Then and Now Hong Kong - Nathan Road in Kowloon HK
Probably the most famous and iconic road in all of Hong Kong
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Then and Now Hong Kong - Nathan Road in Kowloon HK
Probably the most famous and iconic road in all of Hong Kong
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The rather iconic image of Nathan Road in TST, Kowloon in Hong Kong in 1909 when it became Nathan Road after being originially called Robinson Road since 1861
I have lost count of the number of times I have been on Nathan Road, many, many thousands of times, the first time on January 2nd 1972 when we landed in Hong Kong that for me started a life long love affair with this amazing city.
We stayed at the Merlin Hotel and the front entrance was over the road from the Peninsula Hotel and it was literally 70 yards to Nathan Road, as night fell the neon signs came on and I was totally mesmerised by Nathan Road, it was so crowded and had a vibe that was hard to explain and in those days a few hundred yards up Nathan Road from the Peninsula Hotel were a bunch of girlie bars with enticing neon signs, quite a thing for an 11 year old and I remember seeing many American Sailors who where on R & R visits from Vietnam.
The best way of describing Hong Kong then, well simply read the 1,300 page epic novel Noble House by James Clavell, the book was set in 1963 but some of the events happened in the early 1970’s - he absolutely nailed Hong Kong culture
Nathan Road historically was known for its trees and there is still one place where you can still get a sense of old Nathan Road and that is by the Park Lane Boulevard where there are many historic banyan trees lining the sidewalk, I quite like sitting there
I have probably walked the entire length of Nathan Road only about 50 times, it is a long walk particularly in the summer heat with 90% humidity since I was a kid I have always wondered why the Hong Kong Government never considered a street tram option for the entire length of Nathan Road (see my later opinion on this) I appreciate that Nathan Road is well served by buses and the subway system but what about Tourism? it is the perfect transport option for Nathan Road, flat, straight line essentially and 3.6 km. there has been all sorts of nonsense written about this failed project, yes it would cause some short term inconvenience but we are used to that in Hong Kong but they managed to do it and maintain it for over 100 years on Hong Kong Island, is it time they revisited this idea.
I always think that the best way for Tourists to get a feel of the Hong Kong vibe is to walk as much of Nathan Road as you can starting at either the Sheraton Hotel or the Peninsula Hotel and just keep walking, if you get tired then catch a taxi or a bus or head down to the nearest subway station (there are 5 stations on Nathan Road) it is quite a fascinating walk and so many diversions on the way!
Read on, below
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The rather iconic image of Nathan Road in TST, Kowloon in Hong Kong in 1924 when buildings where going up at a very rapid rate and motorised vehicles were becoming popular
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The rather iconic image of Nathan Road in TST, Kowloon in Hong Kong in 1964 its fame cemented and the 4 lanes of traffic remain to this day and a few of those old buildings as well!
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A very typical modern image of Nathan Road in TST, Kowloon in Hong Kong in 2025 and it is still one of the busiest and longest roads in Hong Kong for vehicles and pedestrians.
Detailed History of Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Origins and Construction
Nathan Road, known as the main thoroughfare of Kowloon, Hong Kong, was the first road constructed in the region, with its initial section completed in 1861, shortly after the Kowloon Peninsula was ceded to the British by the Qing dynasty in 1860 following the Second Opium War. This initial stretch extended from Middle Road to Austin Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, serving as a modest alley built by British Army engineers. At the time, it was a muddy country path, reflecting the undeveloped nature of Kowloon.
Originally named Robinson Road after Sir Hercules Robinson, Hong Kong’s fifth governor (1859–1865), the road was intended to facilitate colonial administration and military presence in the newly acquired territory. The choice of name honored Robinson’s role in the early governance of Hong Kong. However, to avoid confusion with another Robinson Road on Hong Kong Island, it was renamed in 1909 to Nathan Road in honor of Sir Matthew Nathan, the 13th governor of Hong Kong (1904–1907).
Sir Matthew Nathan, a military engineer by training, played a significant role in Kowloon’s development. He established Hong Kong’s first urban planning office, envisioning Nathan Road as the spine of Kowloon, running north-south along the peninsula to Boundary Street. His efforts included widening the road to six lanes and extending it to Waterloo Road, with further extensions northward in the 1920s. The section from Waterloo Road to Argyle Street was briefly named Coronation Road in 1911 to commemorate King George V’s coronation, but by 1926, it was incorporated into Nathan Road as part of Kowloon’s land reclamation and leveling projects.
Jewish Connections
Sir Matthew Nathan, for whom the road is named, was Hong Kong’s only Jewish governor, a notable distinction in the colony’s history. As a Jew in Edwardian-era Hong Kong, Nathan faced social challenges; he was excluded from the Hong Kong Club, a hub for British elites, and did not attend St. John’s Cathedral, the center of colonial social life. Interestingly, he also distanced himself from Hong Kong’s small but influential Jewish community, including the prominent Kadoorie family, and did not attend synagogue. His Jewish identity, while not actively practiced, is a significant historical connection to Nathan Road.
Regarding the Peninsula Hotel, located at the corner of Nathan Road and Salisbury Road, there is a strong Jewish connection through its ownership by the Kadoorie family. The Kadoories, a prominent Jewish family of Iraqi descent, established the Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotels Limited, which owns the Peninsula. The hotel, opened in 1928, has been a landmark of luxury and colonial elegance, with its iconic green Rolls-Royce fleet and grand architecture. The Kadoorie family’s influence extends beyond the Peninsula to property and electricity sectors in Hong Kong, making them a key part of the city’s Jewish heritage. Their ownership of the Peninsula Hotel reinforces Nathan Road’s Jewish connections, linking the road’s namesake and one of its most famous landmarks.
No other direct Jewish connections to Nathan Road are widely documented, but the Kadoorie family’s broader influence in Kowloon, including their philanthropy and business ventures, suggests a lasting Jewish imprint in the area.
Length and Endpoints
Nathan Road spans approximately 3.6 kilometers (2.2 miles), running south to north from its southern terminus at Salisbury Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, near Victoria Harbour, to its northern endpoint at the junction of Boundary Street and Cheung Sha Wan Road in Mong Kok. The road transects key districts, including Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, Mong Kok, and Prince Edward, serving as Kowloon’s primary artery. Five Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations—Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, and Tsim Sha Tsui—lie directly beneath it, enhancing its accessibility.
Primary Focus
Nathan Road’s primary focus today is as a commercial and tourist hub, often referred to as the “Golden Mile” (though this term is less common now). The stretch from Salisbury Road to Yau Ma Tei Station is particularly vibrant, lined with high-end fashion boutiques, jewelry stores, electronics shops, and restaurants ranging from street food vendors to Michelin-starred establishments. The road’s commercial bustle, especially in Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok, attracts both locals and tourists, making it a central shopping and dining destination. Its neon-lit signage, reminiscent of New York’s Times Square, adds to its allure, particularly at night.
Historically, Nathan Road was largely residential, featuring colonial-style houses with arched verandahs. The transition to a commercial hub began post-World War II, accelerating in the 1970s and 1980s with the development of malls like Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard and the rise of tourism. Today, it balances high-end retail with more affordable options, such as the ethnic eateries in Chungking Mansions, catering to diverse budgets.
Notable Events
Nathan Road has witnessed several significant events, including accidents, fires, and social movements:
Garley Building Fire (1996): A devastating fire in the Garley Building on Nathan Road killed 41 people, one of the deadliest building fires in Hong Kong’s history.
Cornwall Court Fire (2008): This fire at Cornwall Court (numbers 687–689) killed four people, including two firefighters, and required over 200 firefighters to extinguish.
New Lucky Building Fire (2024): The fire at the New Lucky Building, which has one side on Nathan Road, was a significant incident, 5 deaths and scores injured and hundreds of people forced to move out for weeks due to lack of water and electricity. This event underscores the road’s history of tragic fires, likely due to the dense concentration of older commercial buildings., on a personal note my Mother in Law and Brother in law live in this building and had to be evacuated, they still live there in 2025
Umbrella Movement (2014): During the pro-democracy protests, Nathan Road from Dundas Street to Argyle Street was transformed into a traffic-free tent city, showcasing its role as a public space for social and political expression.
2008 Summer Olympics Torch Relay: The relay passed through Nathan Road near the Former Kowloon British School in Mong Kok, highlighting its prominence as a public venue.
While no specific records of serious crashes are detailed in the sources, Nathan Road’s heavy traffic and pedestrian density suggest a likelihood of accidents, though these are not as prominently documented as fires.
Notable Parks and Places of Interest
Nathan Road is home to several notable landmarks and parks:
Kowloon Park: Located adjacent to Nathan Road, this urban oasis occupies the former site of Whitfield Barracks. It features a Chinese Garden with a lotus pond, a maze garden, and the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre, housed in preserved barrack buildings.
Park Lane Shopper’s Boulevard: A row of shops backing onto Kowloon Park, facing Nathan Road, developed in 1982. It offers a mix of retail and dining options, enhancing the road’s commercial appeal and there is a lovely long row of Banyan Trees and seats
Peninsula Hotel: At the southern end, this iconic hotel is a symbol of luxury and colonial history, known for its afternoon tea and historic architecture.
St. Andrew’s Church: The oldest Anglican church in Kowloon, built in 1906, it stands opposite Kowloon Park and reflects the road’s British colonial heritage.
Former Kowloon British School: Established in 1902, now housing the Antiquities and Monuments Office, this English Gothic-style building is a declared monument.
Kowloon Masjid and Islamic Centre: A striking mosque with a dome and minarets, serving Hong Kong’s Muslim community, particularly from South Asia.
Chungking Mansions: A complex of budget guesthouses and ethnic eateries, known for affordable Indian, Pakistani, and African cuisine and the best place in Hong Kong to exchange foreign currency
Hong Kong Avenue of Stars: Near Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, this waterfront walkway features sculptures and handprints of regional entertainment icons.
The Jade Market, the Temple Street Night Market and Ladies’ Market: Nearby markets offering affordable jewelry, clothing, and accessories, adding to the road’s vibrant shopping scene.
..… and now a quick side bar subject - the history of Neon Signs on Nathan Road in Kowloon
click on the image to enlarge | © Keith MacGregor | All Rights Reserved
Keith MacGregor has over the years taken stunning images of neon signs on Nathan Road, this is a composite shot, some stretches of Nathan Road used to look like this back in 1972
The Rise and Fall of Neon Signs on Nathan Road, Kowloon, Hong Kong
Nathan Road, often dubbed the "Golden Mile" of Kowloon, Hong Kong, has long been a pulsating artery of commerce and culture, its vibrant streetscape once defined by a dazzling array of neon signs. From the mid-20th century to the early 21st century, these luminous creations illuminated the night, shaping the city’s identity and inspiring global pop culture. By 2025, however, the glow of neon has significantly dimmed, replaced by modern alternatives and constrained by regulations. This story traces the meteoric rise and gradual decline of neon signs on Nathan Road, weaving together historical context, cultural significance, and the forces that led to their fading brilliance.
The Rise: A Neon Renaissance (1920s–1980s)
The story of neon signs in Hong Kong begins in the early 20th century. Introduced to the city in the 1920s, neon technology arrived via global franchising by Georges Claude, whose company, Claude Neon, established a branch in Hong Kong by 1932. The technology, which uses sealed glass tubes filled with gases like neon or argon to produce vibrant colors when electrified, was a perfect fit for Hong Kong’s dense, competitive urban landscape. Nathan Road, stretching from Tsim Sha Tsui to Mong Kok, became a prime canvas for this luminous art form due to its status as Kowloon’s main commercial thoroughfare.
By the 1950s, Hong Kong’s post-war economic boom fueled a neon renaissance. The city’s rapid urbanization and growing prosperity created a demand for eye-catching advertisements, and neon signs became the medium of choice. Nathan Road, lined with shops, restaurants, theaters, and nightclubs, was transformed into a kaleidoscope of red, green, yellow, pink, and blue lights. Businesses competed to outshine one another, commissioning ever-larger and more elaborate signs. The 1960s marked the heyday of neon, with Nathan Road glimmering as a symbol of Hong Kong’s modernity and ambition.
Iconic examples defined the era. The Broadway Theatre, opened in 1949 at 700 Nathan Road, featured a row of L-shaped neon signs that dominated the street’s skyline. Its imposing facade, adorned with signage for shops like the “456 Department Store,” was a testament to the era’s neon obsession. Similarly, the National Panasonic sign, installed in 1962 on Nathan Road in Jordan, was so massive it was declared the world’s largest neon sign by Guinness in the 1970s. The Chinese Palace Nightclub, also on Nathan Road in Jordan, boasted an ornate neon sign topped with a gleaming crown, its yellow neon squares evoking imperial grandeur. These signs were not just advertisements but urban landmarks, embedding themselves in the collective memory of Hong Kongers.
Neon signs also reflected Hong Kong’s cultural fusion. Signs like May May Children’s Wear in Mong Kok (1963) combined English script with Chinese characters, often incorporating playful designs like heart shapes. The Leung So Kee umbrella shop, with its distinctive umbrella-shaped neon signs, advertised its “lifetime warranty” slogan in both languages, catering to a diverse clientele. This blend of East and West, coupled with the signs’ bold colors and shapes, created a visual language that became synonymous with Hong Kong’s identity, influencing filmmakers like Wong Kar-wai, whose neon-drenched aesthetics in movies like Chungking Express captured the city’s chaotic, futuristic allure.
The craft of neon sign-making flourished during this period. Workshops like Nam Wah Neonlight & Electrical Manufactory Ltd., established in 1953, produced intricate designs, from the New Zealand Ballroom’s signage to the elaborate sketches that mapped out colors and forms. Skilled artisans, known as neon tube benders, shaped glass tubes by hand, a labor-intensive process that required years of training. The low production costs and creative freedom of the era allowed for experimentation, resulting in signs shaped like bats, shrimps, sunglasses, and Chinese characters, each tailored to the business it represented.
The Peak: A Neon-Lit Cultural Icon (1970s–1980s)
By the 1970s and 1980s, Nathan Road was a neon-lit spectacle, its glow visible from afar. The street’s commercial vibrancy made it a magnet for tourists and locals alike, with signs advertising everything from high-end establishments like the Emperor Watch & Jewellery to quirky businesses like the Romance Hotel, a former residence of Bruce Lee converted into a love hotel with peach-red and willow-green neon. Millie’s shopping centre at the corner of Nathan and Jordan Roads featured a peacock-inspired sign, its scale dwarfing its entrance and underscoring neon’s importance to commercial identity.
The neon signs of Nathan Road were more than advertisements; they were cultural touchstones. They symbolized Hong Kong’s economic ascent and its unique blend of tradition and modernity. The signs’ chaotic, vibrant aesthetic inspired the cyberpunk genre, influencing films like Blade Runner and video games that depicted dystopian, neon-soaked cities. For Hong Kongers, the signs carried emotional weight, representing family businesses intended to endure for generations. As Cardin Chan of Tetra Neon Exchange noted, “A sign carries the soul of a business.”
The Fall: Regulations, Technology, and Cultural Shifts (1990s–2025)
The decline of neon signs on Nathan Road began in the 1990s, driven by a confluence of technological, regulatory, and cultural changes. The rise of LED technology posed the first major challenge. LEDs, introduced widely in the 1990s, were cheaper, more energy-efficient, and easier to install than neon signs, which required fragile glass tubes, high-voltage transformers, and skilled craftsmanship. By the early 2000s, businesses began replacing neon with LED signs, which mimicked neon’s aesthetic but were less costly to maintain. The difference was subtle but significant: neon signs used gas-filled glass tubes, while LEDs relied on tiny light bulbs, lacking the warm, continuous glow of neon.
Government regulations accelerated the decline. In 2011, Hong Kong’s Buildings Department tightened rules on outdoor signage, citing safety concerns like aging, rusty frames and the risk of signs falling during typhoons. The department reported approximately 120,000 signboards in 2011, though the exact number of neon signs was unclear. By 2023, removal orders for overhanging signboards had increased to 1,119 annually, up from fewer than 700 in 2015. Businesses faced strict size limits and cumbersome permitting processes, discouraging the maintenance or installation of neon signs. For example, the iconic neon cow at Sammy’s Kitchen, deemed too large at 4.5 meters wide, was ordered removed in 2010, facing fines of up to HK$200,000.
Cultural shifts also played a role. As Hong Kong modernized, newer generations gravitated toward digital screens and OLED displays, viewing neon as outdated. Light pollution concerns, particularly for residents living above neon-lit shops, further fueled the push for less intrusive alternatives. By 2023, estimates suggested only about 150–400 neon signs remained citywide, with Nathan Road’s once-dense neon landscape significantly diminished. In the first two weeks of the NEONSIGNS.HK project in 2014, eight neon signs were removed from Nathan Road alone.
Preservation Efforts and the Scene in 2025
By 2025, Nathan Road’s neon heritage is a shadow of its former self, though pockets of brilliance remain. Surviving signs, like the Wo Hing Victory Mahjong sign at 385 Nathan Road, are cherished relics, drawing photographers and nostalgists. Preservation efforts have gained traction, with organizations like Tetra Neon Exchange and the Hong Kong Neon Heritage working to save dismantled signs. Tetra Neon Exchange, founded in 2020, has collected nearly 60 signs, storing them in Yuen Long to protect them from damage. M+, Hong Kong’s museum for visual culture, has acquired iconic signs like Sammy’s Kitchen’s neon cow (1977) and Kai Kee’s mahjong sign (1976), displaying them as artifacts of the city’s visual culture.
A new generation of artists is also keeping the craft alive. Neon tube-bending, a dying trade due to its complexity, is being taught to emerging creatives who view neon as a form of modern art. Projects like NEONSIGNS.HK, launched by M+ in 2014, have documented thousands of signs through public submissions, creating a digital archive of Hong Kong’s neon legacy. Guided walks organized by groups like Tetra Neon Exchange allow visitors to experience surviving signs on Nathan Road and nearby streets like Portland and Shanghai.
Despite these efforts, the neon landscape of Nathan Road in 2025 is markedly different from its 1970s peak. The street remains a bustling commercial hub, but its glow is now dominated by LED signs and digital billboards. The few remaining neon signs, such as those at small family-run businesses or historic establishments, stand as nostalgic reminders of a bygone era. Tourists visiting in 2025 can still capture the essence of Hong Kong’s neon past by walking Nathan Road at night, particularly between Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei, where remnants like the Wo Hing Victory Mahjong sign persist. Taking a double-decker bus along Nathan Road, as suggested by locals, offers a vantage point to appreciate the surviving signs against the modern skyline.
Cultural Legacy and Future Prospects
The rise and fall of neon signs on Nathan Road mirror Hong Kong’s broader evolution—from a post-war economic powerhouse to a modern metropolis navigating global influences and local identity. The signs, once a symbol of ambition and creativity, have largely given way to practical concerns and technological advancements. Yet, their legacy endures in Hong Kong’s cultural imagination, preserved in films, photographs, and museum collections.
Looking ahead, the future of neon on Nathan Road is uncertain but not without hope. While LEDs dominate due to cost and efficiency, the artisanal appeal of neon is fostering a revival among artists and preservationists. Initiatives to streamline regulations or incentivize neon use could help, but the high cost and skill required remain barriers. For now, Nathan Road’s neon signs live on in memory, their vibrant glow a testament to a city that once lit up the night like no other
……. Back to the Nathan Road Story
Why Nathan Road is Famous
Nathan Road’s status as Hong Kong’s most famous road can be attributed to several factors:
Historical Significance: As Kowloon’s first road, built in 1861, it embodies the region’s colonial history and urban evolution from a residential path to a commercial powerhouse.
Commercial Vibrancy: The “Golden Mile” reputation, though less used now, reflects its role as a shopping and dining mecca, with a mix of luxury and budget options. Its neon-lit streetscape, compared to Times Square, draws global visitors.
Cultural Diversity: The road’s proximity to Chungking Mansions and the Kowloon Masjid highlights its multicultural appeal, with South Asian and African influences alongside Chinese culture.
Landmark Density: Iconic sites like the Peninsula Hotel, Kowloon Park, and St. Andrew’s Church make it a microcosm of Hong Kong’s heritage and modernity.
Accessibility: With five MTR stations and numerous bus routes, Nathan Road is a transportation hub, making it unavoidable for visitors and locals.
Media and Cultural Exposure: Its association with Hong Kong’s cinematic history (e.g., Bruce Lee’s former address) and events like the Umbrella Movement have cemented its global recognition.
Tourist Magnetism: The road’s bustling atmosphere, diverse dining, and proximity to Victoria Harbour make it a must-visit, often featured in travel guides and media.
Nathan Road’s fame likely stems from its role as a microcosm of Hong Kong itself—blending colonial history, modern commerce, and cultural diversity in a compact, accessible corridor. Unlike other famous streets like Causeway Bay’s Hennessy Road, Nathan Road’s length, landmark density, and historical narrative give it a unique identity. Its nickname “Nathan’s Folly” turned into a testament to its success, defying early skepticism about its traffic implications. The road’s ability to evolve while retaining historical elements, coupled with its sensory overload of lights, crowds, and commerce, makes it an enduring symbol of Hong Kong’s dynamic urban spirit.
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A Street Tram on Hong Kong Island, a Nathan Road Tram Project was rejected in 1910, they should reconsider this from a Tourism aspect as well as its worth as a local transport option
Historical proposal to build a tramway system along Nathan Road in Kowloon, Hong Kong, known as the Kowloon Tramways Project
I have always had a bee in my bonnet about his subject
There was a historical proposal to build a tramway system along Nathan Road in Kowloon, Hong Kong, known as the Kowloon Tramways Project. However, the project never came to fruition.
Historical Context and Proposal
Early Proposal (1900s): In the early 20th century, specifically during the 1910s, the Hong Kong Tramways (HKT) proposed the Kowloon Tramways Project, which included plans to extend tram services to Kowloon, with Nathan Road as a potential route due to its status as the main thoroughfare in Kowloon. The idea was to establish a tram system similar to the one operating on Hong Kong Island since 1904, which featured double-decker trams running along the northern coast.
Rationale: Nathan Road, stretching approximately 3.6 km from Tsim Sha Tsui to Sham Shui Po, was Kowloon’s primary commercial and transport corridor, making it a logical choice for a tramway to serve the growing population and commercial activity. The proposal aimed to enhance public transportation in Kowloon, connecting key districts like Tsim Sha Tsui, Jordan, Yau Ma Tei, and Mong Kok.
Connection to China: Some early proposals even envisioned extending tram lines beyond Kowloon to connect with mainland China, indicating ambitious plans for regional integration.
Reasons for Non-Implementation
Competition from Kowloon-Canton Railway (KCR):
The completion of the Kowloon-Canton Railway in 1910 was a significant factor in the government’s decision to veto the Kowloon Tramways Project. The KCR provided a faster and more extensive rail connection between Kowloon and the New Territories, reducing the perceived need for a tram system in Kowloon. The railway’s efficiency and capacity likely overshadowed the tram proposal, as it offered a more robust solution for regional transport.
Government Veto:
The Hong Kong government, prioritizing the KCR, declined to approve the tramway project for Kowloon. This decision effectively halted plans to lay tracks along Nathan Road or other parts of Kowloon during this period.
Alternative Transport Development:
By the 1920s, bus services began operating in Kowloon, further diminishing the need for a tram system. For example, in 1928, HKT itself commenced bus operations in Kowloon, which likely served as a more flexible and less infrastructure-intensive alternative to trams.
Later Proposals and Developments
1970s Tuen Mun Proposal:
While not directly related to Nathan Road, it’s worth noting that in the 1970s, during the development of Tuen Mun New Town, the Hong Kong government reserved space for a rail-based transport system. HKT was invited to construct and operate a tram system in this area, with plans to use double-decker trams similar to those on Hong Kong Island. However, HKT withdrew from the project, and the government instead tasked the Kowloon-Canton Railway Corporation with building a light rail system, which opened in 1988 as the Light Rail Transit (LRT). This indicates that tramway proposals for Kowloon persisted in some form but shifted to other areas and formats.
2010s Kai Tak Proposal: In 2010, HKT revisited the idea of a modern tramway system in Kowloon, proposing a 12 km tram network in the Kai Tak Development area (the site of the former Kai Tak Airport) as a cheaper alternative to a government-proposed monorail. While this project did not focus on Nathan Road, it suggested possible extensions to nearby areas like To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City, and Kwun Tong. The trams could have been designed to resemble Hong Kong Island’s trams or have a new design, but this proposal also did not proceed, as the government favored other transport solutions.
Why Nathan Road Specifically?
Suitability:
Nathan Road’s relatively straight, wide alignment (especially after its reconstruction in 1909) made it a feasible candidate for tram tracks. Its role as a bustling commercial hub, dubbed the “Golden Mile” due to its vibrant neon lights and shopping areas, would have benefited from a tram system to handle passenger traffic.
Historical Precedent:
The success of the Hong Kong Island tramway, which began in 1904 and became a cultural icon, likely inspired the idea to replicate a similar system in Kowloon. However, Kowloon’s different urban development trajectory, with the KCR and later the Mass Transit Railway (MTR) stations (Prince Edward, Mong Kok, Yau Ma Tei, Jordan, and Tsim Sha Tsui) built underneath Nathan Road, provided alternative transport options that reduced the urgency for trams.
Key Reasons the Project Did Not Proceed
Railway Competition:
The KCR’s completion in 1910 offered a more comprehensive transport solution, making a tramway less critical.
Government Priorities:
The colonial government’s focus on other infrastructure projects, including roads and railways, led to the rejection of the tram proposal.
Emergence of Buses and MTR:
The introduction of bus services in the 1920s and the MTR in the late 20th century provided efficient alternatives, reducing the need for trams.
Cost and Infrastructure Challenges:
Laying tram tracks along Nathan Road would have required significant investment and disruption to an already busy thoroughfare, especially as Kowloon urbanized rapidly.
Current Status
As of 2025, Nathan Road remains a major road serviced by buses (e.g., routes 3C and 81C), taxis, and the MTR, but no tram tracks have ever been laid along its length. The Hong Kong Tramways system continues to operate exclusively on Hong Kong Island, with no tram services in Kowloon.
The idea of trams in Kowloon occasionally resurfaces in modern transport discussions, such as the Kai Tak proposal, but Nathan Road itself has not been part of recent tramway plans due to its heavy traffic and the dominance of other transport modes.
Conclusion
While there was a historical proposal in the 1910s to build a tramway along Nathan Road as part of the Kowloon Tramways Project, it was vetoed by the Hong Kong government due to the completion of the Kowloon-Canton Railway and the subsequent development of bus and MTR systems. Later proposals for trams in other parts of Kowloon, such as Tuen Mun and Kai Tak, also did not materialize. Nathan Road’s role as a bustling commercial artery continues to be served by other forms of public transport, and the iconic trams remain a feature exclusive to Hong Kong Island
… and yet everyone fails to see (in the Hong Kong Government) that a tram along Nathan Road would be a major and I mean major tourist attraction and would also appeal to a lot of locals as well who just love the trams on Hong Kong Island.
So there you go, Nathan Road in a nutshell
My insider tip
Please note that in general if you book a tour on Viator or Tripadvisor you generally have NO control over what guide will lead your Private Tour of Hong Kong and this is the most important component of the tour. I urge you to check the actual company website and book via their website and do not forget to read Tripadvisor reviews as well.
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