In September 9, 2013, Matthew Hung’s essay highlighted the uniqueness of Kowloon Walled City, an informal settlement in Hong Kong known for crime and illicit activities. The city’s history dates back to the Opium Wars, with conflicts shaping its development as a political no man’s land. Despite tensions between British and Chinese sovereignty, the city provided a haven for refugees and a shadow economy. The Kowloon Walled City’s demolition in 1997 raised questions about the lack of protest due to Hong Kong’s complex cultural identity and colonial legacy. The city’s disappearance sparked interest in defining a distinct Hong Kong culture, reflecting the city’s struggle for autonomy amidst political uncertainty.
https://mascontext.com/issues/trace/kowloon-walled-city-heterotopia-in-a-space-of-disappearance