The following is a scene from the old streets of Hong Kong Island’s Wan Chai District featuring the traditional low rise mixed-used buildings that dominated the area. Located in between two bustling commercial business districts on the island, Central and Causeway Bay is Wan Chai. Today Urban Renewal has taken place and has demolished many historical treasures of the town such as the shops and homes we see in the picture. Overall, it is a wonderful place to visit as that area has many stores and stalls selling food (raw and cooked), clothing, toys and other sundries. Today Wan Chai is the headquarters for many small to medium sized businesses who chose to be in a prime business location at a cost less than nearby Causeway Bay or Central. And this place was not meant to be a major tourist destination, it is where primarily locals go to, thus you will be able to find better deals.

Photograph by Adrian Chu and was previously published on Carpe Diem Review in the series “Carpe Diem in Hong Kong.”