Industrial, boring, traffic-jammed, grotty – these are all adjectives that you may have heard in relation to Kwun Tong. We’re here to tell you that that’s not necessarily the case. Sparkling new builds such as The Millennity have begun cropping up in one of Hong Kong’s first industrial satellite towns, but this district is still clinging on steadfastly to a distinctly local identity. Read on to find out why we enjoy exploring this neighbourhood on the eastern Kowloon peninsula.
1. It’s an area where you can still feel Hong Kong’s history
In the 1200s, Kwun Tong used to be a centre of salt production – hence its original name ‘gwun tong’ (官塘), literally meaning government ponds. There’s nothing left to show for these ancient saltpans now, but Kwun Tong was a major industrial district until the majority of these factories shuttered with the decline of Hong Kong’s manufacturing sector. To this day, much of Kwun Tong is lined with old factory buildings that give it a gritty, slightly post-apocalyptic vibe. Our favourite is the Kowloon Flour Mills standing next to harbourfront, with its distinctive circular columns, light blue accents, and metal passageway extending across the road. Having been in operation since 1964, this is the only surviving flour mill in Hong Kong.
2. There’s plenty of good food around
Apart from the local eateries and cha chaan tengs along Kwun Tong’s streets, there are also plenty of restaurants and independent cafes in the area. Find French fine dining in Le Monde, elevated plant-based courses in Sow Vegan, Indonesian comfort food in the long-standing Lucky Indonesia Restaurant, pistachio mochi croissants and pastéis da nata in various flavours at Casabake, and traditional Hong Kong desserts in Harbour Dessert.
3. The hidden gems in the Camel Paint Building complex
We think the Camel Paint Buildings are fascinating. Small local businesses that couldn’t afford street-level rents began moving into the vacant industrial building after the 2010s, and its studio spaces now contain a mish-mash of outlets, niche shops, restaurants, and entrepreneurial ventures that can’t be found elsewhere. From cute stationery shops and mille crêpe cakes at a fraction of Lady M’s prices, to a cat-filled co-working space, there’s tonnes to discover in these three blocks. Block 3 is the most populated but do spend a leisurely afternoon poking into the other two blocks as well.
4. There are great photo spots in the neighbourhood
Snap-happy explorers will already know the Kwun Tong Promenade is a cute spot for capturing the water, the boardwalk, the cargo box-inspired decorations, and the view of Hong Kong Island East across the harbour. But stroll under the Kwun Tong Bypass flyover to find various murals on its pillars that depict the area’s history and old trades that used to be around. Head northwest towards Ngau Tau Kok and Kowloon Bay to find the pastel-hued Wai Yip Pedestrian Bridge, more commonly called the Jimmy Bridge since being featured in the movie Love in a Puff. Outside the Yue Man Square mall, there’s a wooden installation shaped like several conjoined rings – get a shot of yourself lounging on it with the green wall of the mall in the background. We’ll leave you to find other scenic locations in the neighbourhood!
5. It encourages curiosity and exploration
Kwun Tong looks unassuming on the surface, so you have to do some digging to find its eclectic charm. Like with the Camel Paint Buildings, which outwardly resemble any other boring old block in the city, there are plenty of shops, party rooms, themed experiences, eateries, cafes, and more waiting in the industrial high rises of this neighbourhood. Poke your nose into doorways, take a chance up creaky freight lifts, and see what you discover.
See below for a short clip on Kwun Tong, and click here to read our full neighbourhood guide.
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