In the 1950s and 1960s, Shanghai Street was Kowloon’s most bustling thoroughfare, lined with department stores, goldsmiths, teahouses, pawnshops, and other establishments. This earned it the reputation as the premier commercial district of Kowloon during that era. Subsequently, due to the relocation of the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter and the gradual shift from maritime to land-based transportation, Shanghai Street’s prominence was gradually eclipsed by Nathan Road. As times changed, many of the historic shops closed one after another. Today, in an effort to preserve historical ambiance and adapt to contemporary needs, the revitalization of buildings has emerged as a promising avenue for rejuvenating old structures in Hong Kong. This approach not only retains the original architectural integrity but also introduces new functionalities, thereby infusing new vitality into these historic streets.
When I walked along Shanghai Street, traditional shops and newly opened stores were interspersed. Especially with the completion of No. 618 Shanghai Street, when I stepped into this historic street, I had more options for shopping. The renovated buildings also made the street brighter.