Mong Kok Tour

Discover a hidden side of Hong Kong on this tour of Mong Kok, showcasing the real estate crisis and inequality in this affluent city.

The Dark Side of Hong Kong: Mong Kok

We will meet at Prince Edward Station to discuss the housing challenges in Hong Kong. The city has one of the most expensive real estate markets, where families of three often occupy apartments as small as 10 square meters (107 sq ft).

During the tour, we will visit Portland Street to examine the contrast between traditional 4-story buildings and modern skyscrapers, reflecting urbanization's impact on Hong Kong's neighborhoods.

Next, at a subdivided housing unit on Cedar Street, we’ll experience living conditions in cramped spaces, including cage houses. We will learn how high prices and space shortages force residents into precarious situations.

We will then proceed to Lui Seng Chun for herbal tea and local stories about the real estate crisis. Personal accounts will highlight the struggles to find decent housing.

Continuing along Lai Chi Kok Road and Boundary Street, we will uncover more subdivided housing examples, discussing how gentrification affects impoverished neighborhoods.

Finally, we will arrive at Hai Tan Street to analyze the role of land sales in maintaining low income tax in Hong Kong amidst rising social inequality.

This 2-2.5 hour tour will conclude at Sham Shui Po Station, providing insight into the challenges faced by many residents.