From Lawless Enclave to Park: The Transformation of Kowloon Walled City
Once a bustling yet lawless Chinese enclave in British Hong Kong, Kowloon Walled City is now a public park. Despite its reputation for crime, it was also a place of community and industry, housing up to 35,000 people by the 1980s.
Originally a Chinese military fort from the 17th century, Kowloon Walled City later fell under British colonial influence after the Opium Wars. Despite being part of British Hong Kong, it remained largely ungoverned due to a complex legal status between China and Britain. The Qing Dynasty in China and the British colonial administration in Hong Kong were the main entities involved in its creation and existence.
Overcrowding became a significant issue after World War II, with refugees flooding to the area due to Chinese government support. The enclave evolved into a sprawling, continuous structure with dark tunnels and alleyways, earning it the nickname 'City of Darkness' due to its lack of natural light. In the 1990s, Hong Kong officials sought to transform the settlement into a public park, finally getting the opportunity in the handover arrangements with the Chinese government. The demolition began on March 23, 1993, and took over a year to complete.
Today, a park stands on the site of Kowloon Walled City, featuring gardens, bamboo, water features, and a bronze miniature display of the old city. The transformation from a lawless enclave to a peaceful public space marks a significant change in Hong Kong's urban landscape.
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