Potato Bay they called it. To Kwa Wan a name whispering of sweet potatoes grown by Hakka farmers. Can you picture them their hands stained earth their brows beaded sweat? This very bay was their livelihood.
To Kwa Wan nestled between Hok Yuen Hung Hom Ma Tau Chung and Ma Tau Kok. It’s a part of Kowloon a bustling area of Hong Kong. It’s a mix of residential and commercial buildings. Most are mid-20th century structures. They were built low to respect the flight paths of old Kai Tak Airport. That airport closed in 1998. Now To Kwa Wan sees taller buildings. Many have shops on the ground floor.
Imagine life here before the airport. A quiet bay. Farmers tending their crops. Then came the granite quarry. It provided stone for buildings including Kai Tak. This peaceful area slowly transformed. After World War II light industry appeared. Toys and textiles were made here. People moved to To Kwa Wan too. Public housing estates arose in the 1970s. This relieved overcrowding in other Kowloon areas.
Sadly the older buildings show their age. Crumbling facades have caused accidents. Demolition makes way for newer apartments. Yet a strong community spirit remains. Hoi Sham Park offers green space. To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground provides another area of respite. Hoi Sham Island was reclaimed in the 1970s. It’s now part of Hoi Sham Park.
Transportation is mainly along To Kwa Wan Road and Ma Tau Wai Road. They form a V. The East Kowloon Corridor is an elevated highway that cuts through To Kwa Wan. To Kwa Wan station is convenient. It’s part of the Tuen Ma Line a new line.
Schools serve the community. Farm Road Government Primary School and Ma Tau Chung Government Primary School are here. To Kwa Wan. A place of contrasts a place of history a place of community. A place that quietly reveals its stories to those who pause to listen.