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The name
Kowloon City most often brings to mind the historic Kowloon Walled City.
Back in the Song Dynasty, the Emperor's troops arrived at the site of
the future Walled City and built the first garrison. Military presence
continued throughout the Yuan Dynasty and Ming Dynasty, when a yamen
(public official's residence) was established and troops stationed there.
In the Qing Dynasty,
a fort was added to reinforce its defence. The south-facing Kowloon Walled
City commanded an area of 2.7 hectares, with a city wall measuring 210
by 120 metres. There were six lookout towers and four city gates, with
the main entrance at the south gate overlooking the sea. Chinese officials
remained in the Walled City right up to the signing of the Sino-British
Treaty for the extension of Hong Kong's boundary.
 By
the turn of the century, the Walled City had become quite derelict. Then
during Japanese occupation in the 1940s, it lost its walls altogether
as the Japanese army tore them down to extend nearby Kai Tak Airport.
After the war, the boundary of Kowloon Walled City gradually widened.
In 1987, Britain and China agreed on its demolition.
In August 1995, Kowloon
Walled City Park was opened on the original site of the Walled City. Featuring
a classic Chinese garden design, the park houses some interesting relics
that were unearthed during demolition of the old city. These include a
stone plaque, a cannon, stone columns and the stone tablet of the Chinese
yamen. To help visitors understand the changes in the Kowloon Walled
City through the centuries, the park has preserved the facade of the original
yamen, its stone tablet, the old South Gate and pre-war concrete
ruins.
Kowloon Walled City
Park is not the only historic sight in the district. Visitors will find
the Sung Wong Toi Garden and Hau Wong Temple most intriguing. The former
was built in memory of two young Emperors of the Song Dynasty; the latter
dates back over 100 years.
The opening of Hong
Kong's new international airport at Chek Lap Kok marked the beginning
of a new era for Kowloon City. Gone is the hair-raising sight of planes
disappearing in a maze of residential blocks while descending to the old
Kai Tak airport. But the old premises are no means abandoned. Today, a
flea market stands on the Kai Tak runway, tempting visitors with all sorts
of fun items. This colourful bazaar has brought new life to Kowloon City.
Kowloon City is also
renowned for its fabulous selection of Southeast Asian cuisine, featuring
delicacies from the Chiu Chow region, Shanghai, Beijing, Taiwan, Thailand,
Korea, Japan, Vietnam and India.
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Interesting
Stories of 18 Districts
