 One of the four pieces that constitutes modern Hong Kong, Kowloon sits on its peninsula just opposite teeming Hong Kong island like a contemplative uncle, smug in the knowledge that all the serious businesslike stuff lies across the harbour. Most people equate Kowloon, whose name translates as the ‘nine dragons’ in reference to the nine mountains behind it, as one giant shopping monstrosity. This may be true, but there is a lot more on offer if you’re willing to explore beyond the merchant meccas of Tsim Sha Tsui and Nathan Road.
 Kowloon is, in fact, a cultural melting pot replete with some of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, most interesting historical sites and street scenes that are just as colourful and engaging as on Hong Kong island. The recently created Hong Kong Cultural Centre strives to broaden Kowloon’s resume with a couple of excellent museums, cultural venues and business halls. But in truth, most visitors come to gorge themselves on the shopping, restaurants, and edgy nightlife. Stay at the famous Peninsula Hotel if you can afford it and be sure and take a nighttime stroll along the waterfront Promenade at least once. The views of Victoria Harbour and the Hong Kong skyline are simply sublime. After that, drop into one of the night markets that dot Kowloon and see how the locals get on after dark.
 Of course, Kowloon is also the cheaper alternative to Hong Kong island, and you’ll find most of Hong Kong’s residents stay here. At first glance it seems like a concrete jungle of high-rises and indeed it is, but it has a character and attractions all of its own. From here it is also much easier to reach other points in Hong Kong, such as the New Territories, outlying bays, suburbs and islands. Many visitors to Hong Kong neglect to give Kowloon a good exploration.
 Staying in Kowloon is also a sensible plan, for the hotel prices on Hong Kong island are exclusively for the rich. In Kowloon you are spoilt for choice with hotels to suit all budgets with international names such as The Sheraton, Inter-Continental, Holiday Inn, Renaissance, Peninsula and many more. The standard is very high, the buildings modern and conveniently placed, with hotels spread out across this densely populated district of Hong Kong. Some are right near Victoria Harbour for convenience while other more affordable options are found out near the airport.
History
 During the 12th century, the area now known as Hong Kong and Kowloon was heavily settled by the Five Great Clans, five extended families who built walled cities to fend off roving pirates. Remnants of the walled enclaves remain, such as the Kowloon Old Walled City. But the modern history of this area began just 160 years ago in a shadowy world of Chinese tea, silk and opium. The British, in their insatiable quest for tea (which had become England’s national drink) desperately tried to engage the Chinese in trade. But the Chinese would only accept silver bullion, and the British were only allowed to use a single small trading post in Canton.
 However, the British soon discovered a commodity which proved irresistible to the Chinese. Opium from India was introduced to the Chinese population by the East India Company and the addictive narcotic quickly enslaved everyone from the peasant class to the nobility. Seeing that his empire was trading away all of its silver to support a national drug habit, the emperor banned the import of opium in 1830. The British began smuggling the drugs up the Pearl River, which prompted the Chinese emperor to destroy the British stockpiles in Canton. The British then declared war on China, which became known as the Opium Wars. They won the conflict and forced China to open new trading ports, receiving Hong Kong in the treaty.
 The second Opium War, from 1856 to 1858, ended with Kowloon Peninsula being added to the Hong Kong colony, thus beginning its life as part of Hong Kong’s structure. By 1898, the British decided they wanted more land and forced the Chinese to accept a 99-year lease on the colony, which expired in 1997. Originally, the British used the peninsula mainly for tiger hunting, focusing its development on Hong Kong island.
 The growth of Kowloon and Hong Kong in the 20th century was nothing short of astonishing. As the colony grew into a world powerhouse for manufacturing and trade, the population boomed and the island experienced unprecedented economic growth and development. In Kowloon, the development of the Wharf, the Kai Tak Airport and the Kowloon-Canton Railway brought rapid growth. After WWII, many parts of Kowloon were overrun by refugees seeking haven from the newly created People’s Republic of China. By 1997, it was clear that the Chinese would not renew Britain’s lease on the New Territories, so Hong Kong and Kowloon were returned to the Chinese. Today, Kowloon remains a vital component of Hong Kong, providing a slew of shopping, cultural and educational opportunities. Its beauty, economic vitality and fascinating diversity of residents ensure that Kowloon will remain a hot destination for decades to come.
Weather
 Kowloon has a classic subtropical climate, meaning winters are generally mild and summers are hot and humid. The city’s high season runs from October until the end of December, because this is the period of comfortably warm sunny days and pleasantly cool nights.
 January through early March typically bring extended periods of cold, rainy days, making this one of the least popular times to visit. March and April are a mixed bag, with alternating spells of cold weather and perfectly sunny days. By May, the weather has warmed up, but this means the dangerous typhoon season is just around the corner. June through September not only brings Kowloon’s nasty season of hot, sticky and rainy weather, but it also puts the city in the path of powerful typhoons. Keep your ears on the news if you are visiting during the summer season.
 Kowloon gets extremely crowded during its peak seasons, so make sure you have a hotel reservation before you come. The late autumn and early winter period is always busy with tourists, but also consider the important Chinese holidays such as Chinese New Year, when hoards of people descend on their relatives. Plan your visit in the sweltering summer or late winter if you want a quieter and cheaper experience.
Kowloon literally means ‘nine dragons’ in reference to the nine mountains which flank the city to the north. In recent years, the city has tried to broaden its appeal by opening a number of interesting museums, most of which are concentrated in the expansive Hong Kong Cultural Centre. At the tip of the peninsula lies Tsim Sha Tsui, the heart of tourism in Kowloon. The Promenade is the best place for a stroll, offering stunning views of the Hong Kong skyline across the harbour. There are plenty of markets here, both traditional and modern, as well as the historic Walled City and a couple of very impressive Chinese temples. If you look hard enough, you’ll find more than just shopping in Kowloon.
| 
