Despite the forests of towers sprouting up on both sides of Victoria Harbour, there are areas of Hong Kong that remain as they have for decades. In such places, especially in their markets, you can still experience the heritage of the city.

I have long enjoyed visiting the traditional shops in the Western District of Hong Kong Island, set on meandering streets and narrow alleyways. The following walking tour will give you a glimpse of a bygone way of life.

Begin at Queen’s Road West, where you will find stores whose windows are full of glass jars, packed with dried herbal remedies. At Possession Street, proceed for one block to Bonham Strand West, which is known for establishments selling ginseng. At Des Voeux Road West, turn right for one block, then take another right onto Wing Lok Street. The shops here specialize in dried seafoods, used for their alleged medicinal properties. (These are a source of growing controversy, as many of the products come from rare or endangered species such as the manta ray, whose dried gills are believed to cure a wide range of aches and pains.)