Video Link: https://youtu.be/govx9C7B_E8?feature=shared
Eclectic city: Haiphong Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon
Director: Xiong Na
3036260345
Haiphong Road, situated in the vibrant heart of Tsim Sha Tsui, is a symbolic showcase of Hong Kong’s unique urban landscape. This road highlights the dynamic interaction between the bustling pace of the city and its tranquil moments. On one side are bustling street vendors, old street markets, and a bustling flower market, while adjacent to it is Kowloon Park, a serene spot with lush greenery and historical buildings.
Tsim Sha Tsui is one of the most important CBD areas in Hong Kong. (He, 2016) In the midst of the hustle and bustle, Kowloon Park serves as a tranquil space, offering a stark contrast to the surrounding crowds and traffic. This street possesses a unique atmosphere where passersby can pause their hurried steps and immerse themselves in this peaceful moment. Haiphong Road reminds people to savor tranquility amidst the busy life, urging everyone to take a moment to breathe in the fresh air and clear their minds. Haiphong Road is a vibrant avenue, flourishing with the convergence of diverse cultures. Walking along this road, every step reveals the energy and unity of various races, traditions, and histories. This road showcases the harmonious blend of different lifestyles, ideas, and cuisines, highlighting an eclectic city. Haiphong Road embodies the possibility of Hong Kong’s diversity and the coexistence of differences.
On Haiphong Road, people come and go, but few stop by the small street vendors. The ancient temple, the flower market also close really early. Occasionally, pedestrians can be seen entering the park for a stroll, but the old facilities inside perhaps symbolize the discordance between this area and the bustling Tsim Sha Tsui.
The research methodology includes both primary and secondary research.
Besides field observations and photography, I conducted a survey investigating the likelihood of Haiphong Road disappearing within the next decade. As the video demonstrates, few people linger at the small shops along this street; most pass by quickly. Although a small number of people enter Kowloon Park adjacent to the road, such a large serene area in a bustling city center is at odds with Hong Kong’s urban planning. The results of the survey I designed corroborate this observation. Nowadays, people are increasingly uninterested in visiting parks and prefer shopping at large malls to seek better quality and brand prestige, rather than purchasing from street vendors. In summary, this street is likely to disappear within ten years, replaced by an expanded bustling commercial zone.
Furthermore, I also conducted research using secondary sources. By searching on Google Scholar for the reasons behind the possible disappearance of this street and supporting data, I identified several factors. These factors include misalignment with Hong Kong’s urban planning, excessively outdated facilities, the decreasing demand for parks among people nowadays, and the growing reliance on large shopping malls.
For production of the video, I give an aerial shot of Tsim Sha Tsui first, slowly zooming into Haiphong Road bustling with activity. Next, I have lots of fast-paced clips of crowds navigating the street, busy market stalls, and traffic. Also, there are shots of diverse storefronts. , I end up this video with the iconic street sign of Haiphong Road illuminated at night. When editing the video, I closely integrated the narration with each video frame to ensure a smoother viewing experience.
In summary, despite its charm, Haiphong Road is increasingly out of sync with nearby large shopping centers like Harbour City, as modern shoppers and leisure-seekers now prefer malls and newer attractions. This street faces the risk of disappearing and may be replaced by the ever-expanding commercial district.
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Xiong Na
3036260345