City of Imagination: Kowloon Walled City 20 Years Later

Summary

Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong was an extraordinary, overcrowded urban labyrinth that existed in defiance of conventional urban planning. Initially a military outpost, it became a thriving community of 33,000 people living in cramped, lawless conditions. The city was home to refugees, tradespeople, and entrepreneurs, with residents surviving through ingenuity amidst severe poverty and scarce resources. Despite its challenges, Kowloon Walled City fostered a unique sense of community. Its demolition in 1993 marked the end of an era, but its legacy remains, symbolizing resilience, resourcefulness, and the enduring spirit of its inhabitants.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Kowloon Walled City was a unique, lawless urban area in Hong Kong, characterized by extreme density and a blend of crime, commerce, and community.
• 😀 Initially a squatter settlement, the Kowloon Walled City grew into one of the most densely populated places on Earth, with 33,000 people living in a small area.
• 😀 The Kowloon Walled City was a symbol of Chinese sovereignty within British Hong Kong, and its existence was influenced by historical agreements between the two powers.
• 😀 Following the Chinese Communist takeover in 1949, the Walled City became a refuge for many Chinese immigrants fleeing political turmoil and poverty.
• 😀 Life in the Walled City was marked by extreme poverty for some, but it also became a haven for many skilled professionals such as doctors and dentists who could not practice elsewhere.
• 😀 The city's lack of infrastructure, like having only one water pump, exemplified its separation from the more prosperous parts of Hong Kong.
• 😀 Despite its lawlessness, the Walled City was not considered a slum; it functioned as a self-sustained community where people still had hope for a better life.
• 😀 In the 1970s, Hong Kong’s economic boom indirectly affected the Walled City, creating a contrast between its inhabitants and the wealthier colony.
• 😀 In 1991, photographer and scholar Soen Ho came to document the Walled City, recording the chaotic yet unique urban environment.
• 😀 The Walled City was demolished in 1993, and while it is largely forgotten in Hong Kong, its legacy and mystique continue to inspire interest internationally, such as in Japan, where parts of it were recreated in a theme park.

Q & A

What was the initial purpose of the Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong?

The Kowloon Walled City started as a squatter settlement after an 1898 agreement between China and Britain, where the area was ceded to China but remained ungoverned, leading to its unregulated growth.

Why was Kowloon Walled City often described as a 'vertical urban village'?

Kowloon Walled City was called a 'vertical urban village' because of its tightly packed, high-rise buildings, some of which reached 14 stories. It was an organic, chaotic blend of residential, commercial, and industrial spaces.

What made Kowloon Walled City unique in terms of its urban planning?

Kowloon Walled City lacked formal urban planning. Its buildings grew haphazardly, with narrow alleys, densely packed rooms, and minimal infrastructure. It was one of the most densely populated places on Earth.

What role did Kowloon Walled City play during Hong Kong's economic boom in the 1970s?

During Hong Kong's economic boom in the 1970s, Kowloon Walled City was home to many refugees and migrant workers. Despite its poverty and lack of amenities, it was a place of opportunity where people set up businesses and carried out trades.

How did the political climate in China affect the development of Kowloon Walled City?

After the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China in 1949, many refugees fled to Hong Kong. Many of these refugees settled in Kowloon Walled City, bringing their professions and trades, which contributed to the city's informal economy.

What was the general sentiment towards Kowloon Walled City among Hong Kong residents?

Many Hong Kong residents viewed Kowloon Walled City with disdain, seeing it as a symbol of poverty, crime, and a lack of governance. However, for its residents, it was home and a place of survival.

Why did the Hong Kong government decide to demolish Kowloon Walled City?

The Hong Kong government decided to demolish Kowloon Walled City in 1987 due to its unsanitary conditions, lack of infrastructure, and the growing need to reclaim land for development. The decision was part of Hong Kong's plans to clean up the city in preparation for its return to Chinese sovereignty.

What aspects of Kowloon Walled City have inspired artists and filmmakers?

The unique, chaotic atmosphere of Kowloon Walled City, along with its rich history of vice and survival, has inspired artists, filmmakers, and even theme park designers. It has been depicted in various forms of media, often as a symbol of urban decay and resilience.

How has Kowloon Walled City been remembered after its demolition?

Even after its demolition, Kowloon Walled City remains a powerful symbol in Hong Kong's history. Its legacy lives on through documentaries, art, and public discussion, though its physical presence has been erased, replaced by a park.

What role did nostalgia play in the perception of Kowloon Walled City after its demolition?

Nostalgia played a significant role in how Kowloon Walled City was remembered after its demolition. Some former residents and outsiders mourned its loss, recalling the community and resilience it represented, despite its lawlessness and harsh living conditions.