How long does it take to walk through Kowloon Walled City Park?

A thorough exploration of the park takes about 45 to 60 minutes. This allows time to see the South Gate remnants, the Yamen, and the historical photo exhibits in the pavilions.

Is the Kowloon Walled City still standing?

No, the original buildings were demolished in 1993. The site was converted into the Kowloon Walled City Park, which preserved several archaeological remains and the original Yamen building.

Can I do a walking tour Hong Kong experience in Kowloon City for free?

Yes, all the major landmarks in this area, including the Walled City Park, Hau Wong Temple, and Kai Tak Sky Garden, offer free admission. You only need to pay for your own transport and food.

What is the best time to visit Kowloon City?

Morning is ideal to avoid the midday heat and to see the local markets at their most active. Many visitors also enjoy arriving just before lunch to take advantage of the famous Thai and Chiu Chow restaurants in the area.

Is the Kowloon City walking route suitable for families?

Yes, it is very family-friendly. The parks offer plenty of space for children to move around, and the history of the 'City of Darkness' and the old airport is often fascinating for older children.

Where is the best place to eat in Kowloon City?

Nga Tsin Wai Road and the surrounding streets are famous for authentic Thai food. The Kowloon City Market and Cooked Food Centre is also a local favorite for traditional Cantonese dishes.

How do I get to the start of the Kowloon City walk?

The easiest way is to take the MTR Tuen Ma Line to Sung Wong Toi Station. Exit B3 will put you right at the edge of the historic district and the market area.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a corner of Hong Kong where history is layered like the city’s skyline. This self-guided walking route through Kowloon City invites you to explore the dramatic transformation of a district once known for its lawlessness and density into a serene cultural hub. For decades, the Kowloon Walled City was the most densely populated place on Earth, a 'City of Darkness' where the law did not reach. Today, that legacy is preserved within a stunning Jiangnan-style garden, providing a peaceful contrast to the bustling streets surrounding it. On this walking route, you will uncover the remnants of the old city walls, visit ancient temples, and walk through the footprint of the legendary Kai Tak Airport. Beyond the history, this neighborhood stroll introduces you to the vibrant culinary scene of 'Little Thailand' and the local markets that define the district’s daily life. You will see how the memory of the Song Dynasty emperors still lingers at Sung Wong Toi and how the ultra-modern Kai Tak Sky Garden offers a vision for the city’s future. This is not just a walk through a neighborhood; it is a journey through time, from imperial legends to the gritty 20th-century urban legend of the Walled City. Whether you are a history buff or a photography enthusiast, this walking tour Hong Kong experience provides a unique perspective on the territory's resilience. Exploring independently allows you to linger by the bronze models of the former slum or grab a traditional egg tart from a local bakery without rushing. Discover the echoes of the past and the vibrant pulse of the present on this comprehensive self-guided adventure through one of Hong Kong's most storied districts.

Highlights

Remnants of the original South Gate of the Kowloon Walled City

The 19th-century Yamen building, the only remaining structure from the original enclave

Detailed bronze models depicting the Walled City's former extreme density

Hau Wong Temple, a Grade I historic building with intricate roof decorations

The legendary Sung Wong Toi rock, honoring the last Song Dynasty emperors

Panoramic views from the Kai Tak Sky Garden, built on the former airport runway

Tour Stops (6)

Nga Tsin Wai Road

Begin your self-guided adventure on Nga Tsin Wai Road, the bustling heart of Kowloon City. This area is famously known as 'Little Thailand' due to the high concentration of Thai immigrants who settled here in the 1970s. As you walk, notice the aromatic blend of lemongrass and spices wafting from local eateries. This street reflects the neighborhood's grit and its community spirit. It serves as a gateway between the modern city and the historic sites you are about to explore. Look up at the older 'tong lau' tenement buildings, which offer a glimpse into the architectural style that dominated Hong Kong in the mid-20th century.

South Wall Road

Walking along South Wall Road, you are tracing the very edge of what was once the most notorious enclave in the world. The road is named after the southern boundary of the original Kowloon Walled City. For decades, this was a lawless labyrinth of interconnected buildings, rising up to 14 stories high without a single architect's plan. While the towering 'City of Darkness' was demolished in 1993, the street layout still hints at the extreme density that once existed here. Today, the area is much quieter, filled with auto-repair shops and traditional grocers, marking a stark contrast to its chaotic past.

Kowloon Walled City Park

Enter the Kowloon Walled City Park, a masterclass in urban renewal. This site was once home to 33,000 people living in just 6.4 acres. Now, it is a beautiful Jiangnan-style garden. Don't miss the 'Old South Gate' remnants, where the original granite plaques were unearthed during excavation. Visit the Yamen in the center; it is the only building from the original Walled City that wasn't demolished, having served as a government office and later a school and almshouse. The park features intricate walkways, ponds, and a detailed bronze model that shows exactly how the buildings were once packed together like a giant puzzle.

Hau Wong Temple

A short walk leads you to the Hau Wong Temple, perched on a slight elevation. Built around 1730, this temple is dedicated to Yeung Leung-jit, a loyal general who protected the last Song Dynasty emperors. The temple is a treasure trove of cultural artifacts, including iron incense burners from the Qing Dynasty and exquisite stone carvings. Notice the 'Shiwan' ceramic figurines on the roof, which depict scenes from Chinese opera. This temple was a spiritual anchor for the residents of the nearby Walled City and remains a significant site for local worshippers today, especially during the Hau Wong Festival.

Sung Wong Toi Garden

This peaceful garden holds a significant piece of Hong Kong's imperial history. The centerpiece is a large rock inscribed with the characters 'Sung Wong Toi,' or 'Terrace of the Sung Kings.' Legend says that the last two boy emperors of the Song Dynasty sought refuge here while fleeing Mongol invaders in the 13th century. Originally, this rock sat atop a hill nearby, but the hill was leveled during the Japanese occupation to expand the Kai Tak airfield. The portion of the rock containing the inscription was salvaged and placed here, serving as a poignant reminder of the city's ancient connections to the Chinese imperial lineage.

Kai Tak Sky Garden

Conclude your walk at the Kai Tak Sky Garden, a modern elevated park built on the former runway of the legendary Kai Tak Airport. For decades, planes would fly dangerously low over the rooftops of Kowloon City to land here. Today, the runway has been transformed into a green corridor. The Sky Garden features aviation-themed design elements and offers sweeping views of the Victoria Harbour and the newly developed Kai Tak district. It represents the final chapter of this neighborhood's evolution—from a walled garrison to a crowded slum, and finally to a visionary green space for the 21st century.

Frequently Asked Questions

The most comprehensive route focuses on the historic Kowloon Walled City Park and its surrounding neighborhood. This self-guided walk covers the 'City of Darkness' history, ancient temples like Hau Wong, and the modern transformation of the Kai Tak runway.