Kowloon City, then it has truly seen better days! Birds might be chirping, families might be strolling, and there are people relaxing under the trees. But this calm and picturesque location used to be the most densely populated and chaotic space on the planet-Kowloon Walled City.
Kowloon Walled City Walled Street in 1989
The Walled City was a den of lawlessness, darkness, and sinister dealings. Thousands of inhabitants in this lawless cell found shelter in tiny spaces wedged in old buildings. There were allegedly no rules, no light would enter the homes, and crime reigned high!
That city is gone now, and father has given timber to a peaceful garden. But the past hasn’t been forgotten. The park has many things that remind us of what used to be there.
Let’s take a walk through 10 things you must see when visiting Kowloon Walled City Park.
Kowloon Walled City Park
1. South Gate – The Old Entrance
This gate is one of the last pieces left from the old walled city. The ancient and now never-used main entrance stood for hundreds of years.
Today, it is quiet and faded with memories of what once was. When you walk under it, you are expressing yourself into stories.
2. The Old Gate Plaque Name in Stone
Near the South Gate is a stone with Chinese inscriptions. It once hung above the main entrance to the walled city.
It’s simple, but powerful. This plaque helps us remember that this quiet park used to be a very different place.
3. The Yamen – A Government Building from Long Ago
The Yamen is one of the oldest buildings still standing. Years ago, this space was where local Chinese officials had their office.
Now it has become a tiny museum. Inside this area can be found photos, old documents, and models depicting life inside the Walled City. It is calm and quiet inside-the exhibits do, however, tell large stories.
4. Exhibition Hall – Learn About the Walled City
Within the Yamen, there is also the exhibition hall. This is one of the best places where you can find information about what the Walled City used to be.
There are 3D models of buildings, videos, and photographs showing what it was like for people to live there. You’ll see how small their homes were, how dark the rooms could be, and how people still managed to build a community in such a crowded place.
5. The Chess Pavilion – A Place to Slow Down
In the middle of the park is a chess pavilion. You might see people playing Chinese chess here or just sitting and chatting.
This spot is peaceful now. But it stands on land that was once full of noise, crime, and buildings so close together that sunlight couldn’t get in. It’s a quiet symbol of how the area has changed.
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6. Floral Paths – Beautiful Walkways Full of Nature
There are eight lovely walking paths in the park, each planted with flowers, trees, and bamboo.
These floral paths are great for a relaxing walk. The walking paths in the park are made in the style of old Chinese gardens. They are meant to make the place feel peaceful, calm, and beautiful.
7. Chinese Zodiac Garden – Find Your Animal
In one part of the park, there are 12 small stone statues.
This is a perfect place to sit, relax, or enjoy the sound of water. It’s hard to imagine that this peaceful spot used to be filled with dark, crowded buildings and endless noise.
8. Mini Model of the Walled City – See How It Looked
There is a small-scale model of the Kowloon Walled City in the park. It shows what the city looked like before it was torn down in the 1990s.
It’s shocking to see how many buildings were packed into such a tiny area. Thousands of people lived here, in apartments stacked one on top of another, like a concrete puzzle.
9. Information Boards – Real Stories from the Past
All around the park, you’ll find signs with stories, photos, and facts about the old walled city.
These storyboards help visitors understand what life was like there. Some include quotes from people who actually lived in the Walled City. After reading these stories I find out strong spirit of people and about their hard life
10. Do you know what Kowloon Walled City Park looks like today?
These days, Kowloon Walled City Park is a very peaceful and green place. At this place people walk, talk, and relax. You might see kids playing, seniors exercising, or tourists are taking photos.
But if you look closely, you’ll also find signs of the past. A stone gate here. A plaque there. A model, a museum, a story on a sign.
This beautiful park is more than just trees and flowers. It’s a living memory—a reminder that even the darkest places can be transformed into something beautiful.
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:30 AM to 11:00 PM
Admission: Free
Closest MTR Station: Lok Fu Station (about a 15-minute walk)
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting Hong Kong and want to see something different—something real—Kowloon Walled City Park is worth your time. It’s not just a garden. It’s a place full of stories, history, and quiet beauty.
READ ALSO: Walled Street, Hong Kong: A Visual Journey from Past to Present
