Kowloon

On June 9, 1898, the Second Convention of Peking was signed, leasing the New Territories, a large area north of Kowloon, to the British for 99 years. This agreement significantly expanded the size of the British-controlled area of Hong Kong, which had previously been limited to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula. The lease was part of the colonial expansions during that period and laid the groundwork for the development of modern Hong Kong.

Around 1950, Kowloon experienced a rapid population growth due to the influx of people fleeing the Chinese Civil War. This surge transformed Kowloon from a sparsely populated area into one of the most densely populated regions in the world. The influx led to significant challenges in housing and infrastructure, shaping the development of many of the modern urban planning policies in Hong Kong.

Throughout the 1960s, the Kowloon Walled City developed into a densely populated settlement with no planning or law enforcement from Hong Kong authorities. Originally a military outpost, it became notorious for its ungoverned environment. By 1963, it housed around 30,000 residents in a compact, lawless area covering a mere 6.4 acres. The city evolved into a maze-like structure, marked by haphazard construction and rampant crime.

The 1967 riots were a series of leftist protests and violent demonstrations against British rule in Hong Kong, inspired by the Cultural Revolution in China. The turmoil escalated into street battles between protesters and the police. In Kowloon, many industrial areas became central points of conflict, impacting local communities and setting a precedent for future civil unrest in Hong Kong. These riots eventually led to significant policy changes.

In the early 1970s, Nathan Road, the primary thoroughfare in Kowloon, underwent significant expansion. This road, known as 'The Golden Mile,' is famous for its neon lights and bustling activity, running from Tsim Sha Tsui in the south to Mong Kok in the north. The expansion projects improved transportation efficiency, promoting commercial and residential development along the southern Kowloon corridor.

In 1975, the first sections of the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) in Kowloon were completed, marking a major milestone in Hong Kong's public transportation development. The efficient subway system revolutionized travel, alleviating congestion on urban roads and connecting key districts across Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. This development has been pivotal in the economic growth and urban expansion of the region.

In June 1988, the Hong Kong government announced plans to close Kai Tak Airport, the historic airport located in Kowloon Bay, and relocate to a new site at Chek Lap Kok. Kai Tak was famous for its challenging approach path over Kowloon City, surrounded closely by high-rise buildings. The announcement initiated a significant transition in Hong Kong's aviation history, leading to the opening of the modern Hong Kong International Airport in 1998.

The demolition of the infamous Kowloon Walled City began on March 23, 1993. At its peak, Kowloon Walled City was the densest place on Earth, known for its maze-like structure filled with illegal dental clinics, eateries, and apartments. The Hong Kong government had decided to clear the area to develop the Kowloon Walled City Park, which opened later, preserving historic remnants while providing an open space for the public.

On July 1, 1997, the sovereignty of Hong Kong, including Kowloon, was transferred from the United Kingdom to the People's Republic of China. Known as 'the Handover,' this marked the end of British colonial rule and the beginning of the 'one country, two systems' framework. The ceremony was an emblematic moment in Hong Kong's history, with significant impacts on the cultural and political landscapes of the region.

On July 6, 1998, the iconic Kai Tak Airport officially closed, marking the end of an era in Kowloon's aviation history. Known for its heart-stopping landings over Kowloon Bay, Kai Tak had served as Hong Kong's main airport since 1925. Its closure allowed the opening of the new Hong Kong International Airport at Chek Lap Kok, which now serves as a major aviation hub in Asia with modern facilities and increased capacity.