Pottinger Street—better known as Stone Slab Street (石板街, Sek Baan Gai) —is one of Central’s most characterful historic lanes. Its steep, uneven granite steps, colourful costume stalls and cinematic cityscape offer a quick but memorable contrast to the towers and shopping streets just below.
Set aside 20–40 minutes to walk from Queen’s Road Central up towards Hollywood Road, then continue to nearby Tai Kwun, Central Market or SoHo. For a broader look at what to see, eat and do nearby, explore my complete Central Hong Kong neighbourhood guide.
What Is Pottinger Street? Hong Kong’s Historic Stone Slab Street
Running uphill between Connaught Road Central and Hollywood Road, this Stone Slab Street offers a striking glimpse of nineteenth-century Central within a few minutes’ walk of the city’s financial towers, Central Market and Tai Kwun.
Where Is Pottinger Street in Central?
Pottinger Street cuts through Central’s hillside, connecting the lower commercial district near Connaught Road Central with Hollywood Road above. The most photogenic part is the granite-stepped section between Queen’s Road Central and Hollywood Road, close to Wellington Street, Central Market and the Central–Mid-Levels Escalator.
It is particularly easy to work into a Central walking route: start at Central MTR or Central Market, climb the steps towards Hollywood Road, then continue west to Tai Kwun, Man Mo Temple and Sheung Wan—or head east into SoHo for cafés, restaurants and bars.
Why Is Pottinger Street Also Called Stone Slab Street?
Pottinger Street’s Chinese nickname, Stone Slab Street, comes directly from its distinctive granite paving. Instead of smooth steps, the street is formed from unevenly raised stone blocks that create texture and grip beneath your feet; the design helped people negotiate the steep slope and channel heavy rain downhill.
Those rough granite slabs are the reason the street remains so popular with photographers and visitors today. Look closely as you climb: the stones are not an imperfect modern pavement, but a functional piece of old Hong Kong street design that has survived amid one of Asia’s most rapidly changing city centres.
The History of Pottinger Street
Pottinger Street was built in 1845 and named in 1858 after Sir Henry Pottinger, Hong Kong’s first governor. It began as a route connecting the hillside around Hollywood Road with what was then the developing commercial waterfront; following land reclamation in 1889, it was extended northwards to Connaught Road Central. The street is now recognised as a Grade I historic building, a reminder of how Central looked long before the MTR, elevated walkways and skyscrapers transformed the neighbourhood.
Why Are Pottinger Street’s Stone Steps So Uneven?
The uneven granite surface was a practical response to Pottinger Street’s steep slope. The raised and recessed stones gave pedestrians and sedan-chair carriers more secure footing when travelling up and down the hill, while the layout also helped rainwater drain down either side during Hong Kong’s wet weather. That distinctive surface gave the street its Cantonese nickname, Stone Slab Street (Sek Baan Gai, 石板街), and remains its most recognisable feature today.
From Old Central Street to Grade I Historic Building
Pottinger Street has evolved with Central, but its original character has survived remarkably well. In its earlier days, the lane’s shops and stalls served local residents with practical goods and services, including ready-made clothing, groceries, stationery, shoe repairs and clothing alterations. A major repair programme in 1961 cleaned and restored damaged parts of the stone surface, helping preserve the street’s historic appearance; it was formally designated a Grade I historic building in 2009.
Things to Do on Pottinger Street
Pottinger Street is a small attraction, but it is much more than a shortcut between Central’s lower streets and Hollywood Road. Come for the historic stone steps, take a few photos, browse the eccentric stalls, then use it as the starting point for a wider walk through Central, SoHo or Old Town Central. It is best enjoyed slowly—especially as the incline and uneven paving mean you will want to watch your footing.
Walk the Historic Granite Steps
The main reason to visit Pottinger Street is to walk its distinctive granite steps. Start at the lower end near Queen’s Road Central and climb towards Hollywood Road, where the rising line of stone slabs creates one of Central’s most recognisable streetscapes. The historic paving was designed to provide grip on the hill and channel rainwater downhill, but it also gives the street its wonderfully textured, old-world character.
If you would rather avoid the climb, reverse the route: begin at Hollywood Road and walk downhill towards Central Market and Queen’s Road Central. Either way, the route takes only a few minutes, but its position between the commercial core and the Mid-Levels makes it a memorable transition from skyscrapers and traffic to the older lanes above.
Browse Costumes, Masks and Party-Supply Stalls
Pottinger Street has long been known for its small street-level shops and stalls. Today, it is particularly popular for costumes, masks, wigs, hats, capes, feather boas and party props—a useful stop around Halloween, Christmas, themed parties and school events.
The merchandise varies from shop to shop, so it is worth wandering the full stepped section before buying anything. Even if you are not shopping, the mix of colourful masks, theatrical accessories and tightly packed displays adds to the street’s lively, slightly eccentric personality.
Photograph One of Central’s Most Iconic Streets
Pottinger Street is one of the best places in Central to photograph the collision of old and new Hong Kong. The uneven stone pattern, steep perspective, weathered storefronts and dense walls of surrounding buildings create a scene that feels worlds away from the polished offices only a few blocks below.
For quieter photos, come in the morning before the area gets busy, or visit later in the day when the light softens. Be considerate when shooting: it is a working street and a through-route, so keep stairways clear and avoid blocking stallholders or pedestrians.
See a Famous Hong Kong Film Location
The cinematic setting has made Pottinger Street a familiar backdrop in Hong Kong film. It has appeared in classics including Infernal Affairs, In the Mood for Love and Yesterday Once More, making it a rewarding stop for film fans exploring Central.
You do not need to track down an exact filming spot to appreciate the appeal. Simply walking the steps gives you the layered urban backdrop—historic stonework, compressed buildings and steep hillside—that directors have returned to for decades.
A Short Pottinger Street Walking Route
Pottinger Street works best as a short, atmospheric link in a wider Central walk. Start at Central Market, then walk along Queen’s Road Central to the lower end of Pottinger Street. Climb the historic granite steps toward Wellington Street and Hollywood Road, pausing to browse the costume and party-supply stalls or photograph the distinctive stone paving.
At the top, turn towards Tai Kwun for heritage buildings, galleries and cafés, or continue west along Hollywood Road towards Man Mo Temple, PMQ and the antiques of Cat Street in Sheung Wan. If you want to turn this quick detour into a fuller self-guided route, see my Central and Sheung Wan City Walk, which connects Pottinger Street with the area’s best heritage, design, food and street-art stops.
Practical Tips for Visiting Pottinger Street
Pottinger Street is a public street, so it is free to visit and accessible at any time. The stalls and nearby businesses keep their own hours, however, so visit during the day if you want to browse rather than simply walk the historic route.
- Wear shoes with good grip. The historic section is steep and its undulating granite slabs can be slippery after rain.
- Walk downhill if you prefer an easier route. Start at Hollywood Road and descend towards Queen’s Road Central, Central Market and the waterfront.
- Go early for quieter photos. The steps are a working pedestrian route, so mornings are often more comfortable for photos and less disruptive to passers-by.
- Allow 20–40 minutes. That is enough to walk the street, browse a few stalls and take photos; add time if you continue to Tai Kwun, SoHo or Hollywood Road.
- Plan an alternative if accessibility is a concern. The steep, uneven steps are not suitable for wheelchairs, large luggage, or visitors who find slopes and stairs difficult.
- Pair it with nearby sights. Central Market, Tai Kwun, the Mid-Levels Escalator and Man Mo Temple are all easy additions to a Central or Sheung Wan walking day.
Pottinger Street FAQ
Is Pottinger Street free to visit?
Yes. Pottinger Street is a public street with no admission fee or ticket requirement. You can walk the historic granite steps at any time, although individual stalls and shops follow their own opening hours.
How long does it take to visit Pottinger Street?
The street itself takes around 20–40 minutes to explore at a relaxed pace. It is a quick stop rather than a standalone half-day attraction, but it combines easily with Central Market, Tai Kwun, Hollywood Road and the Mid-Levels Escalator.
Is Pottinger Street difficult to walk?
The historic stone-paved section is steep, uneven and made up of granite steps. Most visitors can manage it with comfortable shoes, but take extra care in wet weather; visitors with limited mobility may prefer viewing it from the top or bottom rather than walking the full route.
Where does Pottinger Street start and end?
Pottinger Street runs through Central between Connaught Road Central at the lower end and Hollywood Road on the hillside above. The best-known Stone Slab Street section is between Queen’s Road Central and Hollywood Road.
Are there shops on Pottinger Street?
Yes. The street is especially known for small stalls and shops selling costumes, masks, wigs, hats, party decorations and novelty accessories. Stock changes regularly, so treat it as a fun browse rather than a guaranteed shopping list.
Why is Pottinger Street called Stone Slab Street?
Pottinger Street is nicknamed Stone Slab Street because of its distinctive raised and recessed granite paving. The uneven design helped people and merchant-bearers navigate the steep hill, while also allowing rainwater to run downhill more effectively.
Which films were shot on Pottinger Street?
The street’s historic, cinematic appearance has featured in Hong Kong films including Infernal Affairs, In the Mood for Love and Yesterday Once More.