‘A Century of Architecture: The Story of Tung Wah Museum’Talk Series First Talk‘Early development of Kowloon and Founding of Kwong Wah Hospital’

Publication Date: 2025-09-22

Co-organised by TWGHs Records and Heritage Office and Hong Kong Public Libraries

 

Speaker : Mr. Tim KO (Hong Kong History Researcher)

Date : Saturday, September 6, 2025

 

First Talk ‘Early development of Kowloon and Founding of Kwong Wah Hospital’

After the Kowloon Peninsula was incorporated into Hong Kong in early 1861, Yau Ma Tei swiftly transformed into a Chinese settlement. A severe typhoon in 1874 destroyed most of the buildings in Yau Ma Tei, and the Hong Kong government took the opportunity to replan the area. A few years later, a new town centred around Tin Hau Temple emerged. Since then, Yau Ma Tei has gradually become the most prosperous Chinese community on the Kowloon Peninsula. Yet, until the beginning of the 20th century, no hospital had been built on the Kowloon Peninsula. Residents had to travel to Hong Kong Island for medical treatment, which was very inconvenient. A group of Chinese leaders then proposed to set up a Chinese hospital not far from Yau Ma Tei. Using maps and historical photos, the speaker will illustrate in detail the development of Yau Ma Tei and the surrounding areas in the early years, as well as historical context that underpinned the establishment of Kwong Wah Hospital.