Pawnbrokers in Hong Kong

[1][3][4] The pawn shops themselves have several prominent features, including a screen to block the view of passersby, as well as a high counter.

Additionally, these shops are governed by strict regulations, such as having to keep records of all transactions and being obliged to report any suspicious items to the authorities.

Because of this, and because many jewelry and goldsmith shops are located in Central, mortgage and loan facilities are more commonly found there than anywhere else in Hong Kong.

[8][9] A dong zung (Chinese: 擋中) is a large rectangular wooden screen, similar to a pair of doors, located right behind the entrance of the pawn shop.

Another reason for setting a high counter is for security, as it is hard for passers-by and clients to see the environment and workers inside the pawnshop.

The majority of the shops use names including words meaning harmonious (for example 'tung' (同), 'wo' (和)) and/or prosperous (for example 'chang' (昌), 'fat' (發), 'fung' (豐)).