I'm johnpoontf, deeply rooted in the vibrant neighborhood of Tai Kok Tsui as I create a series for this district. Reaching my 300 caches, I am excited to announce the launch of not one, but three new series - each unfolding in the bustling districts of Sham Shui Po, Mong Kok, and Yau Ma Tei! As we venture from the historical markets of Sham Shui Po, through the neon-lit streets of Mong Kok, to the cultural crossroads of Yau Ma Tei, each cache will reveal the unique essence and stories of these districts. Our journey begins in Tai Kok Tsui, symbolizing the bridge between my first series and the new experiences that await.
In the spirit of community and shared adventure, each cache in these series will be revealed as its predecessor reaches ten logs. This approach aims to build a sense of anticipation and collective achievement, encouraging us all to engage actively and support each other's explorations.
Pitt Street, named after the youngest British Prime Minister in history, William Pitt the Younger, who took office at the age of 24, is a historic thoroughfare in Yau Ma Tei. Stretching from Ferry Street in the west to Waterloo Road in the east and running parallel to streets like Hamilton Street and Dundas Street, Pitt Street is notable for its architectural heritage. The street is home to ten Grade II historic buildings, constructed between 1920 and 1926, showcasing a blend of Chinese and Western architectural elements. These balcony-type tenement buildings, known as "tong-lau," were popular in Guangdong and Hong Kong from the late 19th century to the early post-war period, contributing significantly to the streetscape of commercial districts in Hong Kong.
Pitt Street has not only been a witness to architectural evolution but has also been the backdrop for significant historical events, including the tumultuous period following the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident. In the wake of this tragedy, the street became a focal point for protests and unrest. In more recent history, Pitt Street found itself at the center of a significant incident in 2019, marking a poignant moment in the city's contemporary narrative. Amidst the widespread protests that year, the street experienced a harrowing "stampede" event, underscoring the intense social and political tensions of the time.
Today, Pitt Street continues to be a bustling thoroughfare, bearing the marks of its rich past while embracing the dynamism of the present, making it a focal point for those looking to understand the multifaceted story of Hong Kong.