The overlooked world under Hong Kong's bridges
With land at a premium in Hong Kong, roads often take to the skies in the form of flyovers and bridges. The space that is freed up underneath these bridges is taken advatange of in more ways than one.
From Tsuen Wan to Tsim Sha Tsui, Wanchai to Sham Shui Po, we found people who spent their their days doing business, people watching and even warding off evil spirits underneath bridges in Hong Kong. Next time you find yourself under a bridge, why not stop and wander around? You may be surprised with what you find.
Texaco Road and Castle Peak Road Bridge, Tai Wo Hau. Most of us walk under a bridge and think nothing of it.
Under the West Kowloon Corridor bridge at Yen Chow Street and Tung Chau Street is the Sham Shui Po Jade Market. Locals and visitors in the know come here to pick up jade at a far reduced price from the vendors on Nathan Road.
Dozens of homeless people live outside the jade market, mainly older gentlemen, but whole families can also be found sleeping under the bridge.
Circle Park beside the Tai Wo Hau MTR station is an interesting park set around the Texaco Road and Castle Peak Road bridge. Elderly gentleman like to stop and watch the road and foot traffic go by.
Who thought young people would hang out under a bridge? These two students were preparing for an exam while others like to play table tennis.
Haiphong Temporary Market under the Kowloon Park Drive and Haiphong Road bridge has it all. At the entrance is the famous Ngau Kee Floral Shop that many Kowloon residents go to for their floral arrangements.
Ever eaten under a bridge? The Haiphong Temporary Market is home to a dai pai dong with stalls that serve the best pork chops and beef ball noodles in the city at unbeatable prices.
The Canal Street and Hennessey Road bridge is probably one of the busiest yet most interesting under-the-bridge scenes.
Elderly ladies set up shop under the Canal Street and Hennessey Road bridge, offering "da siu yan" services. This Chinese custom wards off evil and bad luck.
The pedestrian bridge at O’Brien Road and Hennessey Road is the scene for football and horse racing punters to consult with each other over the latest odds. On Wednesday nights and Sunday afternoons, the area is teeming with punters looking for a quick score.
