The century-old gem Sun Ngai Shing (or Sun Rise Co.) has been braving Lai Chi Kok’s rain for 45 years, slinging umbrellas that cost a bit more than usual but won’t quit on you for years. Unfortunately, this legendary shop now faces closure, as fifth-generation owner Yau Yiu-wai – known as the ‘Sham Shui Po Umbrella King’ – who is now over 70, had a mild stroke a few years ago. For health reasons, he has decided to call it quits once his stock’s gone. It is truly the end of an era.
Established in 1842 (back in the Qing dynasty, mind you, in the 22nd year of Daoguang rule), the shop has 183 years of history – no mean feat in Hong Kong where trends and businesses shift with the wind. Yau took over the business 45 years ago, moving it to Sham Shui Po’s Pak Ho Street market area. Sun Ngai Shing has developed a reputation for sturdy materials and honest profit margins, a sentiment which seems very far away in this age of cheap Temu-quality tat. “Typhoon signal 10? Trees get uprooted, every umbrella flips. So yeah, buy a good one!” Yau quips about his ware.
Sun Ngai Shing doesn’t just sell and fix umbrellas, they also teach you how to make your umbrella last. Yau demonstrates, “Shake out a folding umbrella bit by bit to open, then gently smooth the canopy when closing. That way, it’ll last longer and save you cash.”
Word of the imminent closure of this historic Hong Kong shop has spread since last week, and both locals and tourists have been visiting to snag souvenirs and snap selfies with the Umbrella King himself. Some Hongkongers abroad have even travelled back to the city just for a Sun Ngai Shing classic umbrella.
The stock’s now down to around 300 umbrellas: foldable ones, long ones, and even automatically opening and closing brollies that fit two people, ranging between HK$45 to $195. Yau will flog all his wares, maybe fix some more brollies on the side, then shutter his doors forever. Are you in need of a tough umbrella that’s full of Hong Kong history? Hit up Sun Rise Co. before the sun sets on this shop!
Sun Ngai Shing is located at 314 Lai Chi Kok Road, Sham Shui Po, and their phone number is 9248 5748.
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