Deep drains once defined this place. What is Yau Ma Hang now? It is a place with an intriguing past. Let’s explore the story of Yau Ma Hang.
Yau Ma Hang’s name has an interesting origin. “Yau” means oil. “Ma” refers to sesame or jute. “Tei” signifies field or open ground. Thus, Yau Ma Hang could mean “oil-sesame field” or “oil and jute ground.”
Yau Ma Hang was once part of a village in Kowloon. Historical records mention a Chinese burial ground near a village called Yau-ma-Tee in 1871. However, it is believed that the name Yau Ma Hang came into existence during British rule. Kwun Chung is a name that appears more frequently in historical documents. Kwun Chung was a river valley and featured villages and cultivated land. A hill near the coast served as a Qing dynasty fortification in the 19th century.
In 1839, Lin Zexu, a Qing official, ordered a fort to be built in the Yau Ma Hang area. This fort was intended to defend against potential British attacks. During the First Opium War, this fortification and another in Tsim Sha Tsui saw action in the Battle of Kowloon against British forces.
Before 1860, Yau Ma Hang was a beach and bay. It was a gathering spot for Tanka fishermen. After reclamation efforts by the Hong Kong Government, the area remained a harbor for fishermen. The Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter emerged as a unique water area. Restaurants on boats offered indigenous seafood. These “typhoon shelter dishes” are still popular today. They are even served on land. The typhoon shelter was a haven for fishermen. It also functioned as a port. Piers lined the shore. Ferry Point was a transportation hub. Many commuters used ferries to travel to and from Hong Kong Island. The Hongkong and Yaumati Ferry provided this service.
Inland, the reclaimed land became a residential area. It housed an increasing Chinese population. Retail shops occupied street-level spaces. Shanghai Street was the main thoroughfare. Later, Nathan Road replaced it. Waterloo Road is home to the century-old Fruit Market. The adjacent Yaumati Theatre was once Kowloon’s largest. Kwong Wah Hospital was Kowloon peninsula’s first hospital established in 1911. The YMCA headquarters and hostel were also located here.
Yau Ma Hang is a place with mixed residential and retail spaces. You can visit the Yau Ma Tei wet market and fruit market during the day. Here, you can buy souvenirs. Consider dried noodles and various fruits. Temple Street comes alive every night. You can explore a market offering many products. You can find clothes, decorations, VCDs and toys. Tin Hau Temple built in 1876, graces this street.
Yung Shue Tau is a square known as a night market. Jade Market and Jade Street offer China’s revered green stone. About 400 registered stall owners sell jade amulets ornaments necklaces and trinkets.
Yau Ma Hang offers glimpses into Hong Kong’s past. Its unique blend of history trade and culture creates a lasting impression.