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Sham Shui Po — A Story of Grassroots Hong Kong
Sham Shui Po — A Story of Grassroots Hong Kong
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Sham Shui Po — A Story of Grassroots Hong Kong

Let's explore the grassroots' daily life and understand diversified and various Sham Shui Po.

Where working-class grit and ingenuity inspire a new generation of artists and designers

As one of the most diverse places in Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po is full of vibrant open markets, with remnants of war and fire, as well as massive and dense public housing estates. It is also a safe haven for thousands of refugees. You can see the perseverance, energy and intelligence in people who live in Sham Shui Po. Let’s explore them together!

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Tour overview

  • Visit decades-old public housing estates to trace the evolution of working class’ lives in Hong Kong.
  • Retrace the ups and downs of Kowloon’s history through Sham Shui Po’s long-standing shops and historical streets.
  • Tour the quirky flea market in Apliu Street and hear old stories about this biggest open-air bazaar in Hong Kong.

In an ever-changing Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po is home to some of Kowloon’s oldest street scenes: a vibrant open-air bazaar, pre-World War Two buildings, relics of wars and fires, and a large concentration of public housing.

Sham Shui Po is also a very welcoming place. It has hosted tens of thousands of refugees and others seeking shelter and safety throughout the 20th century and today, it is one of Hong Kong’s most diverse areas where the city’s poor as well as traders from developing countries around the world can make a living.

In many ways, Sham Shui Po typifies the grit, vitality and ingenuity of grassroots Hong Kong, and our walk of the area will show you these aspects of the city in a way that informs and entertains.

Selected highlights

Some of the points of interest include:

Mei Ho House

Mei Ho House

Recount the squatter housing situation in the 1950s and the first generation of government subsidized housing.

Shek Kip Mei Estate

Shek Kip Mei Estate

Trace the evolution of public housing through the ages while discussing the nostalgic memories of life in old housing estates.

Pei Ho Street Wet Market

Pei Ho Street Wet Market

What better way to see local life up close than to visit where they shop for fresh produce every day? This market offers some of the best prices in Hong Kong!

Kung Wo Beancurd Factory

Kung Wo Beancurd Factory

Navigate through the bustling city markets and discover the delights of street food.

Apliu Street Flea Market

Apliu Street Flea Market

Feel the energy at this genuine local market whose products range from second hand goods to latest technology gadgets.

Shia Wong Hip

Shia Wong Hip

Engage with charming and interesting small shops full of character.

History

  • Junior Secondary (Form 3)
    • Describe and analyse Sham Shui Po’s demographic changes and community development as a settlement for immigrants.
    • Give examples of the impact of the Shek Kip Mei fire and public housing policies on Hong Kong society.
    • Briefly describe the diverse industries and lifestyle characteristics of Sham Shui Po over different periods (e.g., bakery, subdivided flats, etc.).
  • Senior Secondary (Theme A)
    • Analyze the historical relationship between Sham Shui Po’s factories, handicrafts, and housing policies and Hong Kong’s urbanisation.
    • Discuss the historical significance of the preservation and revitalisation of historic buildings (e.g., Garden Centre and Mei Ho House).
    • Using the South Asian community in Sham Shui Po as an example, describe the interactions between different ethnic groups in Hong Kong.

Geography

  • Junior Secondary (Section A)
    • Describe the characteristics of Hong Kong’s inner city areas and the urban problems they face, using Sham Shui Po as an example.
    • Be able to explain the causes and impacts of urban renewal.
    • Be able to analyze the role of public housing (e.g., Mei Ho House) in alleviating land pressure and improving sanitation.
  • Senior Secondary (Topic 4)
    • Evaluate the changes in the community structure of Sham Shui Po caused by public and private housing development, and the impact of changes in the urban environment on residents.
    • Explain the significance of revitalising historic buildings and industrial buildings (e.g., the Jockey Club Creative Arts Centre) for sustainable urban development.

Tourism and Hospitality Studies

  • Tourism concepts and principles, Destination geography
    • Curate tourism experiences themed around ‘local living’ based on the HKTB’s ‘Sham Shui Po – Every Bit Local’ campaign.
    • Evaluate the impact of Sham Shui Po’s unique street markets, food, and revitalised architecture on its cultural tourism appeal.

Tour Information

  • We reserve the right to make changes to the information, prices and itineraries of the tours as set out in our website and all printed promotional materials. Provided that such changes have been made prior to the confirmation of a booking, such changes shall be binding on the participants.
  • Any information or advice provided by us on matters including but not limited to walking routes, climate, clothing, travel documents, baggage, special equipment, etc. is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of us.
  • All information provided on our website is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we cannot assure that such information would be free from errors or omission and we shall assume no responsibilities for any such errors of omission.
  • Our website may contain hyperlinks to other websites owned and operated by third parties. We have no control over, or associate with, such sites and we assume no responsibilities for the contents of such sites. The inclusion of such sites on our website does not imply our endorsement of such sites.
  • We do not warrant that our website would be free from computer viruses and we accept no liabilities or responsibilities for any loss or damage that may arise as a result.

Bad Weather Policy

  • If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or above, or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued three hours before the tour starts, the tour will be canceled.
  • If Typhoon Signal No. 8 or a Red/Black Rainstorm Warning is issued during the tour, the tour will be canceled immediately.
  • If the tour needs to be canceled due to other adverse weather conditions, we will contact you by phone at least 2.5 hours before the tour. (If there is no response, we will follow up with an SMS or email.)
  • If the tour is canceled due to adverse weather on the day, we will work with you to reschedule a new date within six months from the original tour date.

Tour Reminder

  • Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes for the walk. Bring an umbrella, a bottle of water and some snacks just in case.
  • Each participant may bring their own 3.5mm plug headphone if they have one for the wireless transmitter/receiver system which will be used on the tour. The guide will provide them a new one otherwise, but for hygienic and environmental reasons participants are strongly suggested to bring their own earphones if possible.
  • There is a possibility that our organization may take photographs or videos during the guided tour, and these captured images or footage may be used for future promotion and publicity. If participants do not agree with this arrangement, please inform the tour guide or organizer during registration and on the day of the event.
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