Kowloon Walled City Park is built on the site of the former Kowloon Walled City. Kowloon Walled City was used by Imperial Chinese officials from the 16th century. It became a garrison because of it’s strategic value as it runs across the Kowloon peninsula. At 1898, New Territories was leased to Britain. Although Kowloon Walled City was still a Chinese territory, all troops were forced to leave. This left the “city” under a power vacuum, where there was no authority and law enforcers - making it the haven of crime.
The garrison was a place of crime and dissipation. It became the centre point of drug trafficking, prostitution and organized crimes. Fugitives and other criminals fled to the garrison to avoid capture. In 1987, the British took control over the place after making an agreement with China. This brought an end to the “lawless” place. Citizens were resettled, houses was rebuilt and the city was under massive renovation. Later on, the government decided to replaced part of the city with a park.
In the park, you can find garden style architecture that was built in the late Qing dynasty. The place is tranquil and peace, a contrast with the crime and chaos that was once widely spread amongst. Other than appreciating the architecture and the impressive craftsmanship, there are also museums. There are videos showing the lives of the residents after the British took control. It was also a reflection of the environment that most Hong Kong people lived in at that time period. You can also take part in interactive games. Adding on, there are often exhibitions that showcases artworks made by the younger generation on how they perceive what was once “the home of crime”.
The garrison was a place of crime and dissipation. It became the centre point of drug trafficking, prostitution and organized crimes. Fugitives and other criminals fled to the garrison to avoid capture. In 1987, the British took control over the place after making an agreement with China. This brought an end to the “lawless” place. Citizens were resettled, houses was rebuilt and the city was under massive renovation. Later on, the government decided to replaced part of the city with a park.
In the park, you can find garden style architecture that was built in the late Qing dynasty. The place is tranquil and peace, a contrast with the crime and chaos that was once widely spread amongst. Other than appreciating the architecture and the impressive craftsmanship, there are also museums. There are videos showing the lives of the residents after the British took control. It was also a reflection of the environment that most Hong Kong people lived in at that time period. You can also take part in interactive games. Adding on, there are often exhibitions that showcases artworks made by the younger generation on how they perceive what was once “the home of crime”.
How to get there:
Exit B, Lok Fu Station - Go to Tung Tau Tsuen Road by a taxi
OR
Take bus 1 from the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier Terminal - Leave at Tung Tau Tsuen Road Station (the park should be opposite you)
Exit B, Lok Fu Station - Go to Tung Tau Tsuen Road by a taxi
OR
Take bus 1 from the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier Terminal - Leave at Tung Tau Tsuen Road Station (the park should be opposite you)