A brief history of Wong Chuk Hang
Creativity and innovation immediately come to mind when thinking about Wong Chuk Hang. The area is full of art galleries, independent showrooms and studios alongside a fair few catering companies!
Wong Chuk Hang
The area has seen several changes though since its start as a small village during the Qing dynasty in the 1860s/70s. Literally translated as ‘Yellow Bamboo Grove’, Wong Chuk Hang had plenty of arable land and was a thriving farming community in the mid-19th century where people could raise livestock and buy local produce.
By the early 20th century industry was on the rise with the city’s status as a global leader in the textile and garment sectors. The population boom from 1945, as people fled communist China, led to rapid growth in several industries, including electronics and plastics and by the end of the 1980s Wong Chuk Hang alone had more than 1100 factories, helped by the opening of the Aberdeen tunnel in 1982.
Textile Factory
It wasn’t to last though. The next 15-20 years saw a period of decline for the area as businesses moved to the mainland for cheaper labour and lower production costs.
Fast forward to the present day and Wong Chuk Hang is booming again. With the announcement, and subsequent completion, of the South Island MTR line both residents and businesses have been tempted back, driven by increased accessibility and relatively cheaper rents.
Southside Development
Today the area is a fascinating blend of old, industrial developments and gleaming, modern office buildings. Development continues apace with the recent opening of the Southside Mall and the accompanying residential housing looking to attract a younger population to the area and confirm its status as one of Hong Kong’s cultural hubs.
Finally, here are just a few inspiring places worth checking out in the region:
Ben Brown Fine Arts
A leading international gallery specialising in post-war and contemporary art. Expanding from London’s Mayfair the Hong Kong gallery opened in 2009 and consistently showcases outstanding artists from Europe and the Americas. The current exhibition. Yoan Capote: Mixed Feelings, runs until the 21st June
Ben Brown Fine Arts
Tang Contemporary Art
Founded in Bangkok in 1997 Tang Contemporary Art has made an unparalleled contribution to the Asian and Chinese arts and its inclusion in the global art scenes. The gallery hosts a range of curatorial projects and exhibitions with a dedication to furthering the practice of contemporary art.
Tang Contemporary Art | Beijing·Hong Kong·Bangkok·Seoul 當代唐人藝術中心 | 北京·香港·曼谷·首爾
Tang Contemporary Art
Baking Maniac
Renuka & Ankrish are a mother and son self-taught team creating beautiful cakes and cookies. Always experimenting and trying new techniques with an emphasis on the finest organic ingredients. Well worth checking out next time you’re planning a special occasion!
Baking Maniac