Dozens of people flocked to a small shop in an old Hong Kong neighborhood to bid farewell to the “Umbrella King,” who is retiring after decades spent repairing umbrellas in his family-owned store.
During the Qing dynasty in 1842, the Yao family founded the “Sun Rise” company in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou. The current owner of the shop announced earlier this month that his family’s historic 183-year-old store would close its doors at the end of the year.
Five generations have inherited this family shop, but due to changing consumer habits shifting towards online shopping and his advancing age, he decided to close the store. He said, “We have maintained our family’s reputation and this legacy came to me… It truly pains me to end this business. I apologize to my ancestors.”
After the shop faced difficulties during the war, it was moved to Hong Kong, eventually settling among meat and vegetable vendors in the bustling Sham Shui Po district. He said, “The wheel of time has turned today and crushed me with its weight.”
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News of the shop’s closure spread through social media, with one activist on these platforms describing it as “another loss of a wonderful business in the community.” A 20-year-old student said, “He truly cared about selling good, practical umbrellas to customers,” adding, “It was clear he devoted himself to running this shop.”
Pieces of History
A 60-year-old local resident considered seeing these historic shops close akin to the end of an era, adding, “What a pity… They are all pieces of history, and we ourselves become part of history.”
While most retailers focus on replacing customers’ old umbrellas with new ones, he says he strives to extend an umbrella’s lifespan, explaining that “this approach aims to protect the environment; it’s a social responsibility.”
He noted that fewer than five umbrella repair specialists like him still practice this “barely profitable” trade in Hong Kong.
He explained that he currently has no choice but to end this service he takes pride in, saying, “I am getting older. Forgive me, I can no longer continue,” adding that he suffered a stroke several years ago. He concluded by saying, “The most important thing for you is to stay aware… and learn how to care for the environment.”
Hong Kong
Hong Kong is a Special Administrative Region of China, originally a British colony from 1842 until its handover back to China in 1997. It operates under the “one country, two systems” principle, maintaining a distinct legal and economic system from mainland China. The city is a major global financial hub known for its iconic skyline and deep natural harbor.
Umbrella King
The “Umbrella King” refers to a nickname for Zhang Xiaoquan, a historic Chinese brand founded in 1663 that became famous for its high-quality scissors and, later, durable steel-ribbed umbrellas. It represents a centuries-old tradition of craftsmanship in Hangzhou, surviving through dynastic changes and modernization to become a cultural icon of practical and reliable goods.
Sun Rise
“Sun Rise” is not a widely recognized specific cultural site or place, so it may refer to a general concept or a local establishment. If it is intended to reference a location like a sunrise viewpoint or a cultural event, it typically symbolizes new beginnings and is celebrated in many traditions worldwide. Without more context, a detailed historical summary cannot be provided.
Guangzhou
Guangzhou, historically known as Canton, is a major port city in southern China with a history spanning over 2,200 years. It served as a key terminus of the Maritime Silk Road and was the first Chinese port regularly visited by European traders. The city is a significant cultural and economic hub, famous for its Cantonese cuisine, Lingnan architecture, and modern landmarks like the Canton Tower.
Sham Shui Po district
Sham Shui Po is a historic district in Kowloon, Hong Kong, originally a coastal area that developed into a major industrial and manufacturing hub in the 20th century. Today, it is known for its bustling street markets, electronics bazaars, and dense residential neighborhoods, reflecting Hong Kong’s grassroots culture and urban transformation.
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, with a history dating back to Roman times when it was known as Emona. The city’s iconic Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture was heavily influenced by the early 20th-century redesigns of architect Jože Plečnik following a major earthquake in 1895.
Japanese carbon umbrellas
Japanese carbon umbrellas, known as *wagasa*, are traditional umbrellas made from bamboo and washi paper, with a history dating back over a thousand years. Modern adaptations now incorporate carbon fiber for enhanced durability and lightness while maintaining the classic aesthetic. They represent a fusion of ancient craftsmanship with contemporary materials.
