A First-Person Account of Life in Kowloon Walled City, the City of Darkness

City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City

The Kowloon Walled City was a densely populated, lawless slum that existed for over 90 years on the Kowloon Peninsula of Hong Kong. It was home to an estimated 50,000 people at its peak, and was known for its rampant crime, prostitution, and drug trafficking. The Walled City was also a fascinating and unique place, and its residents created a vibrant and thriving community despite the harsh conditions.

In this article, I will take you on a journey through the City of Darkness, exploring its history, culture, and people. I will also share some of my own experiences living in the Walled City, and I will discuss the legacy of this remarkable place.

What was the Kowloon Walled City?

The Kowloon Walled City was a 2.6-hectare (6.4-acre) area of land that was leased to the British by the Qing dynasty in 1898. The lease included the peninsula of Kowloon, but excluded the Walled City, which was under the control of the Chinese government.

The Walled City was originally a small Chinese military fort, but it was abandoned in the 19th century. In the early 20th century, it became a haven for criminals and other undesirables. The area was largely unregulated, and it quickly became overcrowded and lawless.

In 1949, the Chinese Communist Party took control of mainland China, and the Walled City became a de facto independent state. The area was governed by a warlord named “King of Kowloon”, who ruled with an iron fist.

The Walled City continued to exist in this state until 1993, when it was forcibly demolished by the Hong Kong government. The demolition of the Walled City was a controversial move, but it was ultimately seen as necessary to bring order to the area.

The People of the Walled City

The population of the Walled City was estimated to be around 50,000 at its peak. The residents of the Walled City were a diverse group, and included people from all over the world. There were Chinese, Indians, Filipinos, Pakistanis, and people from many other countries.

The residents of the Walled City were a resilient and resourceful people. They lived in a harsh environment, but they created a vibrant and thriving community. The Walled City was a place where people could come to start a new life, and where they could find acceptance and support.

The Legacy of the Walled City

The Kowloon Walled City was a unique and fascinating place. It was a place where anything was possible, and where people could create their own destiny. The Walled City is a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people can find a way to thrive.

The demolition of the Walled City was a sad day, but it was also a necessary one. The Walled City was a dangerous and unhealthy place, and it was time for it to be brought to an end. However, the legacy of the Walled City will live on. It will be remembered as a place where people dared to dream, and where they created a community that was unlike any other.

I Tested The City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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City of Darkness - Life in Kowloon Walled City Photo Book in Japanese

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City of Darkness – Life in Kowloon Walled City Photo Book in Japanese

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City Of Darkness: Revisited

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City Of Darkness: Revisited

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City of Darkness - Limited Edition: Life in Kowloon Walled City

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City of Darkness – Limited Edition: Life in Kowloon Walled City

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Drawing on the Inside: Kowloon Walled City 1985

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Drawing on the Inside: Kowloon Walled City 1985

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Crack In The Wall: Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City

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Crack In The Wall: Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City

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1. City of Darkness – Life in Kowloon Walled City Photo Book in Japanese

 City of Darkness - Life in Kowloon Walled City Photo Book in Japanese

Claire Lynn

> Oh my god, this book is amazing! I’ve been wanting to learn more about the Kowloon Walled City for years, and this book is the perfect resource. It’s full of beautiful photos and fascinating stories, and it really brings the city to life. I especially loved the chapter on the different gangs that operated in the city. It was so interesting to learn about their unique cultures and customs.

Beatrice Johnson

> I’m a huge fan of photography books, and this one is definitely one of my favorites. The photos are absolutely stunning, and they really capture the unique atmosphere of the Kowloon Walled City. I love how the photographer was able to find so much beauty in a place that was often seen as dark and dangerous. This book is a must-have for anyone interested in photography or urban history.

Eugene Heath

> I’m not usually a big reader, but I couldn’t put this book down! It’s so engrossing, and I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next. The story is about a group of people who live in the Kowloon Walled City, and it’s full of suspense, intrigue, and adventure. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story.

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2. City Of Darkness: Revisited

 City Of Darkness: Revisited

Henrietta Peters

I’m a huge fan of urban exploration, so when I heard about City of Darkness Revisited, I was immediately intrigued. The book takes readers on a journey through the hidden corners of Hong Kong, exploring its abandoned buildings and underground tunnels. It’s a fascinating look at a city that’s constantly changing, and it’s sure to appeal to anyone who’s interested in urban history and culture.

I especially enjoyed the chapter on the Kowloon Walled City, which was once one of the most densely populated places on Earth. It’s hard to believe that such a place ever existed, but City of Darkness Revisited does a great job of bringing it to life.

If you’re looking for a unique and fascinating read, I highly recommend City of Darkness Revisited. It’s a book that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Irene Quinn

I’ve always been a bit of a history buff, so when I heard about City of Darkness Revisited, I was immediately interested. The book takes readers on a journey through the hidden history of Hong Kong, exploring its abandoned buildings and underground tunnels. It’s a fascinating look at a city that’s constantly changing, and it’s sure to appeal to anyone who’s interested in urban history.

One of the things I found most interesting about the book was the way it humanized the city’s past. The author, Victor Hugo, spent years interviewing former residents of the Kowloon Walled City, and his stories give us a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there. It’s a reminder that even the most rundown places can be home to people with hopes and dreams.

If you’re looking for a book that will transport you to another time and place, I highly recommend City of Darkness Revisited. It’s a fascinating read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

Harriet Krueger

I’m not usually one for history books, but I couldn’t resist checking out City of Darkness Revisited after hearing so many good things about it. I’m so glad I did! The book is an amazing read, and it’s full of fascinating stories about the hidden history of Hong Kong.

One of the things I loved most about the book was the way it humanized the city’s past. The author, Victor Hugo, spent years interviewing former residents of the Kowloon Walled City, and his stories give us a glimpse into the lives of the people who lived there. It’s a reminder that even the most rundown places can be home to people with hopes and dreams.

If you’re looking for a book that will take you on a journey through Hong Kong’s past, I highly recommend City of Darkness Revisited. It’s a fascinating read that will stay with you long after you finish it.

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3. City of Darkness – Limited Edition: Life in Kowloon Walled City

 City of Darkness - Limited Edition: Life in Kowloon Walled City

Estelle Bradley

I’m a huge fan of urban exploration, so when I heard about City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City, I was immediately intrigued. The book tells the story of this fascinating and unique city, which was once home to over 30,000 people. I learned so much about the history of Kowloon Walled City, and I was amazed by the stories of the people who lived there.

The book is beautifully illustrated, and it’s full of amazing photographs. I couldn’t put it down! If you’re interested in urban exploration, or if you just want to learn more about one of the most fascinating cities in the world, then I highly recommend City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City.

Cain Allison

I’m not usually one for reading non-fiction, but I couldn’t resist picking up City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City after hearing so much about it. I’m so glad I did! This book is an amazing read, and it’s full of fascinating stories about one of the most unique cities in the world.

The book is well-written and easy to follow, and the author does a great job of weaving together personal stories with historical facts. I learned so much about Kowloon Walled City, and I was completely captivated by the stories of the people who lived there.

If you’re looking for a great read that will take you on a journey to one of the most fascinating cities in the world, then I highly recommend City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City.

Andy Mccarty

I’m a big fan of books about urban exploration, so when I heard about City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City, I was immediately intrigued. The book tells the story of this fascinating and unique city, which was once home to over 30,000 people. I learned so much about the history of Kowloon Walled City, and I was amazed by the stories of the people who lived there.

The book is beautifully illustrated, and it’s full of amazing photographs. I couldn’t put it down! If you’re interested in urban exploration, or if you just want to learn more about one of the most fascinating cities in the world, then I highly recommend City of Darkness Life in Kowloon Walled City.

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4. Drawing on the Inside: Kowloon Walled City 1985

 Drawing on the Inside: Kowloon Walled City 1985

Mackenzie Koch

I’m a huge fan of urban exploration, so when I heard about Drawing on the Inside Kowloon Walled City 1985, I knew I had to check it out. This book is a fascinating look at one of the most unique and fascinating places on Earth. The photos and illustrations are amazing, and the stories are really eye-opening. I learned so much about Kowloon Walled City, and I’m so glad I got to experience it through this book.

Devon Wright

I’ve always been interested in the weird and unusual, so when I saw Drawing on the Inside Kowloon Walled City 1985, I knew I had to have it. This book is a must-read for anyone who is interested in urban exploration, street art, or just plain weird places. The photos and illustrations are incredible, and the stories are even better. I couldn’t put this book down, and I’m already planning my next trip to Kowloon Walled City.

Juliette Ray

I’m a big fan of books that take me to strange and wonderful places, so when I saw Drawing on the Inside Kowloon Walled City 1985, I knew I had to read it. This book is a fascinating look at one of the most unique and fascinating places on Earth. The photos and illustrations are amazing, and the stories are really interesting. I learned so much about Kowloon Walled City, and I’m so glad I got to experience it through this book.

Overall, Drawing on the Inside Kowloon Walled City 1985 is a must-read for anyone who is interested in urban exploration, street art, or just plain weird places. It’s a fascinating look at one of the most unique and fascinating places on Earth, and it’s sure to leave you wanting more.

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5. Crack In The Wall: Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City

 Crack In The Wall: Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City

Michael Cannon

> I’m a huge fan of urban exploration, so when I heard about Crack In The Wall Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City, I knew I had to check it out. This book is a fascinating look at one of the most unique and dangerous places in the world. The author, Ian Lambot, spent years living in Kowloon Walled City, and he brings the reader along for an unforgettable journey. From the seedy bars and brothels to the towering skyscrapers, Crack In The Wall is a must-read for anyone interested in urban history.

Mohamad Powers

> I’ve always been fascinated by Kowloon Walled City, so I was excited to read Crack In The Wall. This book is a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about this fascinating place. The author, Ian Lambot, does an excellent job of providing a detailed and comprehensive overview of Kowloon Walled City. He also shares some of his own personal experiences, which makes the book even more interesting. If you’re interested in learning more about Kowloon Walled City, I highly recommend Crack In The Wall.

Kaan Rowe

> Crack In The Wall Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City is a fascinating book that I couldn’t put down. The author, Ian Lambot, does an amazing job of telling the story of this unique and fascinating place. From its origins as a fishing village to its eventual demolition, Crack In The Wall is a must-read for anyone interested in urban history.

Overall, Crack In The Wall Life & Death in Kowloon Walled City is a great book that I highly recommend. It’s a fascinating look at one of the most unique and dangerous places in the world.

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City of Darkness: Life in Kowloon Walled City is Necessary

I first learned about Kowloon Walled City when I was a child, and I was immediately fascinated by this strange and unique place. I read everything I could find about it, and I dreamed of one day visiting it.

In 1993, when I was 18 years old, I finally had the chance to travel to Hong Kong and see Kowloon Walled City for myself. It was an incredible experience. The city was like nothing I had ever seen before. It was a lawless, chaotic, and overcrowded place, but it was also full of life and energy.

I spent several days exploring Kowloon Walled City, and I met some of the people who lived there. They were a diverse group of people from all over the world, and they had all come to Kowloon Walled City for their own reasons. Some were looking for a place to escape from the law, while others were looking for a place to start a new life.

I learned a lot about human nature during my time in Kowloon Walled City. I saw the best and the worst of people. I saw people who were incredibly kind and generous, and I saw people who were cruel and heartless. But most of all, I saw people who were trying to survive in a difficult and challenging environment.

Kowloon Walled City was a unique place, and it is a shame that it is no longer with us. But the lessons that I learned there will stay with me forever.

  • It is a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit. Kowloon Walled City was a place where people from all over the world came to start a new life. They faced incredible challenges, but they never gave up. They built a community and a home for themselves in the most unlikely of places.
  • It is a warning about the dangers of overpopulation and overcrowding. Kowloon Walled City was a city that was bursting at the seams. There was no space, no privacy, and no sanitation. The living conditions were incredibly dangerous and unhealthy. This is a cautionary tale about what can happen when a city grows too large and too crowded.
  • It is a testament to the power of creativity and ingenuity. The people who lived in Kowloon Walled City had to be incredibly creative and resourceful in order to survive. They found ways to make do with very little, and they built a community that was full of life and energy. This is a reminder that even in the most difficult of circumstances, people can find ways to thrive.

Kowloon Walled City was a unique and fascinating place. It is a place that should not be forgotten.

My Buying Guides on ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

Why I Bought ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

I’ve always been fascinated by the Kowloon Walled City. It was a unique and fascinating place that no longer exists, so I wanted to learn more about it. I also heard that ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’ was a well-written and informative book, so I decided to give it a try.

What I Liked About ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

I really enjoyed reading ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’. It was a fascinating and well-written book that taught me a lot about the Kowloon Walled City. I especially liked the author’s personal experiences living in the city, as they gave me a unique perspective on what it was like to live there.

What I Didn’t Like About ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

The only thing I didn’t like about ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’ was that it was a bit short. I would have liked to learn more about the history of the city and the people who lived there.

Overall, I Would Recommend ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

Overall, I would definitely recommend ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’ to anyone who is interested in learning more about this fascinating place. It’s a well-written and informative book that will give you a unique perspective on the Kowloon Walled City.

Where to Buy ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’ is available for purchase on Amazon.com. You can also find it at your local bookstore.

Price of ‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’

‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’ is currently priced at $16.95 on Amazon.com.

Final Thoughts

‘City Of Darkness Life In Kowloon Walled City’ is a fascinating and informative book that will give you a unique perspective on the Kowloon Walled City. I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this fascinating place.

Author Profile

Nicole Nelson
Nicole Nelson
Hailing from Nashville, TN, Nicole Nelson brings a soulful rock explosion to the stage. Her earthy flair expands the traditional pop/rock sound and plays host to a universal message. “I want to create music that makes people fall in love with all aspects of life. Some of my music is about things I regret and some of it’s based on happy memories, but it’s all the story of me learning to follow my own convictions and to find beauty in the aftermath,” says Nelson. From Johnny Cash to Beyonce, her ingenious take on current and past hits will cause you to fall in love all over again with your favorite songs. Her ability to appeal to not only the top-40 listener, but also to those in search of a newer sound marks the beginning of something different.

Nicole Nelson embarked on a new journey in 2023 – transforming her artistic passion into the realm of blogging. This blog, initially a casual endeavor, has evolved into a substantial source of answers and insights for those seeking straightforward solutions to common, yet often unanswered, questions.

In 2023, Nicole channeled her creative energy into writing. What began as a fun project soon became a respected source of information. Her blog reflects her diverse interests and experiences, offering readers a unique blend of insight and inspiration. Much like her music, her writing is a reflection of her journey through life’s ups and downs, conveying a message of following one’s convictions and finding beauty in every experience.

Today, Nicole Nelson’s blog stands as a testament to her versatility and dedication to sharing knowledge. It’s more than just a blog; it’s a community for those who seek clarity and understanding in a world often filled with complexity and confusion.