Hong Kong’s Longest Themed Walking Trail Opens In Kowloon City

The 6.5km-long Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail, the longest themed walking trail in Hong Kong, opened to the public on Tuesday. The trail connects landmarks from Kowloon City to Hung Hom, starting at Walled City Park and ending at the St Mary Church.

What are the routes on the Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail?

The Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail connects five routes, each of which covers a different aspect of the area’s cultural significance:

1. Walled City Historical Walk: This section extends from Carpenter Road to Hau Wong Road, via Kowloon Walled City Park and Nga Tsin Long Road. Participants will get an introduction to the goings-on in the infamous Kowloon Walled City, which had a reputation for lawlessness after the end of the Qing Dynasty.
2. Local Culture Walk: This route covers Hau Wong Road to Sung Wong Toi Road, via Holy Trinity Cathedral, old Kai Tak Airport and Sung Wong Toi Park, and will explore the history of the Southern Song Dynasty Emperors who fled to Kowloon City.
3. Community Art Walk: Participants will discover the vibrant arts and culture scene of the area during this walk, which spans from Pak Tai Street to San Ma Tau Street, via Cattle Depot Artist Village and the 13 Streets area. 
4. Waterfront Leisure Walk: The To Kwa Wan waterfront serves as the backdrop to explore areas such as San Ma Tau Street and Chi Kiang Street, with a stop Hoi Sham Park to see the famous Fish Tail Rock.
5. Temple and Church Walk: Get a glimpse of the various religious and social welfare buildings in the district on this walk from Sung On Street to Dyer Avenue, by way of Pak Tai Temple, Holy Carpenter Church, and Kwun Yam Temple.

Participants can scan the QR codes on the signboards and panels along the walking trails to see the Kowloon City of yesteryears, play interactive games, and listen to local stories with augmented reality.

The organisers will promote the newly opened trail at this year’s edition of the Hong Kong Book Fair by showcasing a series of picture books dedicated to the area.

Organisers of the Kowloon City Themed Walking Trail also curate historical, cultural, artistic, and conservation-related activities for Hong Kong residents and overseas visitors so that they can understand what makes the district unique.

Some of the events include the ongoing Dragon City of Light and Shadow Community Photography Competition, a cloisonné workshop, and guided tours.

Header image credits: gionnixxx via Canva and fung1981 via Flickr