Hong Kong's Kowloon Walled City: A Historical Overview of Its Demolition and Legacy
The Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong, once the densest place on Earth, was demolished in the early 1990s. This self-built maze of 350 towers housed approximately 33,000 people within a six and a half acre area. The city was a result of a legal anomaly, existing due to a lack of administrative enforcement by both British and Chinese authorities. Over time, it became a densely packed settlement with buildings reaching up to 14 stories, constrained by the proximity to Kai Tak Airport. The Hong Kong government announced its demolition in 1987, offering compensation to residents. Demolition began in 1993 and concluded in 1994, making way for the Kowloon Walled City Park, which opened in 1995. The park now serves as a historical site, preserving remnants of the city's past, including the yamen building and the Old South Gate. 
