Often referred to as Hong Kong’s first new town, Star recalled a visit to the area as a teenager in 1962 to witness the celebrations of its establishment. “We paid 10 cents for a lorry ride from Kau Wa Keng and had to hold on tight to a rope in the back of the truck as there were no proper seats,” remembered Star. “I went with my friends to see lion and dragon dance on Market Street, it was so much fun.”
He added, this was the time when Tsuen Wan was dominated by textile mills and factories, and the neighbourhood was home to a large community
of workers and their families from Shanghai, whose industry experience and expertise drew them to the city. Many of this diaspora went on to continue being the entrepreneurs, starting businesses of their own, and serving the growing population.
Photo: Star Chan
Change doesn’t cease in Tsuen Wan. They mused on the key role urban renewal will play in the next chapter of the area’s development and maturation. Because Tsuen Wan is looking to the future, with warm memories of the past.
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