In today's edition of "Hong Kong's Cultural Chronicles," we turn our focus to Shanghai Street—once the busiest thoroughfare in Kowloon. Lined with *cha chaan tengs*, traditional teahouses, and a diverse array of shops, this street bustled with activity. We will take you on a journey starting from Lai Chi Kok Road and continuing all the way to Dundas Street, exploring the past and present of this vibrant stretch of Shanghai Street within the Mong Kok district.
On this occasion, we are filming the stretch of Shanghai Street running from Dundas Street to Kansu Street. This short section is home to three renowned restaurants—De Ru, Yi Ding Hao, and Pin Xin—as well as numerous long-standing establishments, including Wing Lung Embroidery, Wai Yuen Tong, and Kee Wah Bakery; together, they hold a wealth of cherished memories for the neighborhood's longtime residents. However, this area has also been the site of several disasters. In 1958, a major fire broke out, necessitating the demolition and reconstruction of the buildings located at 392–404 Shanghai Street. Furthermore, in 1962, a truck crashed into the buildings at 244–246 Shanghai Street, causing the entire *tong lau* (traditional tenement building) to collapse; a man and a woman tragically lost their lives in the incident, which caused a great sensation at the time.
Finally, a noteworthy landmark in the middle section of the street is the Leung Sing Hee Yau Ma Tei Community Centre. This site was formerly the location of the first Yau Ma Tei Police Station—an institution that actually shares a historical link with Shanghai Street's original name. So, what exactly was Shanghai Street called in the beginning? And why was its name later changed to Shanghai Street? Watch this video to find out.