Hong Kong Photo Gallery - Hung Hom

Hung Hom has that gritty character that, like other older neighbourhoods, is giving way to swathes of redevelopment. A dock was built here in 1868 and along with it came shipyards and factories. Workers soon moved into the area, and schools, temples, and shops followed. The Whampoa Dock closed in the 1970s although the district's industrial and gritty nature remains.

Change is accelerating with the Kwun Tong Line extended to Whampoa in 2016. When the Shatin-Central link eventually crosses the harbour, this area in the heart of the city will no longer be so isolated.

The Hong Kong Polytechnic University anchors the Kowloon entrance of the Cross Harbour Tunnel. With over 25,000 students, it was officially granted university status in 1994.

The residential blocks along Whampoa and Baker Streets are getting ready for redevelopment.

With these local one-of-a-kind shops gone, expect the chains to take their place in the new development.

The district remains gritty with older buildings but vibrant street-level retail.

Ka Wai Chuen was redeveloped from the 50s era Hung Hom Estate, opening in 1984 with over 2500 units for either rental or sale. It was named after one of the Housing Society's founding members.

The Whampoa Estate consists of 88 blocks that were completed from the mid-80s to early-90s. Home to about 40,000, the massive redevelopment is on the site of the former dock that closed in 1984.

Across the street is the controversial Harbour Place, which was first built under a government subsidy program but was never occupied in 2002. The 7-tower estate with 2700 units was sold to developers in 2004, slated for demolition, but a public outcry forced a renovation instead.

A long waterfront extends along Hung Hom's coast. Part of it is now occupied by a hotel, office buildings, and a serviced residence. But there is still plenty of room for joggers and more to enjoy the skyline views.

Harbourfront Landmark was completed in 2001 and is located right at the waterfront. The luxury 3-tower residence stands over 232m tall.

In the distance, more construction is taking place in Kai Tak, the site of the former airport that closed in 1998.

Before the MTR was extended to the area, residents relied on tunnel buses to cross the harbour, but journey times were unpredictable due to traffic delays. The Star Ferry used to operate a service from 1965 but lack of patronage ended it in 2011. A new operator resurrected the route in June 2020, albeit with a big price hike.

Hung Hom's long waterfront promenade actually extends to Tsim Sha Tsui's far more touristy section. This section is frequented by residents and it only takes about 20 minutes to reach East Tsim Sha Tsui's 5-star hotels.

Hong Kong Gallery Main Page