Hing Tai

Paper Mahjong Set

Qing Ming Festival, aka Tomb Sweeping Day, falls on the 4th day of the 4th month on the Lunar calendar (4 symbolizes death in Chinese culture). It is traditionally a day to visit and remember your ancestors.

Hing Tai is a funeral paper goods shop on Mosco and Mulberry Street, also nicknamed Funeral Parlor Row due to the number of funeral homes, funeral paper goods shops, and florists. Mr. Ou, the owner, is from Hong Kong. His brother-in-law’s family was in the funeral paper goods industry and introduced him to the field. He opened up Hing Tai over 30 years ago to continue the family business here in NYC! His workshop is below the storefront, where he assembles all the paper goods by hand.

In Chinese culture, it is believed that if you burn something, your ancestors in the afterlife will receive it. It started with just joss paper, aka paper money, but it slowly evolved to include so much more! At Hing Tai, you can find a variety of paper goods, including mahjong, alcohol, cigarettes, electronics, luxury goods, home appliances, mansions, fancy cars, Chinese medicine, and even dental care!

Mr. Ou said the bestselling items at his shop are Apple products, and here you can get them at a fraction of the price (only $12 for a set that includes an iPad, iPhone, AirPods, Apple Watch, HomePod, wireless charger, and wall charger). What a thoughtful gift! Another popular item is the houses, as settling down and owning property is important for many Chinese families. When you purchase a property at Hing Tai, it even comes with a paper lease!

Next time you’re in Chinatown, check out Hing Tai to learn more about this cool Chinese tradition!

📍 Hing Tai
100 Mosco Street, New York, NY 10013