Fascinating Vintage Photos Show Life of Hong Kong in 1952

During the 1950s, the population of Hong Kong increased rapidly from 600,000 to 2.1 million. A large influx of refugees migrated from the mainland. It was difficult for the government to accommodate these immigrants. Businesses also relocated assets and capital from Shanghai to Hong Kong due to the unrest in China. With the cheap labour of the immigrants, the seeds of Hong Kong’s economic miracle were planted in the second half of the 20th century.

The Shek Kip Mei Fire of 1953 left 53,000 people homeless. In response to this, Sir Alexander Grantham, the 22nd Governor of Hong Kong, introduced a new building form- the multi-story building- as a new emergency housing option. He designed structures that were fire/flood-proof and could house 2,500 people. The aim was to accommodate as many as possible as fast as possible to meet the shelter crisis. The building has communal rooms, washrooms, and toilets on every floor.

Below are some fascinating photos of Hong Kong in 1952.

#1 New Territory, Hong Kong, 1952

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#2 Hong Kong, 1952

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#3 Aberdeen Bay, Hong Kong, 1952

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#4 Aberdeen Bay, Hong Kong, 1952

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#5 Causeway Bay- B, Hong Kong, 1952

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#6 Harbour from the Peak, Hong Kong, 1952

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#7 Junk at Catle Peak Near Kowloon, Hong Kong, 1952

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#8 Junk of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 1952

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#9 Junks at Castle Peak near Kowloon, Hong Kong, 1952

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#10 Junks by Stanley Beach, Hong Kong, 1952

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#11 Junks by Stanley Beach, Hong Kong, 1952

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#12 Junks by Stanley Beach, Hong Kong, 1952

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#13 Rain- Aberdeen Bay, Hong Kong, 1952

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#14 Refuge for Junks, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong, 1952

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#15 Storm Breaking, Aberdeen Bay, Hong Kong, 1952

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#16 Terraces- Westside of Island, Hong Kong, 1952

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#17 Tiger Balm House, Hong Kong, 1952

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#18 Tomato Vendor at Lockhart Road, Hong Kong, 1952

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#19 Gloucester Road Waterfront, Hong Kong, 1952

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#20 Castle Peak Bay Fishing Nets, Hong Kong, 1952

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#21 From King Road, Hong Kong, 1952

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#22 Harbour by Night, Hong Kong, 1952

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#23 Harbour from ferry, Hong Kong, 1952

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#24 Johnston Road by Night, Hong Kong, 1952

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#25 Netting Shrimp, Hong Kong, 1952

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#26 New Territory, Hong Kong, 1952

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#27 Oriental Evening, Hong Kong, 1952

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#28 Queens Central, Hong Kong, 1952

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#29 Street Scene, Hong Kong, 1952

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#30 Victoria Street, Hong Kong, 1952

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#31 Vista, Hong Kong, 1952

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#32 Water Buffalo in New Territories, Hong Kong, 1952

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#33 Water Buffalo, Hong Kong, 1952

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#34 Aboard SS Takshing, Hong Kong, 1952

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#35 Hong Kong, 1952

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#36 Repulse Bay, Hong Kong, 1952

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