Masaki Morisawa, Senior Product Manager. Gale
The Kowloon Walled City was a densely populated, urban enclave located in Kowloon, Hong Kong. Once a small Chinese fortress, it evolved into a lawless, self-governing territory after the British took control of the Kowloon Peninsula in 1898. By the late 20th century, the walled city had become a symbol of urban overcrowding and unchecked development, with an estimated 50,000 to 100,000 residents living in just 6.4 acres.
Without any regulation from the Hong Kong government, the city grew vertically, with buildings constructed haphazardly on top of each other, creating a dark, labyrinthine maze with narrow alleys and little natural light. Despite the squalid conditions, the Walled City was a vibrant microcosm with its economy, schools, temples, and even a dental clinic and hospital. It was also notorious for its high crime rate, with triads exerting significant influence and operating gambling dens, brothels, and drug dens.
In 1993, the Hong Kong government began a massive demolition project to clear the Walled City, relocating all its residents. Today, the site is home to the Kowloon Walled City Park, which features a museum showcasing the city's history and a recreation of its narrow alleys and buildings, providing a stark contrast to its former chaotic existence.
