City of Darkness: A Glimpse into the Life of Kowloon Walled City
Kowloon Walled City was a remarkable phenomenon in the history of urban development. It was a densely populated enclave in Hong Kong that existed outside the law and the control of any government. It was home to an estimated 35,000 people who lived in a
labyrinth of interconnected buildings, alleys, and staircases. The city was notorious for its crime, poverty, and squalor, but also for its vitality, creativity, and resilience.

The city was demolished in 1993, after a long and controversial process of relocation and compensation. Its residents were dispersed to other parts of Hong Kong or mainland China, and its site was turned into a park. The city's legacy lives on in the
memories of its former inhabitants, as well as in the books, films, and artworks that it inspired.

City Of Darkness - Life In Kowloon Walled City (1993).pdfl
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One of the most comprehensive and captivating documents of the city is a book titled City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City, published in 1993 by photographers Greg Girard and Ian Lambot[^1^] [^2^]. The book contains over 320 photographs, 32
extended interviews, and essays on the city's history and character. It is not only an informative glimpse of a now vanished landmark but a sensitive and penetrating portrait of a unique community.

The book reveals the diversity and complexity of the city's population, which included migrants, refugees, workers, traders, squatters, triads, drug addicts, prostitutes, monks, dentists, doctors, and more. It shows how the city evolved from a military
fort to a refugee camp to a self-governing metropolis. It also explores how the city functioned as a social and economic system, with its own rules, norms, networks, and services.

The book also captures the human aspects of the city: the struggles and joys, the hopes and fears, the dreams and realities of its inhabitants. It shows how they adapted to their environment, how they expressed their identity and culture, how they coped
with their challenges and conflicts. It also shows how they interacted with each other and with the outside world.

The book is a rare and valuable record of a city that no longer exists but still fascinates many people around the world. It is a testament to the power of human ingenuity and spirit in the face of adversity. It is also a reminder of the importance of
preserving and respecting the diversity and dignity of urban life.


Today, the site of the former Kowloon Walled City is a tranquil park that preserves some of the historical and cultural features of the city. The park covers an area of 31,000 square metres (7.66 acres) and is designed as a Jiangnan (江南) garden
of the early Qing dynasty. The park is divided into eight theme zones with their own characteristic scenery, such as the Yamen (衙府), the Old South Gate (南門), the Eight Floral Walks (八徑異趣), and the Garden of Four
Seasons (四季同馨). [^1^]

The Yamen was the administrative office and residence of the Chinese officials who governed the city. It is the only remaining Qing dynasty building in Hong Kong and has been restored to its original appearance. The Yamen houses a permanent exhibition on
the history of the city, as well as a collection of artefacts and relics.

The Old South Gate was one of the four gates of the stone wall that surrounded the city. It was buried under rubble during World War II and rediscovered during the demolition of the city. It has been excavated and relocated to its original position in
the park. The gate is a symbol of the city's past glory and mystery.

The Eight Floral Walks are eight paths that lead to different parts of the park, each named after a flower that represents a season or a festival. The walks are lined with various plants and flowers that create a colourful and fragrant atmosphere. The
walks also showcase different styles of pavilions, bridges, and sculptures that reflect the elegance and harmony of Jiangnan gardens.



The Garden of Four Seasons is a large courtyard garden that displays different types of plants and flowers that bloom in different seasons. The garden also features four pavilions that represent spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The garden is a place
for visitors to enjoy nature's beauty and diversity throughout the year.
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