Find Hotels in Tai Kok Tsui, Hong Kong

West of Mong Kok in the Kowloon area of Hong Kong, Tai Kok Tsui was popularized in the famous McDull cartoon which dealt with issues of poverty, single motherhood and new migrants from the mainland. Unlike neighboring districts, Tai Kok Tsui failed to receive public housing estates, post offices or a library. Instead, the local economy and community developed by adopting its own way of life.

The area became a sprawling network of ‘caged homes’ (bed-sized apartments) accommodating thousands of young single males who had crossed the border. Today, a scattering of caged homes can still be found on Fok Tsuen Street. Tai Kok Tsui was once the hub for workshops selling metal for construction use. However, as more factories have relocated to the mainland in the face of tough competition, most of these workshops have switched to providing simple metal items, such as gates, hanging racks or water pipes.

The Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair takes place every year at the local Hung Shing temple. The highlight of the day is the 500 feet dragon dance that takes place in the evening. Cultural performances include acrobatics, Chinese Ku Fu, Chinese dance, a Big Bowl Feast, games and souvenir stalls.