Hong Kong Bids Farewell to Its ‘King of Umbrellas’ as Historic Family Shop Closes

Scores of residents gathered at a small, crowded shop in one of Hong Kong’s old districts to say goodbye to the city’s well-known “king of umbrellas,” as he prepares to retire after decades of repairing umbrellas.

The shop, Sun Rise Company, was established in 1842 during the Qing Dynasty by the Yau family in Guangzhou, southern China. Over time, the business moved to Hong Kong and settled in Sham Shui Po, a busy area known for its traditional markets.

The current owner, 73-year-old Yau Yiu-wai, announced earlier this month that the 183-year-old family business will close at the end of the year. The shop has been passed down through five generations.

Yau said changing shopping habits, especially the shift toward online purchases, along with his age and health issues, made it impossible to continue.

“We have protected our family’s reputation for generations, and it truly hurts to end it now,” he said, adding that he felt sorry to his ancestors for closing the business.

After surviving wartime hardships, the shop rebuilt its life in Hong Kong. But Yau said time has finally caught up with him. “The wheel of time has rolled over me,” he said.

News of the closure spread quickly on social media, with many residents expressing sadness. One user described it as “another loss of a wonderful community business.”

Student Niki Lum said Yau genuinely cared about offering customers strong and practical umbrellas. “You could see he put his heart into this shop,” she said.

Longtime resident Peter Tam said watching traditional shops disappear feels like the end of an era. “These places are pieces of history,” he said. “And we are becoming history too.”

Unlike most retailers, Yau focused on repairing umbrellas instead of encouraging customers to buy new ones. He said this approach supported environmental protection and social responsibility.

Some customers brought umbrellas for sentimental reasons, including couples who viewed them as symbols of care and affection.

Yau said fewer than five umbrella repairmen like him are still working in Hong Kong, as the trade brings little profit. After suffering a stroke several years ago, he said he no longer has the strength to continue.

“I’m getting old, and I just can’t carry on anymore,” he said. “The most important thing is to stay smart and learn to be eco-friendly.”

With the shop’s closure, Hong Kong will lose not just a business, but a living piece of its cultural heritage.