Perhaps a secret hides within Mau Kung Tung. Legends say Mau Kung Tung has ties to historical events. Sadly, documented facts specifically about Mau Kung Tung are scarce. However, we can explore nearby Kwun Tong, the area where Mau Kung Tung resides, to paint a picture of the region’s story.
Kwun Tong’s past is rich. Once known as Koon Tong or Mandarin Pond, Kwun Tong was famous for its salt yards. These salt yards held political importance during the Song Dynasty. Government administrators watched over salt production. Despite this, illegal salt trade thrived.
Around Kwun Tong and Kowloon Bay, coins from the Northern and Southern Song Dynasties emerged. The findings suggest that Kwun Tong was already flourishing back then. Some believe Kwun Tong served as a typhoon shelter for the Kowloon Water Police. Black Hill nearby was then known as Koon Fu Hill. Coastal residents were forced to evacuate inland during the Qing Dynasty. This was to cut support for anti-Qing loyalists. Salt farms in Kwun Tong were abandoned.
Later, in the 1950s, Kwun Tong transformed into a satellite town. Locals disliked the name Koon Tong. It meant “official” or “government”. They successfully petitioned to change it to Kwun Tong. The new name meant “viewing a pond”. Kwun Tong became a model for new town planning.
In Kwun Tong, you would have found Yue Man Square. It was the town’s heart. Banks clustered there. The Government District Office stood at its east end. Mut Wah Street was once called “Golden Street.” Many jewelry shops lined the street. Shui Wo Street bustled as a market street. It housed a complex with a market, library, and sports hall. Hip Wo Street was home to the United Christian Hospital. Hong Ning Road was like the “Mid-Levels” of Kwun Tong. The police headquarters was located there. It also featured Hong Ning Road Park. Tsui Ping Road was near Tsui Ping Estate. Kwun Tong Maryknoll College was located on Tsui Ping Road. Yuet Wah Street was where Wo Lok Estate stood. Kwun Tong Road served as the district’s main thoroughfare.
Kwun Tong was a major industrial area since the 1950s. Factories sprung up. The industry expanded to Kowloon Bay and Yau Tong. Today, many factories have been replaced by commercial buildings. The coastal area is being redeveloped. A promenade and park now stretch along Kwun Tong Pier.
Thus, while the specific tales of Mau Kung Tung remain elusive, knowing about Kwun Tong enriches the experience. Envision the area’s transformation. The salt farms slowly turned into a modern district. See the people and hear their stories. They built Kwun Tong into what it is today. As you stand before Mau Kung Tung, let your imagination fill the gaps in its history.