Kowloon Walled City Park, 九龍寨城公園

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3 Feb 2014

 

This is the first time I went to the Kowloon Walled City Park after the demolition of the area in April 1994.  It has much history.   With its strategic location the site was used by the imperial officials in 15th century and fortified in 1668. Defence facilitie grew sharply after the British occupation in 1841.  A walled garrison-city was constructed in 1846-47. An area of 6.5 acres was enclosed with massive stone walls with 7 watchtowers and four gates.  The switch from Qing officials to British troops led to a deterioriation of the area into semi-lawless enclave and festering squatter slum. The wall was torn down and the stone used to extend the nearby Kai Tak airfield during the Japanese Occupation in 1941-45. After the war, high-rise buildings emerged without authority.  It became a notorious nest of drugs, crime and vice dens.  In 1987 the British and Chinese officials agreed to demolish the area and convert it to a park. The original old buildings and some features were to be retained. 


The design of the park was inspired by the Jiangnan garden style of the early Qing Dynasty. It covers 31,000 square metres and is divided into eight scenic zones with individual characteristics.  The centerpiece is of course the Yamen, a fully restored three-hall structure offering a glimpse of the physical appearance of the one-time walled garrison-city.

It is the central focal point of the park and the only remaining building.   The building structure is 3
rows and 4 wings house.  Photos of the Walled City, drawings and essays related to the creation of Kowloon Walled City Park are prominently displayed.



Other landcapes include the Old South Gate, Mountain View Pavillion, Chess Garden, Kuixing Pavilion and Guibi Rock, Eight Floral Walks, Garden of Four Seasons, Garden of Chinse Zodiac.

South Gate
  
 
 
 
Chinese Zodiac structure
The plan of the park for your reference:


There are many restaurants in Kowloon City.  Just walk from the relevant entrance to enjoy the gourmet.  Thai restautants are abundant.










Location: Kowloon City, Hong Kong

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