Kowloon, Urban district in Hong Kong, China.
Kowloon is a densely built urban area occupying the peninsula on the northern shore of Victoria Harbour in Hong Kong. Tall residential blocks stand close together, forming street canyons where pedestrians navigate between shops, restaurants, and subway stations.
The area began as a military outpost of the Song Dynasty in the 12th century, controlling salt trade routes. Britain took control in the late 19th century and developed the region into a major commercial center until the handover to China in 1997.
The name derives from "Gau Lung", meaning Nine Dragons, referencing hills that once dominated the landscape before modern development. Visitors today encounter temples tucked between tower blocks and markets spilling onto sidewalks, showing how tradition adapts to limited space.
Visitors can explore most neighborhoods on foot without difficulty, though comfortable shoes help as sidewalks often fill with crowds. The MTR connects all major areas and makes moving between different districts straightforward.
Much of the waterfront was created through land reclamation, pushing the shoreline far beyond its original boundary. Many streets carry bilingual names that blend Chinese history with British heritage.
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