I've come across this place back when I was still studying in CU Fine Arts 2001. Having heard that Dang Lung Street are where they sell most of our painting canvases cin a relatively cheap price, inevitably I become a regular. 

Since then, Sham Shui Po has become more than just the place where I buy my canvases. It is also a place where I found many treasures, where I find my material to make my own outfits. 

Ap Liu Street is one of my favorites. You can buy literally any knock-offs you can think of, cell phones with multi functions or radio/tv services, fishing rods, instruments, jukebox, electrical appliances, antiques...you name it. I once bought myself a fake "Samsung" duo sim card phone just so i can use it when I travel within China. The reason I bought it? It was promoted as the phone with the loudest ring tone! (i needed that considering I always miss my phone calls).

A pair of real gold earrings made in Paris...man that was one of the best buys of my life. The pair of earrings was basically thrown in a tray pile full of other junk, in which I believe could have be stolen or "borrowed" used goods, but whatever it is the fun part is to bargain with the old man holding the tray. I said how much are these, the old man replied, "emm...$20". I immediately took them without saying a word. (I don't think he realize they are real gold). 

Anyway, by far the best experience is to obtain my first acoustic guitar there. There were other used instruments who all once belonged to someone. Mine belonged to a little girl named Jennifer of class 3D. Well looks to me like she didn't want it no more, and its black (my favorite color) so I took it for $150. The 5 strings were in poor shape but its my first guitar and now it has only 3 strings left, and I still play it from time to time at my own studio while waiting layers of paint to dry on my canvas.

The street parallel to Ap Liu Street (forgot the name), had a stall with an old man who occasionally jams with other musicians playing his er-wu, the other men playing a Chinese flute or sometimes a harmonica. I've walked by there many times, because I had to have my fresh soy-bean milk at one of the shops every time i walk pass that street.

They play the most melancholy music, and many of whom passer-bys, tourists or random strangers from all walks of life, would stop and listen to them play. It seems as if they are saying something with their music jamming. Whether its an emotional output for their struggles of every day life, or just an impulsive act to play music, I think they play good. They are playing truthful and honest music. Its so natural yet speaks for itself. 

If Sham Shui Po has a soundtrack, that would be it.

AMA 9/3/2011