What is the most packed city in China?

Kowloon Walled City: The Most Packed City in China

Kowloon Walled City, a former Chinese military fort in British Hong Kong, emerged as one of the most densely populated urban settlements in the world. Situated within the leased New Territories, it existed as a de jure aberration, a stark contrast to the orderly British colonial surroundings.

After the British acquired the New Territories in 1898, Kowloon Walled City remained under Chinese sovereignty. However, the British authorities did not exert effective control over the area, leading to its transformation into an ungoverned enclave.

The city’s population surged rapidly, primarily due to an influx of refugees fleeing war and political turmoil in China. By the mid-20th century, Kowloon Walled City had become a densely packed labyrinth of buildings, with an estimated population of over 33,000 people crammed into a mere 2.7 acres.

The city’s infrastructure was chaotic and unsafe, with narrow alleyways, poor sanitation, and rampant crime. The lack of regulation led to the construction of unauthorized high-rises, which further increased the population density.

Kowloon Walled City was notorious for its lawlessness and illicit activities. Triads and criminal gangs operated openly, and the city became a haven for gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking.

Despite its notorious reputation, Kowloon Walled City also harbored a diverse community. There were schools, clinics, and temples scattered throughout the labyrinthine city. Many residents developed a sense of communal identity and self-governance.

In 1994, the Chinese and British governments agreed to demolish Kowloon Walled City as part of the handover of Hong Kong to China. The city’s residents were gradually relocated, and the buildings were torn down.

Today, the former site of Kowloon Walled City is a park called Kowloon Walled City Park. It serves as a reminder of the city’s extraordinary history and the challenges of urban planning and governance in rapidly developing areas.