Hong Kong jewellery sales sparkle amid 13% jump in mainland Chinese visitors
South China Morning Post
by Oscar LiuFebruary 22, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Hong Kong’s jewellery sales saw a significant boost during the Lunar New Year holiday, driven by a 13% increase in mainland Chinese visitors. Despite a sharp rise in gold prices, jewellery stores reported a 10% growth in sales, reflecting the strong spending power of mainland tourists. This trend was particularly evident in luxury goods and cosmetics, with sales surging by 40 to 50% during the holiday period. Lawmaker Peter Shiu described this as a “pleasant surprise,” highlighting the resilience of Hong Kong’s retail sector after a challenging year.
The influx of mainland visitors contributed to a broader uptick in business across various sectors, though recovery remained uneven. Immigration data revealed that over 1 million mainland tourists visited Hong Kong between February 15 and March 2, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. This surge in tourism coincided with extended holiday periods on the mainland, creating a nine-day break that likely fueled spending on luxury goods. Shiu noted that while not all sectors saw direct benefits from the visitor boom, the overall market conditions showed improvement compared to previous years.
The Lunar New Year break typically brings higher foot traffic to Hong Kong’s retail hubs, and this year was no exception. jewellery stores, in particular, benefited from the influx of mainland tourists, who have historically been key drivers of luxury spending in the region. The growth in sales underscores the importance of tourism to Hong Kong’s economy, even as challenges such as rising gold prices continue to impact consumer behavior. This rebound in retail activity signals a potential recovery for the sector, which has faced years of decline due to political tensions and economic uncertainties.
For readers interested in global economics, this highlights the interconnectedness of regional markets and the role of tourism in driving economic growth. The surge in mainland visitors and their spending habits not only reflects the resilience of Hong Kong’s retail industry but also offers insights into broader trends in Asia’s luxury market. As Hong Kong continues to position itself as a key destination for shopping and tourism, this data serves as an encouraging
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/22/2026