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Kowloon Walled City: From 'City of Darkness' to Park

From a lawless, densely populated settlement to a peaceful park, the Kowloon Walled City's transformation is a testament to Hong Kong's evolution.

This image is taken from the top, where we can see the city which includes, towers, buildings,...
This image is taken from the top, where we can see the city which includes, towers, buildings, trees, sky and the cloud.

Kowloon Walled City: From 'City of Darkness' to Park

In 1993, the Kowloon Walled City, a largely ungoverned Chinese enclave in British Hong Kong, was demolished. This dense, self-contained settlement, known as the 'City of Darkness', housed up to 35,000 people in just 6.4 acres. Hong Kong officials aimed to transform the area into a public park.

The Kowloon Walled City's origins date back to political disputes following the Opium Wars. It grew due to an influx of refugees after World War II, becoming a permanent establishment. The enclave evolved into a sprawling, continuous structure with dark tunnels and alleyways, earning its nickname due to the lack of natural light.

Despite its reputation for crime, the Walled City was also a place of community and industry. It was eventually demolished by joint authorities of Hong Kong and the People's Republic of China. In 1995, a park was built in its place, featuring a bronze miniature display capturing the intense density of the old city.

The Kowloon Walled City, once a symbol of political complexity and urban density, is now a park. The demolition in 1993 marked the end of an era, but the new park serves as a reminder of the city's unique history and the resilience of its former residents.

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