Lung Tsun Stone Bridge

Hidden beneath the modern cityscape of Hong Kong lies the story of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge. This wasn’t just any bridge. It was a pier, a granite and concrete pathway stretching into the shallows of Kowloon Bay. The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge, built in the 1870s, served as a vital link to Kowloon City. Imagine stepping back in time to witness its construction. The Chinese government meticulously placed granite stones, creating a 210-meter long and 2.6-meter wide pier, oriented towards N131-degrees. Its purpose was to facilitate access by boat. Over the years, the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge transformed. Land reclamation nibbled away at its landward side, while extensions were added to the seaward end. A wooden extension, funded by the charitable Lok Sin Tong, was added in 1892. This stretched 80 meters long and 4 meters wide. This wooden section decayed quickly and was replaced with concrete in 1910. The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge became known as Kowloon City Pier. The new concrete section measured 149 feet long. It boasted two sets of steps at its furthest end. This facilitated a new ferry service, connecting the area to Hong Kong Island and Hung Hom. Further reclamation in the 1920s, for the Kai Tak Bund project, buried the northern part of the original granite pier. However, the southern section and the concrete extension remained. A causeway, built in 1934, further improved access to the pier. The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge continued to evolve. By 1937, a reconstructed pier, complete with reinforced concrete, landings, and even booking offices, stood ready to serve the growing city. But its story doesn’t end there. During the Japanese occupation in World War II, the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge vanished from sight, buried under further reclamation for the expansion of Kai Tak Airport. Lost, but not forgotten. In 2008, excavations unearthed significant sections of the pier, revealing its resilient structure. The remains were reburied, awaiting a future where they could be showcased to the public. The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge, a testament to changing times, lies dormant, a hidden treasure waiting to be rediscovered. It represents not only a physical connection to Kowloon City but also a link to Hong Kong’s rich and layered past.