Some Real Life History – Kowloon Walled City: The City of Darkness
Once dubbed the most densely populated place on Earth, the Kowloon Walled City was a tightly packed maze of high-rise buildings, stairwells, and alleyways that grew haphazardly over decades without formal planning or regulation.
The site began as a Chinese military fort in the 19th century.
After Hong Kong became a British colony, the Walled City remained under Chinese jurisdiction, creating a legal grey area.
This unique status allowed it to develop outside the reach of either British or Chinese authorities.
By the 1950s–70s, the Walled City had exploded into a vertical slum of 12–14 story buildings crammed together so tightly that little sunlight reached the ground.
Population density: At its peak in the 1980s, about 33,000 people lived within 6.4 acres (0.026 km²)—that’s nearly 1.2 million people per square kilometer.
Residents lived in tiny, stacked apartments with narrow passageways, sometimes barely wide enough for two people to pass.
With virtually no government oversight, the Walled City became a haven for triads, gambling, drugs, and unlicensed businesses.
Dozens of unregulated clinics and dentists operated there, many of which served the poor who couldn’t afford mainstream healthcare.
Despite its reputation, many families lived normal lives within the Walled City, building tight-knit communities and small businesses.
In 1987, the British and Chinese governments agreed to demolish the Walled City.
Residents were relocated, and by 1993 the last of the structures were torn down.
Today, the site is home to Kowloon Walled City Park, which preserves remnants of the old South Gate and some historical features.
Kowloon in Second Life
Stepping through the massive gates at the landing point, you’re immediately immersed in a dark, neon-soaked world. The streets glow with the light of a thousand flickering signs, while shadowy alleyways twist off in every direction, inviting you to explore.
The Kowloon build—inspired by Hong Kong’s legendary Walled City—has been a fixture in Second Life since 2008, and it remains one of the grid’s most atmospheric and unforgettable destinations.
The buildings stand tightly packed together, stacked high above narrow corridors. Inside, you’ll discover quirky little shops selling unusual items—often not the polished goods you’d find at a shopping event, but instead things that spark nostalgia for Second Life’s earlier days. These details add to the authenticity and give Kowloon its unique, lived-in atmosphere.
The city is perpetually dark, adding to its gritty, cyberpunk aesthetic. Apartments are available for rent, some beautifully decorated, letting residents become part of the environment. Everywhere you look there are staircases, backstreet markets, and hidden alleys, each corner revealing something unexpected.
Kowloon is perfect for roleplayers, urban explorers, and photographers seeking a moody, cinematic backdrop. Its layered design, rich details, and sense of mystery make it a destination that rewards slow exploration.
For a region that has been part of Second Life for well over a decade, Kowloon remains timeless. It’s a must-visit location—whether you’re after nostalgia, inspiration, or just the thrill of wandering through one of the grid’s most iconic builds.
Kowloon blog https://kowloonswall.wordpress.com/2022/01/30/welcome-to-kowloon-sim/
Kowloon Flickr page https://www.flickr.com/groups/1015407@N21/
