| Chung King Mansions: a Work in Progress |
Hong Kong’s Chung King Mansions is an infamous tenament building, which has a colourful past, present and who knows what future. Built as residential flats in the early 60s, these days it is a haven for immigrants, refugees, travellers and anyone else who needs a cheap place to stay.
It is an extraordinary place and stands out as a rather shabby island in its more luxurious surroundings. With a thousand owners and bad past management it has been almost impossible to ever get consensus on what to do with it. Meanwhile it thrives as a business community, appears to be self-sufficient and it is an international melting pot somewhat a law unto itself.
But change is afoot with two determined managers trying to tame this apparently unmanageable building and community and its reputation growing as an international business hub.
“In Chung King Mansions: A Work in Progress” RTHK’s Sarah Passmore takes a step inside. This program airs as part of the international documentary collaboration, Global Perspectives on Islands.
Links:
Hong Kong: 10 Things to Do in 24 Hours: 9 Chungking Mansions - TIME
Time Magazine rates the top ten things to do while visiting Hong Kong, including visiting Chung King Mansions.
The Gate to Chungking Mansions, Chungking Mansion
Chungking Mansions is the building having about 80 low cost accommodations (guest houses) located in the center of Hong Kong.
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