Images and captions by Greg Girard from his book City of Darkness
Kowloon Walled City, 1987
Kwong Ming Street, Kowloon Walled City, 1989
Mail Delivery, Kowloon Walled City, 1989
BBQ Meat Factory, 1990
Heroin User, Walled City Rooftop, 1987
Metal grate protects temple from garbage, thrown from upper floors, 1989
The Kowloon Walled City in Hong Kong was once the most densely populated place on earth, a teeming hive of interlinking high-rises that few dared to enter but 33,000 people called home. Demolished two decades ago, the virtually lawless labyrinth is now a park.
Paul Tang Kam -cheung was a teenager when he joined the Hong Fat Shan triad gang – later known as the 14K – in the 1950s. The gang’s activities included narcotic trafficking, illegal gambling, and operating strip clubs and brothels. Mr. Tang became a heroin addict and did jail time for robbery and drugs. He moved out of the Walled City after converting to Christianity and becoming a pastor.
Watch the interactive presentation of the city from the WSJ.
PANKOV 