A giant old tree stands before you. Its branches reach towards the sky. This tree has witnessed decades of life in Nam Shan Estate. It’s older than the estate itself. Residents say it’s sixty or seventy years old. Nam Shan Estate was completed in 1977. That’s a fascinating mystery.
Welcome to Nam Shan Estate a public housing estate in Shek Kip Mei. It’s nestled between Tai Hang Tung Estate and Tai Hang Sai Estate. This estate has over thirty years of history. It’s more than just concrete and apartments. It holds stories of community and resilience. You can see City University of Hong Kong from here. Lion Rock Hill is visible in the distance.
Nam Shan Estate started life in a squatter area. It was a former squatter area of Shek Kip Mei. This was a time of great change after World War II and the Chinese Civil War. Many refugees came to Hong Kong. They built homes on the city’s edges. Living conditions were challenging. The Shek Kip Mei fire of 1953 changed everything. Nearly 50000 homes were destroyed. This tragedy led to a change in Hong Kong’s housing policies. Nam Shan Estate was built to rehouse residents.
The buildings here are what’s known as “New Slab” design. Apartments line long corridors. But the blocks aren’t all the same. Nam Lok House has a more open layout. Its apartments are on one side of the corridor. This creates open-air space. Other blocks have apartments on both sides. This makes for a more enclosed feel.
Let’s explore the wet market. Its faded signs and tiny shops create a sense of nostalgia. Shop owners sit amidst their goods under dim lighting. This is a scene modern buildings can’t replicate. The market is a lively place full of sights and sounds. It’s a reminder of a slower more traditional Hong Kong. The vacant ground above the market is another photo opportunity. Old amusement facilities sit at either end. This makes for a unique and striking image.
At night Nam Shan Estate transforms. The lights of homes twinkle. It takes on a night glamour. It’s a different side of this fascinating estate. Take your time. Talk to the residents. Listen to their stories. These stories are just as valuable as any photograph. Nam Shan Estate isn’t just a place it’s a living breathing community. It’s a testament to the spirit of Hong Kong.