Kowloon Overview

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. more...

Kowloon Activities

Eating out is one of the two major activities on offer in Kowloon. Local residents never tire of their own eateries because this city offers some of the finest cuisine from every corner of China, as well as many other global destinations. The sheer number of restaurants in Kowloon is staggering and you'll find something to eat on every corner and down each lane. Chinese restaurants are typically noisy, crowded environments and the emphasis is on the food not necessarily the decor. more...

Kowloon Events and Festivals

Tin Hau’s Birthday: Fishermen decorate their boats with ribbons and paper offerings in the hope of good weather and a plentiful catch at Joss House Bay, while Yuen Long is the site for parades and lion dances. more...

Kowloon Sightseeing

This bustling district has the dubious distinction of being the world's most densely populated area. Despite efforts to modernise Mong Kok, it retains much of its old charm as a busy market area catering to everything under the sun. Mong Kok also has a reputation as one of the darker parts of Hong Kong, where triad gang members keep a low profile and gambling dens are hidden under karaoke hostess bars. Fortune-tellers will read your future, and Chinese opera singers occasionally fill the streets with their piercing voices. Dive in to this chaotic yet addictive scene and see what you can come up with. more...

Kowloon Transport

Due to Kowloon's somewhat isolated location, the vast majority of travellers arrive by air. However, if you are already in China you can take the Beijing-Kowloon Railway, which offers a direct 26-hour train link between the two cities. This train terminates at the East Tsim Sha Tsui Station, which links up with the subway and local bus routes. Kowloon is also accessible by boat as over 30 international cruise ships call at Kowloon’s Ocean Terminal. Long-distance coach travel is not a very convenient means of getting to Kowloon, but the local double-decker buses cover most of Hong Kong from 06:00 to midnight every day. more...

Kowloon Travel Tips

Since Kowloon was a British territory for so long, visitors will find that the social atmosphere here is not quite as raw as in mainland China. Even so, be prepared for crowded city streets and people pushing their way past you to the head of the line or the door of the bus. Just get into the mood and push your way through like everyone else. Handshakes are more common in Kowloon than in other parts of China, but don't be surprised if the locals simply ignore you. The concept of saving face is still a big part of social life in Kowloon, so try not to lose your temper in public. While Kowloon is certainly more progressive than the rest of China, the usual social rules still apply. Dress casual but somewhat conservative, and conversation topics that focus on the government, autonomy or politics in general are better avoided. Don't take photographs of anything that appears to be militarily sensitive or of the people themselves unless you ask first. more...