Hong Kong Photo Gallery - Tsuen Wan

Tsuen Wan's modern history goes back to the late 1940s when industrialists from Shanghai fleeing war and Communist rule arrived, creating textile factories. A new town was created around the area to move the workers from shantytowns. Back in 1961, over 2/3 of the 84,000 population lived on houseboats and other less desirable housing conditions. Not much of its village beginnings can be seen today. Back then, deer and tigers were common in the area. The textile industry went into decline in the 1980s as Hong Kong transformed into a service economy. Nina Tower was originally conceived by a local tycoon to be the world's tallest building, but it ended up having to cut back and add a second tower due to its proximity to the airport.
A hotel occupies Nina Tower's upper floors, and a skylobby is accessible to the public, offering views of the city all the way to the airport.
This is the tallest building in the area, so some of the hotel rooms can actually see Victoria Harbour and the skyline.
The area around Tsuen Wan West station and next to Nina Tower has been partially redeveloped into luxury housing.
However, traditional lowrises still spread over a number of blocks. A busy wet market thrives at street level. These open-air markets offer discount fresh food for the working classes.
Shops can be carved out in the small spaces beneath staircases and around corners.
Mahjong is a popular game of chance in the Chinese-speaking world. Get your accessories in these traditional little shops.
This district has a poorer demographic who live in public housing estates.