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Lion Rock, an iconic Hong Kong landmark, features at its foot a historic site once known as Lo Fu Ngam, meaning “Tiger Rock” or “Tiger’s Den”. Have you heard of it? This was Lok Fu’s original name, which was allegedly inspired by a tiger sighting in the area. As the city expanded, Lo Fu was transformed into Lok Fu, becoming one of Hong Kong’s prominent public housing estates during the 1970s and 80s. As a key part of Wong Tai Sin District, Lok Fu witnessed and played a vital role in shaping the area’s remarkable growth and evolution.
On 14 September, Link and Walk in Hong Kong hosted a special “Estate Guided Tour – Lok Fu” in support of the “WELL • BEING Estate Festival” organised by the Housing Bureau of the HKSAR Government and the Hong Kong Housing Authority. Paul Chan, Co-founder of Walk in Hong Kong, led around 30 participants on a journey through Lok Fu Estate, immersing them in its rich history and culture.
According to Paul, the present-day Lok Fu was originally the Lo Fu Ngam Resettlement Area, where many residents moved south after the war. In the 1970s, when the newly established Housing Authority took over its management, they decided to rename the area. According to a 1970 government document, many residents with animal-sounding surnames (such as Yeung for sheep, Chu for pig, Ma for horse and Ngau for cow) believed moving to Lo Fu Ngam negatively impacted their fortunes and petitioned for a name change. After considering 24 proposed options, the government chose “Lok Fu” for its phonetic similarity to Lo Fu and its connotations of happiness and prosperity.
Lok Fu’s transformation went beyond mere renaming and was the result of meticulous planning aimed at enhancing residents’ well-being. The first phase of Lok Fu Estate, designed by Chung Wah Nan Architects, established by renowned Hong Kong architect Chung Wah-nan, was a thoughtfully crafted community hub integrating various elements of daily life, such as an MTR station, public housing, bus terminus, library, market, shopping mall and serene Chinese gardens. This comprehensive design created a convenient and vibrant living community for residents.
As Paul explained, the architectural vision incorporated many clever ideas that prioritised both practicality and quality of life. These included the slightly sloped, trapezoid-shaped exterior walls of the buildings that maximised sunlight and optimised space on each floor. Additionally, the large open area on the first floor of Zone A in Lok Fu Place, nestled between two buildings, provided residents, former immigrants who became long-term residents, with an inviting communal space, enhancing the sense of community and liveability.
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Lok Fu is more than just a modern shopping mall and housing estate and boasts several culturally rich landmarks that embody the character of the area. Look no further than the large “Eight Immortals” mural in Lok Fu Place, a highly traditional installation that holds deep significance for the local community. The mural was originally erected along Wang Tau Hom South Road. During Link’s asset enhancement works, the mural was relocated to the Zone A podium garden, preserving the community’s memories while passing on its heritage. Recently, Link added a butterfly garden near the mural, infusing the space with new vitality.
Another noteworthy site is the Tin Hau Temple near Lok Man House in Lok Fu Estate. According to its inscription, the temple was built during the Qing dynasty and was once “vanished”. It was rebuilt in 1950s following Tin Hau, the Goddess of the Sea’s, divine manifestation. Having survived a destructive typhoon and subsequent government relocation, the temple has remained a steadfast presence in the community. Its most recent renovation in 2001 ensured that it continues to serve as a place of worship and cultural connection for residents.
The guided tour concluded at Lok Fu Market, which Paul described as a success story in Hong Kong’s fresh market transformation, pioneered by Link. Once chaotic and slippery, the fresh market has now been revitalised with improved ventilation, hygiene and order. One of its unique features is an increasingly rare live poultry stall. While live chickens remain central to Hong Kong’s culinary culture and are a staple of traditional festival celebrations, balancing food safety with cultural needs has been challenging for the metropolis. The “human-poultry separation” setup at this stall offers a viable solution ensuring that the market can continue to offer this traditional product while adhering to the city's stringent safety standards.
Adjacent to the market stands the Hong Kong Housing Authority Customer Service Centre, a landmark for generations of Hong Kong residents aspiring to have their own homes. In the 1970s and 80s, when homeownership was out of reach for many citizens, each Home Ownership Scheme ballot here represented a potentially life-changing opportunity. Since the first introduction of Home Ownership Homes in 1978, the Housing Authority had used a manual lottery drawing machine loaned by the Hong Kong Jockey Club for every drawing event until 2018, when it switched to an electronic drawing machine. To this day, the anticipation and excitement surrounding each draw for subsidised housing continue to resonate deeply with the community.
This two-hour tour offered participants an insightful glimpse into the lives of Lok Fu residents and the community’s evolution, mirroring Hong Kong’s broader urban development. Public housing estates across Hong Kong are indeed treasure troves of history and culture. If you have the time, explore diverse neighbourhoods, engage with the community stories and discover Hong Kong’s unique urban tapestry.
