The Vanished World of 19th Century Hong Kong

Today, Hong Kong is a city defined by its futuristic skyline. But despite having a relatively brief history, it once looked drastically different. In this video, we’ll use some of the oldest surviving photographs of Hong Kong to travel back to the 1870s - a time when what would one day become a modern metropolis of glass, steel and concrete, more resembled a historic Mediterranean town with its graceful arcades and classical domes …

📚 SOURCES

Dennys, N. B., Mayers, W. F., & King, C. (1867). “The treaty ports of China and Japan. : A complete guide to the open ports of those countries, together with Peking, Yedo, Hongkong and Macao. Forming a guide book & vade mecum for travellers, merchants, and residents in general.” London, Trübner and co.; [etc.,etc.]

Thomson, J. (1873). “Illustrations of China and its people. : A series of two hundred photographs, with letterpress descriptive of the places and people represented.” London : Sampson Low, Marston, Low, and Searle

gwulo.com - For information about the history of specific buildings.

wellcomecollection.org - Primary source of photos. Also provides some information about them.