Kowloon Walled City Park, Hong Kong

I’ve been to Hong Kong quite a few times but I’ve only read about Kowloon Walled City fairly recently. It’s really in the middle of nowhere far from the hustle and bustle of town that Hong Kong prides itself on so it’s hardly surprising if it’s not exactly marketed as a tourist spot.

Originally a Chinese military port, it was subsequently owned by the British and then overtaken by squatters who turned it into a hothouse for triads with gambling dens, brothels and opium houses – generally an unsavoury crowd. It ended up largely ungoverned and that status remained until its demolition in 1987 which is recent history.

What made the Walled City unique (and gave it its name) was how, because it was originally a fort, it was contained in a square of space, growing upwards as the population grew.

What remains now of the slums are remnants of the South Gate and some signs that the old fort was marked with. In its place is a park whose serenity surely is in stark contrast to the original atmosphere.

The park is a short walk from Lok Fu MTR station which is at least a half hour ride from the shopping belt but is well-marked by signs leading to it. There are pretty stone sculptures and pavilions but almost entirely devoid of people except for the occasional group of senior citizens playing chess or having tea. To the neighbourhood  it probably is just another park to while away an afternoon.