Kowloon

Kowloon is Hong Kong's densely populated peninsula—ceded to Britain in 1860 and developed as the commercial and residential extension of Hong Kong Island. The Kowloon Peninsula contains some of the world's highest population densities, particularly in districts like Mong Kok and Sham Shui Po. Nathan Road serves as the main commercial artery, while the Tsim Sha Tsui waterfront offers the classic view across Victoria Harbour to Central's skyline. West Kowloon Cultural District, completed in 2019, added world-class arts venues (M+ Museum, Xiqu Centre) in an attempt to position Hong Kong as a cultural hub. The now-demolished Kowloon Walled City (1994) became an icon of ungoverned urban density. In April 2023, the Federation of Hong Kong and Kowloon Labour Unions cancelled a planned workers' rights march after police denied a no-objection letter—indicative of the post-2020 restrictions on assembly. Kowloon's working-class character contrasts with Hong Kong Island's financial elite, though gentrification has transformed areas like Tsim Sha Tsui East. The four districts (Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po, Wong Tai Sin, Yau Tsim Mong) house approximately 2.1 million people.