Explore Hong Kong's Cultural Stories

Secrets of Nam Ku Terrace (3): Little Tokyo and the Chitose Hotel

Secrets of Nam Ku Terrace (2): Stepping Inside

Secrets of Nam Ku Terrace (1): Who Was the Owner Doo Jackman?

Recalling the Transformation of Kowloon City (Part 3)

Tracing the Transformation of Kowloon Walled City (2): The Lost Kowloon Street

Tracing the Transformation of Kowloon Walled City (1): Mapping the Maze

The movie Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In has brought global attention to the Kowloon Walled City. Beyond the well-known Japanese expedition, a resident named Chan Cheung-chuen spent four months in the 1980s single-handedly hand-drawing a detailed street map of the citadel. By referencing Qing dynasty and Lands Department maps, he walked the alleys and knocked on doors after work everyday to correct official errors. Following the demolition announcement, his map became a vital guide for volunteers. Using unique lines and symbols, it precisely captures the maze-like, three-dimensional network of corridors born from frantic rebuilding, preserving a precious record of the city's complex past.

Notes on the Lecture "Exploring Past Hong Kong Village Life Through Archives"