City in Transition- Important Hong Kong landmarks from 1960-1980

Arguably one of the most important periods in Hong Kong history is from 1960-1980 when the city underwent massive transition.

With rapid economic growth and expanding manufacturing industry, Hong Kong was known as one of the Four Asian Tigers along with Taiwan, Singapore, and South Korea. Meanwhile, there was a soaring demand for better infrastructure such as highways, tunnels, buildings, and reservoirs in the city, which not only increased the opportunities for construction businesses but also paved the way for Hong Kong in transforming into a modern city. Have a quick read of the three familiar points of interest below and learn some interesting facts behind them during the transformation of the city!

Lion Rock

Overlooking the squatter huts of the working class, Lion Rock with its distinctive shape become a key symbol of Hongkongers’ grit and self-sufficiency since the 1960s. To get to work and get home every day, the inhabitants would make the tough hike and back up the hill. The squatters were resettled in in the Government subsidised housing in the 1970s. In 2001, the very last of the squatter settlements at Diamond Hill was demolished.

Lion Rock and squatters in 1965. (Courtesy of Tim Ko)

The Hilton International

With the streets filled with polished Rolls Royce cars and Panama hats, the 1960s and 1970s were an euphoric time for local and international business in Hong Kong. Posh hotels played host to the rich and famous, and the Hong Kong Hilton Hotel held three of the prime locations for scenesters- the Dragon Boat Bar, the Den Nightclub and the Eagle’s Nest located in the penthouse. Frequent visitors include world eminent stars like Judy Garland and Eartha Kitt, along with local celebrities such as Michael Remedios, Rebecca Pan, and Frances Yip.

In 1974 the Hong Kong Hilton introduced the concept of having a minibar in each of their rooms and suites. (Courtesy of Rob Taylor)

The Cross Harbour Tunnel

The Central Harbour Tunnel was the earliest of three vehicular cross-harbour tunnels in Hong Kong, which opened to traffic on 2 August, 1972. This was an important infrastructure for Hong Kong as it eased the commute between the mainland with Hong Kong Island. Today, with over 116,000 vehicles passing through it daily, the tunnel is one of the most congested roads in Hong Kong, and the world.

An aerial view of Hong Kong Harbour showing the route of the tunnel. Source: Public Records Office, Government Records Service (政府檔案處歷史檔案館)

If you would like to learn more about the different historical stories of Hong Kong, do come ride the Wheel with the Hong Kong Observation Wheel AR App presented by AIA and experience historical Hong Kong!