The Kowloon Walled City

Kowloon Walled City was a densely populated, largely ungoverned settlement in Hong Kong from the 1950s to 1993. Originally a Chinese military fort, it became a legal gray zone—neither British Hong Kong nor China claimed jurisdiction. In the absence of government, it grew organically into a 6.4-acre labyrinth housing 33,000 people, making it the most densely populated place on Earth. Buildings towered 14 stories, connected by makeshift bridges and corridors. Sunlight never reached lower levels. The city had its own economy: unlicensed doctors, dentists, food production, and small factories. It was surprisingly functional with low crime rates, despite its lawless reputation. Residents created a complex community with schools, shops, and social services. In 1987, the governments decided to demolish it. Residents resisted but were eventually evicted. The city was razed in 1993, replaced by a park. It remains a symbol of self-organization, urban resilience, and the human ability to create order from chaos.