A View into the Culture of the Kowloon Walled City

The residents of the Kowloon Walled City were a hardworking, gregarious people who expressed concern for many issues that arise from everyday existence such as the pressing concerns of education and living conditions. The overall cultural character of the city was one of a tight nit community were residents would help each other as much as possible. An important aspect of the cultural component of the city was the rooftops of the buildings. The rooftops served as a social gathering place. It would be a place of relaxation or repose for the older members of the community while children would use it as a playground. It was a place for everybody.

Perhaps the most important social oasis was the Yamen. Located in the very heart of the city, the Yamen served as a kind of community centre. There were also several religious institutions in the city. During its zenith, it was home to the Fuk Tak and Tin Hau Temples that served believers of Buddhism, Taoism and various Animalist adherents.