Recapping the MACPH Distinguished Alumni Lecture Series “The History of Mong Kok” on 1 March 2025

Dr. YUNG Wing Sum was invited by the MACPH to deliver a lecture entitled “The History of Mong Kok” on 1 March 2025. The speaker’s family has resided in Mong Kok for three generations since the end of the Guangxu era, spanning over a century, and their rich family memories have revealed different stories of Mong Kok. The speaker began by introducing his grandfather’s commercial success in Yau Ma Tei and Mong Kok markets, and describing the social landscape of Mong Kok in the early 20th century. At that time, the most successful business was Sang Tai Ho on Shanghai Street, which specialized in provisions for ships heading to Mainland China. Later, the speaker’s family moved into a tenement building on Reclamation Street in 1933. The speaker illustrated urban changes in 1950-60s Mong Kok with his own experiences of living in a tenement building. He also unveiled fragments of forgotten industries, rural life in the city, tutoring under arcades, and alternative education in public spaces.

In the second part of the lecture, the speaker discussed the history and transformation of Mong Kok through extensive archival and newspaper materials. He covered topics ranging from the origins and land acquisition of Mong Kok’s predecessor, Mong Kok Tsuen, to the early industrial area with tobacco and laundry factories, and the later development of Nathan Road into a dazzling commercial district. The speaker presented many vivid examples of Mong Kok’s past appearance, resonating with many listeners, such as Mong Kok’s old ice rink and the song of Yung Shue Tau.

 

---

 

World History Seminar (2024-25)

Organizer: Centre for Comparative and Public History, Department of History, CUHK
Enquiry: 3943 8541

 

---

Public Lectures on History and Business in China 2024-25

Public Lectures on History and Business in China 2024-25 will be held in March 2025. Professor Elisabeth KÖLL, William Payden Collegiate Chair; Department Chair and Professor of Department of History, University of Notre Dame, has been invited as the guest speaker to deliver two public lectures.

Lectures will be conducted in English.

Admission is free; reservation is required. To reserve a seat, please
– Register online at www.history.cuhk.edu.hk/2025_HBC  
– Call at 3943 8541

For more information, please visit www.history.cuhk.edu.hk/2025_HBC/ or www.hkpl.gov.hk

Organisers: Department of History, CUHK; Centre for Comparative and Public History, Department of History, CUHK; M.A. Programme in Comparative and Public History, Department of History, CUHK; Hong Kong Public Libraries, Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Sponsor: Eminence History Department Fund, CUHK

 

---

Academic Seminar

Organizer: Centre for Chinese History, Department of History, CUHK
Enquiry: 3943 8541

 

---

International Symposium

Organizers: Centre for Chinese History, Department of History, CUHK; New Asia Institute of Advanced Chinese Studies
Enquiry: 3943 8541

 

---

New Book Talk

Please click here for seat reservation.

Organizers: The Chinese University of Hong Kong Press; Department of History, CUHK; The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library
Enquiry: 3943 9800

 

---

For teachers and students who have information to share with the Department, please email your articles in both Chinese and English to chanfiona@cuhk.edu.hk by 4:00pm every Monday.