Kowloon Walled City facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kowloon Walled City 九龍城寨
The city in 1989
Kowloon Walled City Location in Hong Kong
Country / City	China (de facto, 1898–1912; de jure, 1898–1993) British Hong Kong (de facto, 1912–1941 and 1945–1993) Japan (de facto, 1941–1945)
District	Kowloon City District
Area	Kowloon City
Settled	c. 1898
Demolished	1993–1994
Government
• Type	Ungoverned
Area
• Total	2.6 ha (6.4 acre)
Population  (1990)
• Total	35,000

The Kowloon Walled City (Chinese: {{{1}}}) was a very crowded and unique place in Kowloon City, Hong Kong. It was a small piece of China located inside what was then British Hong Kong. Originally, it was a Chinese military fort.

After the New Territories were leased to the United Kingdom in 1898, the Walled City became a special area. Its population grew a lot after World War II, especially with people seeking safety from the Chinese Civil War.

By the late 1980s, about 35,000 people lived in the Walled City. It was only about 2.6 hectares (6+1⁄2 acres) in size. This made it one of the most densely populated places on Earth. Because there was no clear government control, people and businesses in the city made their own rules. This led to many unregulated activities. From the 1950s to the 1970s, powerful groups called triads controlled many parts of the city.

In 1987, the British government decided to tear down the Walled City. After a difficult process to move all the residents, demolition started in 1993 and finished in 1994. Today, the Kowloon Walled City Park stands where the city once was. Some old parts of the city, like its main building and parts of its southern gate, are kept in the park.

History of Kowloon Walled City

Early Military Outpost

Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and Lung Tsun Pavilion near Kowloon Walled City in 1898

The story of the Walled City began during the Song dynasty (960–1279). It started as a military base to manage the salt trade. For many years, not much happened there, though a small number of guards were stationed. Around 1810, a small fort was built.

In 1842, Hong Kong Island was given to Britain. The Chinese government then decided to make the fort stronger. They built a large defensive wall in 1847. In 1854, rebels briefly took over the city during the Taiping Rebellion, but it was quickly taken back.

A 1915 map of Hong Kong showing Kowloon Walled City as "Chinese Town"

In 1898, Britain leased more parts of Hong Kong, called the New Territories, for 99 years. The Walled City, with about 700 people, was not included in this lease. China was allowed to keep officials there. However, in 1899, British forces entered the city and found it mostly empty. The Chinese government ended its rule in 1912, leaving the Walled City to the British.

Life in the Walled City

For decades, the British did not do much with the Walled City. A church set up a home for older people, a school, and a place for those in need. The city became a curious place for visitors. A 1915 map even called it "Chinese Town."

In 1933, Hong Kong officials planned to tear down many old buildings. The Chinese government protested, saying the city was still theirs. This disagreement continued until a war between China and Japan began. By 1940, most of the old buildings were gone. During World War II, Japanese forces tore down the city wall to use its stones for Kai Tak Airport.

An aerial view of Kowloon Walled City and a nearby village in 1972

After Japan surrendered in 1945, many people seeking safety from the Chinese Civil War moved into the Walled City. By 1947, about 2,000 people lived there. After a small attempt to remove them, the British decided to mostly leave the Walled City alone.

In 1950, a big fire destroyed many homes, leaving thousands of people without shelter. This event showed how important fire safety was in the crowded, wooden buildings. With little government control, the Walled City became a place where illegal activities were common.

Powerful groups called triads took control of many businesses in the city. Police would only enter in large groups. In the 1970s, police raids led to many arrests and a decrease in illegal activities. By 1983, the crime rate was much lower.

The south side of Kowloon Walled City in 1975, showing its growing height

During the 1960s, the city grew upwards with new buildings built on top of older ones. It became incredibly dense, with over 33,000 people in 300 buildings. Buildings could not be taller than 13-14 stories because of planes flying to Kai Tak Airport. The airport also caused a lot of noise.

Sunlight rarely reached the lower parts of the city. Many unlicensed doctors and dentists worked there without problems. Even though there were problems, most residents lived peacefully and helped each other. They formed groups to improve daily life. The Hong Kong government provided some services, like water and mail.

Demolition and New Park

A narrow alley in the city in 1993

Living conditions, especially sanitation, were not as good as in the rest of Hong Kong. In 1984, an agreement between Britain and China set the stage for the city's demolition. The plan to tear down the Walled City was announced in 1987.

The government offered about HK$2.7 billion (US$350 million) to the 33,000 residents and businesses as compensation. Some residents were not happy and were moved out between 1991 and 1992. While empty, the city was used to film a scene in the 1993 movie Crime Story.

Demolition began in March 1993 and finished in April 1994. Construction of the Kowloon Walled City Park started the next month. Some historical parts of the city were saved and are now part of the park.

The City's Unique Look

Buildings and Layout

A model of Kowloon Walled City at the park entrance

A plan showing buildings and streets inside Kowloon Walled City

The Walled City was in an area now known as Kowloon City. Even as it changed from a fort to a crowded city, its basic shape stayed the same. The original fort was about 210 by 120 metres (690 by 390 ft). Its stone wall was 4 metres (13 ft) tall before it was taken down in 1943.

Kowloon Walled City in 1989

Building construction greatly increased in the 1960s and 1970s. Most buildings became 10 stories or taller. However, because Kai Tak Airport was only 800 metres (0.50 mi) away, buildings could not be taller than 14 stories.

The city's many narrow alleyways were often only 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide. They had poor lighting and drainage. People also built a network of stairs and walkways on upper levels. You could travel through the entire city without touching the ground! Buildings were often built without strong foundations or proper utilities. Apartments were small, so people added wider upper floors and caged balconies. Rooftops were busy with antennas, clotheslines, and water tanks.

Population and Community

A street at the edge of the city at night in 1993

The population of Kowloon Walled City changed a lot over time. After World War II, it grew steadily. In 1971, about 10,000 people lived there, and by 1981, it was around 14,600. Some unofficial numbers suggested as many as 50,000 people.

A government survey in 1987 found about 33,000 residents. This made it the most densely populated place in the world at the time. Most people in the Walled City spoke Cantonese.

Daily Life and Culture

Many dental clinics at an edge of the walled city in 1991

A playground at the edge of the city

Despite tough living conditions, residents formed a close community. They helped each other through challenges. Wives often managed the home, and grandmothers cared for children. The rooftops were important gathering spots, especially for those living on higher floors. Adults relaxed there, and children played or did homework.

The main building, called the yamen, was a social hub. People met there to talk, drink tea, watch TV, or take classes. Other groups held religious meetings. Temples like Fuk Tak and Tin Hau were used for a mix of Buddhist, Taoist, and other spiritual practices.

Kowloon Walled City Park Today

An aerial view of Kowloon Walled City Park

Park Design and Features

The area where the Walled City once stood is now the Kowloon Walled City Park. It is next to Carpenter Road Park. The 31,000 m² (330,000 sq ft; 7.7 acres) park was finished in 1995 and opened in December of that year. Building the park cost about HK$76 million.

The park's design looks like traditional Chinese gardens from the early Qing dynasty. It has eight main areas, with the restored yamen building at its center. The park's paths and small buildings are named after streets and places from the old Walled City. You can also see old items from the city, like carved stones and wells.

The remains of the city's South Gate and its entrance plaques

Some parts of the park include:

• The Eight Floral Walks, each named after a different plant.
• The Chess Garden, with large Chinese chessboards.
• The Garden of Chinese zodiac, featuring stone statues of the 12 animals.
• The Garden of Four Seasons, with plants that represent each season.
• The Six Arts Terrace, a wedding area with a garden.
• The Kuixing Pavilion, with a special moon gate.
• The Mountain View Pavilion, a two-story building that looks like a boat.
• The Lung Tsun, Yuk Tong, and Lung Nam Pavilions.
• The yamen building and the remains of the South Gate.

Preserved Historical Sites

The front of the restored yamen building with one of the original cannons

Children of early 20th-century Kowloon Walled City residents playing on the yamen cannons

During the demolition, experts found several historical items. These included the yamen building and parts of the South Gate. These were officially made declared monuments of Hong Kong in 1996.

The South Gate was once the main entrance to the Walled City. Its foundations, two stone plaques, and a path leading to it were found. Parts of the city's wall and East Gate were also discovered. The Hong Kong government kept the South Gate remains next to a square in front of the yamen.

The yamen building has three halls. It was once the office and home of a government official. After 1899, it was used as a home for older people, a school, and a clinic. It was restored in 1996 and is now in the center of the park. Inside, there is a photo gallery about the Walled City. Two cannons from 1802 sit at its entrance.

The Walled City in Pop Culture

The unique story of Kowloon Walled City has inspired many creative works. It is often shown as a mysterious and crowded place.

Books and Stories

Some people who lived in the Walled City wrote about their experiences. Jackie Pullinger wrote a book in 1989 about helping people there. Martin Booth described exploring the city as a child in his 2004 book.

The Walled City has also appeared in fiction. Robert Ludlum's novel The Bourne Supremacy uses it as a setting. It also appears as a virtual reality world in William Gibson's Bridge trilogy. Chloe Gong's 2023 fantasy novel Immortal Longings was inspired by the city.

Movies and TV Shows

The Walled City has been featured in many films and TV shows:

• The 1982 film Brothers from the Walled City is set there.
• The 1988 film Bloodsport shows a martial arts tournament in the city.
• The 1992 film Baraka has detailed shots of the city before it was torn down.
• The 1993 film Crime Story with Jackie Chan was partly filmed in the empty city.
• The Narrows neighborhood in the 2005 film Batman Begins was inspired by the Walled City.
• The 2016 TV drama A Fist Within Four Walls takes place in the city in the 1960s.
• The 2024 film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In is set in the Walled City during the 1980s.
• In The Legend of Korra, the Lower Ring of Ba Sing Se looks like the Walled City.

Anime, Manga, and Video Games

• In the manga Crying Freeman, a character travels to the Walled City.
• The anime Street Fighter II V features the city as a dangerous place.
• The manga and anime Kowloon Generic Romance is also set there.
• The Walled City appears in video games like Kowloon's Gate and Shenmue II.
• The game Stranglehold shows a version of the city full of powerful groups.
• It also appears in Call of Duty: Black Ops and influenced the game Stray.

Inspired Places

Warehouse Kawasaki, a Japanese game arcade with a Kowloon Walled City theme

A game arcade in Japan called Warehouse Kawasaki used to have a section designed to look like Kowloon Walled City. It had narrow hallways, wires, and old signs to capture the city's feel. A music venue in Tokyo, Shibuya Kinmirai Kaikan, also took inspiration from the Walled City, with Cantonese art on its walls. Some restaurants in China have also created multi-story buildings that look like the Walled City.

Images for kids

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  The city in 1989

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  Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and Lung Tsun Pavilion (Pavilion for Greeting Officials) of Kowloon Walled City in 1898

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  1915 map of the Hong Kong region with Kowloon Walled City listed as "Chinese Town" at the upper right-hand corner

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  An aerial view of Kowloon Walled City and the neighbouring Sai Tau Tsuen village in 1972

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  The south side of Kowloon Walled City in 1975. The elevation of the buildings begins to reach its maximum height.

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  One of the outer edges in 1991

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  An alley in the city, 1993

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  Model of Kowloon Walled City located at the entrance of Kowloon Walled City Park

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  Plan of buildings and streets within Kowloon Walled City

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  Kowloon Walled City in 1989

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  A street at the edge of the city at night in 1993

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  Numerous dental clinics at an edge of the walled city in 1991

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  A playground at the edge of the city

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  Aerial view of Kowloon Walled City Park

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  The remnants of the city's South Gate and its entrance plaques

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  The front of the restored yamen building with one of the original cannons

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  Children of early 20th-century Kowloon Walled City residents playing on the yamen cannons

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  Warehouse Kawasaki, a former Japanese game arcade with a Kowloon Walled City theme

See also

In Spanish: Ciudad amurallada de Kowloon para niños