for aromatherapy enthusiasts at all levels.
In an era of online shopping and impersonal retail experiences, Shiu Shing Hong reminds us of the value of expert guidance and personalized service. The shop's continued success after more than fifty years demonstrates that quality, authenticity, and genuine expertise remain appealing to consumers despite changing retail trends. For anyone interested in essential oils, aromatherapy, or natural cosmetics, visiting this Jervois Street institution provides both practical benefits and a connection to Hong Kong's enduring retail traditions.
