My visit has been interesting to say the least. This part of the city has a special breed of magic, one that cannot be duplicated but must be experienced. Walking the streets is going to be your best way to discover that. If you don’t have time for a languid and lengthy walk, here are 5 free things to do in Kowloon Hong Kong that might provide a glimpse into its soul.
Tin Hau Temple
One of over 100 temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Tin Hau, the Chinese sea goddess. The public square in front is always full of older folk. Some of the men playing games and women chatting away, catching up on the days gossip. The temple itself consists of four different halls. They are filled with offerings and Taoist statuary.
The temple is a compact quiet space in the middle of a very busy and chaotic area of the city. Walking through, the smell of the incense is overwhelmingly strong, but ethereal as it hovers in the thick damp air. This temple was built in 1876 and is the last remaining Tin Hau temple in the Kowloon region of Hong Kong.
Victoria Harbour
Possibly the most popular or famous place in Hong Kong is Victoria Harbour. From this side, the Kowloon side, the view is of the Island and tourists flock here at night especially, for a photo of the skyline. This deep channel of water allows 220,000 vessels through every year, making it one of the busiest ports. All along the waters edge is a wide promenade with statues, and beautified areas to enjoy. The Modern Art Museum is located here as well as the only remaining remnant of the original Kowloon Railway Station, the brick clock tower.
Kowloon Park
Formerly the site of the Whitfield Barracks of the British Army, this 13-hectare space is now a city park. Full of mature shade trees, colourful flower gardens, paths and multiple ponds, there is one thing I came to see in particular.
Near the centre of the park is a ‘Bird Lake’ and aviary. Unfortunately, the railings were being painted so the birds from that lake were placed in a pen that was blocked to the public. I could hear them honking loudly at their displeasure of being displaced. I climbed up on a bench, peered over a wide hedge and spotted them strutting about. Flamingos! One of my favourite birds, there they were, squawking away. Hopefully when you visit, they will be enjoying their habitat and freely mucking about as they do.
Red Brick Building
Constructed in 1895, this humble structure is the oldest water pumping station in Hong Kong. It provided fresh drinking water to the residents of Kowloon until 1911. Located at 8 Waterloo Road, visitors can enter for free and have a look inside. Its usually open from 1pm to 7pm however because it is used for rehearsal space by the nearby theatre, those hours may fluctuate. Don’t miss the huge mural on wall of the building opposite and at the ‘I Love Cake’ shop, is the friendly old orange tom cat. 🐈
Yau Ma Tei Wholesale Fruit Market
Located in Mongkok, this is a mostly covered market selling only fruits. Founded in 1913, it is one of the oldest and largest markets in Hong Kong with over 200 stalls. Open as early as 4am, these vendors begin their day selling to the local shops. Visitors are welcome to purchase fruit too, and I see many perusing the mandarins, grapes and cherries that are far too dear for me to consider buying.
Kowloon is a unique part of Hong Kong, a treasure really. The amount of history that this peninsula has seen and that is now erased is staggering. Even though it is not the most glamours part of the city, this is where real authenticity exists. Come to Kowloon, enjoy the chaos, dodge the A/C drips on the sidewalks and delve deep into this land of mystery.
