It is no exaggeration to say that Hong Kong is largely divided into Hong Kong Island and the Kowloon Peninsula. While Hong Kong Island is defined by its towering skyscrapers, the Kowloon Peninsula offers a blend of Hong Kong’s diverse faces—from aged, historic structures to modern developments. It appears that the majority of tourist-heavy locations are concentrated in Kowloon rather than the island. To capture the essential imagery of Hong Kong in my novel, visiting Kowloon is an absolute necessity, as Hong Kong Island leans more toward a modern urban image rather than a traditional one.
Starting with Tsim Sha Tsui, my primary research site, it is considered one of Hong Kong’s two major commercial hubs alongside Central. It is said to house even more shopping centers than Central. Furthermore, as it offers the best vantage point for viewing the skyscraper forest of Hong Kong Island, it naturally draws large crowds of tourists due to the spectacular scenery.
Target Locations for Research:
- Avenue of Stars: Similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Here, one can see the handprints of famous Hong Kong celebrities, and a statue of Bruce Lee is also erected on-site.
- Hong Kong Cultural Centre: A major venue for Hong Kong’s significant arts events and the site of the Hong Kong Film Awards. It is also known as the “Mecca” of classical music in Hong Kong. The stage hosts world-class orchestras and performers, as well as the final rounds of prestigious international competitions. The center is open to the public daily from 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM. Access to the main lobby, exhibition areas, shops, and restaurants is available at any time without a ticket. Since a key character in my Hong Kong chapter is a musician, this is a must-visit location for my research. I’ve noted that free lobby performances are held frequently on Saturday or Sunday afternoons, even in February, where musicians perform in the central lobby rather than inside the main hall.
- Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry (Star Ferry): The oldest form of transportation connecting the Kowloon Peninsula and Hong Kong Island. While it is called a ferry, it functions more like a cross-harbor bus running all day. At a price of 4–5 HKD—about half the cost of the MTR—it is very affordable. I plan to use it as a way to understand the lifestyle of a struggling artist who would likely rely on such budget-friendly transport.
- Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Main Campus: Characterized by its red-brick buildings, this was a primary stage during the 2019 protests where police completely cordoned off and besieged the campus. The stairs near the main entrance (Core A) hold a grim history where protesters set fires to block police entry. As outsiders may not be able to enter without a student ID, I may have to conduct my observation from the perimeter.
- West Kowloon Cultural District: A massive green space that houses the state-of-the-art M+ Museum and the Hong Kong Palace Museum.
- Temple Street Night Market & Fa Yuen Street Market: Renowned local night markets that offer a glimpse into the vibrant street life.
- Nathan Road: The most glamorous street in Hong Kong and a major theater of the 2019 protests. The contrast of luxury boutiques juxtaposed with scenes of thick tear gas smoke vividly illustrates the “conflict hidden behind the splendor of capitalism.”
- Prince Edward Station: A site of immense symbolic significance. On August 31, 2019, violent clashes occurred between police and protesters inside the station. It remains a place of trauma for many Hong Kongers, marked by numerous injuries and lingering rumors of disappearances. Many protesters also utilized the footbridges leading to Mong Kok East Station.
- Kowloon Walled City Park: Formerly a refugee settlement and an iconic “lawless enclave” (In-goi-ma-ging). It has since been demolished and transformed into a park and historical exhibition center.
- Wong Tai Sin Temple: Hong Kong’s largest Taoist temple. It began as a shrine dedicated to Wong Tai Sin, a renowned physician of the Ming Dynasty, and now functions as a complex for Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Originally located in Guangzhou, it moved to Hong Kong following the communist takeover of mainland China. Massive crowds gather here during the Lunar New Year to pray for the new year. Fortunately, I will be visiting after the holiday period, allowing for a more quiet and thorough exploration.
- Choi Hung Estate: A residential complex famous for its aesthetically pleasing rainbow-colored exterior, which has become a popular tourist spot and featured in famous K-pop music videos. Historically, during Richard Nixon’s 1964 visit to British Hong Kong as former U.S. Vice President, he was photographed playing badminton with residents here. I look forward to capturing the unique atmosphere of these colorful buildings in my novel.
This concludes my Hong Kong field research plan. As I will be spending the most time in Hong Kong during this trip, I hope to gather significant inspiration for my writing.
*This field research planning is part of a pre-production phase for this website’s multimedia project. All analyzed locations are selected based on their socioeconomic relevance to the target market.