HONG KONG: One woman in Hong Kong has set up shop in an unusual location to help people find love - in a wet market out in the New Territories.

Luen Wo Hui Market in the New Territories is a typical Hong Kong wet market. It is full of stalls offering the usual fare of fresh food staples, flowers and the occasional live fish.

But wander down to Lane 10 and you will find a stall owner whose business is to help lonely hearts find that special someone.

Connie Law, 57, opened her matchmaking agency in the market a month ago. Her inspiration came after the government started renting out stalls to service-based businesses, in a bid to revamp the market.

Ms Law said: "I know quite a wide network of people. I also have friends in the mainland who are matchmakers. They always said to me, You should consider being a matchmaker because you know so many people!'

"At first I said 'no' because office rents were so high. It cost more than HK$30,000 (US$3,870). But coincidentally, I found they were renting out the space here as low as HK$1,100 (US$142) per month."

Ms Law has even decorated her office like a bedroom for newlyweds, to create a romantic atmosphere. She used to work for a stamp collection company, and later helped take care of her grandchildren. But she has always had a flair for playing cupid.

She said: "Before I started my business, I had already matched up quite a few of my friends and we became closer as a result. So everyone feels very happy. And it's great because I made something wonderful happen."

Running a dating agency in the middle of a wet market may seem strange, but it does have its perks. Ms Law said clients can shop around and then casually drop by, making it less embarrassing.

"If they go to an agency in an office, it is obvious they are looking for a wife or husband. But here, it just feels like they are chatting with a friend. So it is a more relaxed and happy atmosphere," said Ms Law.

If the match is successful, clients hand over about US$385. But some people will say that is a small price to pay for true love.

CNA/yt