Hong Kong’s urban landscape is a blend of meticulous planning and organic development, where quirky, lesser-known structures often get overshadowed by towering skyscrapers. City Unseen, an educational initiative launched in 2023, aims to shed light on these hidden gems through engaging walking tours that narrate the city’s evolution and the stories of its people and businesses.
The first tour, held in May, explored the Prince Edward neighborhood in Kowloon. Attracting around 20 participants, the tour offered a diverse group, ranging from young couples to older explorers, a chance to delve into the area’s unique features. Starting under a footbridge on Tung Choi Street, the tour guide highlighted the “hostile architecture” of bollards meant to deter the homeless but which have become informal seating.
Continuing along Tung Choi Street, participants encountered a six-story pink building with a mysterious hollow space running vertically through its center. This unusual feature resulted from a redevelopment mishap in the 1960s, preserving a shared staircase with an adjacent building. The guide explained that such “phantom staircases” are relics of Hong Kong’s architectural past, offering glimpses into the city’s complex development history.
The tour concluded at the foot of Bishop Hill, where participants witnessed an intriguing mix of community-driven spaces. One side of the hill hosts an outdoor gym crafted from repurposed materials, while the other features a makeshift shrine adorned with nearly 100 religious effigies. These organic developments, created and maintained by local residents, highlight the spontaneous community spirit that thrives in Hong Kong’s densely populated urban environment.
City Unseen’s tours are designed to inspire participants to observe and appreciate their urban surroundings more closely. By uncovering the hidden stories and unique features of Hong Kong’s neighborhoods, the tours offer fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of the city’s rich and varied history.
For the more than seven million residents of Hong Kong, daily life in one of the world’s most densely populated cities can make it easy to overlook the fascinating developments that happen organically. City Unseen’s walking tours provide a valuable opportunity to break from routine, explore new areas, and engage more meaningfully with the urban environment. Whether for Cantonese speakers or those less familiar with the language, these tours offer an enriching experience that encourages a renewed appreciation for the dynamic cityscape of Hong Kong.
READ MORE: