Stories from West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong: Where Modern Architecture meets history

Things to do in West Kowloon Cultural District

What are my biggest motivators to travel? Architecture. Art. Crafts. Local shopping. Doors. Stories. Offbeat places. Offbeat perspectives. Colours. People. History. Culture. Not necessarily in this order, but this pretty much sums up the list. When I first read about the emerging art and cultural hub of Hong Kong: West Kowloon Cultural District, I was intrigued for umpteen reasons: its architecture and the stories behind it being one of the biggest magnets.

Things to do in West Kowloon Cultural District
Kowloon Union Church

As a traveller, I love exploring cities on foot. I walk in lanes, enter local markets, observe locals, start a conversation with them, grab a coffee, study buildings, draw patterns and let the place wash over me.

Walking routes of West Kowloon Cultural District Hong Kong
Colours of WKCD

Discover Hong Kong has developed some super interesting itineraries in the West Kowloon Cultural District for the discerning traveller: routes that take you on a journey through architecture, crafts, Urban art, International art, history, and local flavours. One such route represents the beauty of WKCD architecture: the blend of ancient, traditional architecture with modern.

Things to do in West Kowloon Cultural District
The route map

Here are 5 buildings in WKCD that are on my bucket list and why I wish to visit them:

 

  1. Red Brick Building: the one that withstood the tests of time:

There is something about vintage buildings and the stories they narrate. They have withstood the test of time and technology. The Red Brick building on Shek Lung Street is one such building. As modern buildings mushroom around it, this unique building stands out distinctively, maintaining its character, with skyscrapers for neighbours. This vintage building with arched verandahs is now an office for the Yau Ma Tei Theatre across the street.

Things to see in West Kowloon Cultural District Hong Kong
Red Brick Building

For someone who loves rustic, traditional buildings, the Red Brick building is a huge attraction.

Things in West Kowloon Cultural District Hong Kong
Postcard of the Brick Building

The fact that it is the only structure that remains of the former pumping station built in 1895, makes it even more sought after by architecture buffs.

  1. Tin Hau Temple, Yau Ma Tei: An oasis of peace

There is an inexplicable sense of calm in places of worship. There is a culmination of faith, age-old beliefs, local traditions, and peace.

The Tin Hau temple is the largest temple complex dedicated to Tin Hau, among the many Tin Hau temples in Hong Kong. The temple has a very interesting history. Being primarily a fishing community, locals worshipped Tin Hau and prayed for safety during sea voyages. Built in 1865, this temple is an excellent example of the Qing dynasty architectural style.

Things to do in Hong Kong
Tin Hau Temple

The entrance has a porch with drum platforms and the interiors have two halls, a courtyard, and a self-service book store. Hanging Spiral incense sticks, decorative ornate reliefs of Chinese dragons, Shiwan ceramic figurines, and the Nine dragon wall add to the charm of this ancient temple.

This one makes to the bucket list for all of the above and the famed Tin Hau festival held in May.

Things to do in West Kowloon Cultural District Hong Kong
Postcard of the interiors Tin Hau Temple

For me, the prime reason to visit Tin Hau Temple is the architecture. Being an architecture buff, I would love to document these stories etched in stone.

  1. Kowloon Union Church: a union of East and West

Imagine ambling about on Jordan road and coming face to face with a building that is Gothic plus Chinese?

The Kowloon Union Church built in 1930, is one such building: a perfect blend of East and West architecture, with Chinese tiled roofs, grey granite steps, red bricks, and Gothic architectural elements of stained glass windows.

Best things to see in West Kowloon Cultural District Hong Kong
Kowloon Union Church

I am always drawn to Gothic architecture, but when it meets Asian elements, it gives a whole new facet to the building, making it a unique hybrid of Chinese and Western, something that is inclusive and what Hong Kong stands for!

 

  1. Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market: a market that flaunts Art Deco

I adore local markets: from people watching to learning about local dishes to sampling local cuisine, to buying food souvenirs to take back home, local markets give me a sense of a place like none other.

The fragrances, the sounds, the tastes, the flavours, the sights, and markets bring all my senses alive and they are truly an immersive cultural experience for me.

And when a market has historic significance, like the Yau Ma Tei Market, it just adds to the whole experience! The market is classified as a Grade II historic building since 2009.

Things to do in West Kowloon Cultural District
Guo Lan (Fruit Market)

This market is significant for a lot of reasons: it is built in an Art Deco style, with architectural elements that you can rarely see anywhere else in HK neighborhoods. There are brick and stone buildings retaining their character, even as the world around them is getting modernised! What is most intriguing are the carved Chinese signboards, dating back to the Pre-World War II period. It has been an important part of the lives of locals as it was one of the oldest markets, supplying fresh local produce since 1913.

I have mentally made notes of how I would spend my mornings in this fruit market, being one with the locals!

 

  1. Buildings at 176–178 Shanghai Street: Once upon a time in Shanghai Street

Some buildings fascinate you for their architectural elements, some buildings leave you awestruck with their beauty, and then some buildings stun you with their history.

Once occupied by Chinese merchants, the Tong Lau which translates to Chinese building is one of the few buildings that still remain in Hong Kong that still have a covered terrace on the ground floor, with the style of old shops. Neon signs with Chinese symbols adorn the building, making it one of the best sights for a night walk in the area.

Things to see in West Kowloon Cultural District
Shanghai Street at night

This route has some more fabulous structures: some newly built, some whispering stories of yesteryear.

You can find the entire list here.

The Door Lover in me wants to walk past the intriguing doors of the Tin Hau temple, and the storyteller in me wants to interact with people and collect perspectives and all this is possible when I will take a walk in the lanes of West Kowloon Cultural District.

West Kowloon Cultural District is a living example of creating modern traditions. If you love offbeat experiences and perspectives like me, this emerging neighbourhood, has umpteen diverse gems, hidden in nooks and corners for you to explore and hear the stories. It’s simple: Log on to the website, pick a thematic walking guide you like, and follow the maps for a perfectly curated route based on your interests and liking!

Which thematic walking guide would you pick first in the West Kowloon Cultural district?

Let me know in the comments below!

Things to do in West Kowloon Cultural District

Disclaimer: This post is written in partnership with Discover Hong Kong.

All Photographs are provided by Hong Kong Tourism Board

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7 thoughts on “Stories from West Kowloon Cultural District in Hong Kong: Where Modern Architecture meets history

  1. So many of the reasons you travel resonate with me. I loved exploring the architecture you presented showcasing these amazing buildings in the Kowloon Cultural District. It was surprising to see that the old bricks of the former pumping station are so varied – clearly hand made! And the combination of Chinese and Gothic architecture at the Kowloon Union Church is so unusual, but very pleasing. Great finds!

  2. I love all those reasons for travel. I’m obsessed with architecture, so the Art Deco market in the West Kowloon would be of great interest to me.

  3. The West Kowloon Cultural District in Hongkong looks like a fascinating place to explore. The Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market combines architecture and culinary treats in a perfect way. I guess one would need at least half a day to take it all in.

  4. I LOVE architecture and places like this get me every time! It’s so fun to see old-meets-new like this. It’s one of the reasons I love NYC so much. Hong Kong is on my bucket list and I had never thought about the architecture there before- I had only thought about the culture and the food. But it is so cool to see how really the architecture plays into the culture so much- both old and new!

  5. I also love finding old architectures and the history behind it during my travels. I like they preserved the Red Brick Building even though it doesn’t look really special. But the history behind the building is what’s more important. The Union church also attracted me with its combined Chinese and Gothic architectures. It’s very important to keep these buildings and their history for years to come.

  6. This is just my kind of tour. I also enjoy seeing beautiful architecture and learning about the history of buildings. Learning about the culture as well is very interesting to me.

  7. We share the same characteristics! I also enjoy seeing architecturally interesting places. Let’s be honest: visiting historical sites is far more exciting. Tin Hau Temple’s interiors are one-of-a-kind. When I next visit WKCD, I hope to stop by Yau Ma Tei Fruit Market and sample some of their local cuisine.

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