Justice

The Roots of Hong Kong's Identity Are in Its Back Alleys

These so-called “in-between” spaces often hold decades-old shops that have borne witness to the city’s urbanization.
An alleyway in Tsim Sha Tsui is illuminated by the pink glow of a small fish store.Parallel Lab

Hong Kong today is known for its magnificent skyline, set against the backdrop of the region’s gleaming harbors and lush hills. It’s known for its efficient network of high-tech railways and old-timey streetcars—and for being one of the densest cities on earth.

But that’s not all that defines Hong Kong. If you want to understand how the city has evolved, look beyond its sleek high-rises and modern skyscrapers. Instead, follow its vast network of “in-between” spaces, says Caroline Wuthrich, a Swiss architect and designer based in Hong Kong.