The Walled City of Kowloon, once dubbed a notorious enclave in Hong Kong, remains one of the most fascinating and complex anomalies in urban planning history. This densely packed settlement, which existed in sheer contrast to the ordered and expansive streets of Hong Kong, epitomized extreme urban density. By 1987, statistics astoundingly suggested that the Walled City had a density of about 1,255,000 people per square kilometer, earning it the title of the most densely populated place on the planet at that time.
Originally a Chinese military fort, the Walled City became an ungoverned, densely populated squatter camp. After World War II, as boundaries shifted and jurisdictions blurred, the area became a magnet for refugees and squatters. Lacking any form of government enforcement, buildings went up haphazardly; many were constructed without adherence to any building codes or regulations. The city evolved into a haven for crime and illicit activities, including unlicensed doctor practices, gambling dens, and drug trafficking.
Despite its notorious reputation, life within the Walled City was vibrant and community-oriented. Narrow alleys, draped in countless wires and pipes, snaked between towering buildings that blocked out the sunlight. Although the living conditions were far from ideal—with poor sanitation, cramped spaces, and near-constant noise—the residents formed a tight-knit community, setting up local markets, schools, temples, and industries within the limited confines. A unique ecosystem developed, one threaded through by mutual support and informal economies.
By the early 1990s, the British and Hong Kong authorities decided to intervene, deeming the Walled City's conditions inhumane and untenable. After extensive discussions and considerations, a decision was made to demolish the city. In 1993, the Walled City was officially evacuated and subsequently torn down, marking the end of its decades-long existence. Today, where the Walled City once stood, there is a park that commemorates its complex legacy—a legacy that continues to provoke thought on urban existence, community resilience, and the human capacity to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging conditions. The park, designed with elements reminiscent of the Walled City, serves as a somber reflection of the past and a symbol of renewal and change. Its historical significance endures, reminding us of the impermanent nature of our urban landscapes and the human stories etched within them.
