Hong Kong is proactively advancing its “Tourism is Everywhere in Hong Kong” strategy, with the aim of strengthening the city’s capacity to attract and accommodate more visitors and to elevate their overall travel experience. 

Among the nine tourism hot spot projects recently unveiled by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government, the most widely discussed is the “In-depth Travel in Kowloon City” initiative. Using the Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey movie-set exhibition as a starting point, tourists’ experiences in the Kowloon City district will be extended through delicious cuisine and “smart travel”. To further enrich the offering, the Tourism Commission is set to expand the City in Time Project into the Kowloon City district, enabling tourists to relive the past through augmented-reality reconstructions of the iconic Kowloon Walled City.

Naturally, any mention of the Kowloon Walled City today brings to mind the acclaimed film that reignited public interest in this enclave: Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In. Garnering nine major awards at this year’s Hong Kong Film Awards and earning a spot in the prestigious “Midnight Screenings” section at the Cannes Film Festival, the film triggered a wave of nostalgia and renewed emotional connection with Hong Kong’s distinct urban identity.

Set in the 1980s, the story follows a young man who seeks refuge in the chaotic yet intertwined community of the Kowloon Walled City. There, he forms bonds of brotherhood with its residents. When external violence threatens the community, the characters unite to defend their home. Although the plot is relatively simple, the film masterfully reconstructs the gritty yet vibrant tableau of life within the Walled City — a portrayal that captures the widely recognized essence of the “Hong Kong Spirit”, primarily manifesting through three core values.

First and foremost is inclusiveness. Despite its then “lawless” reputation, the Walled City was a functioning microcosm, housing over 50,000 residents in an area of only 26,000 square meters. Within its densely packed structures were clinics, shops, eateries, and barber stalls — all contributing to a self-sufficient ecosystem. Beneath the chaos laid a strong sense of community and tolerance, offering sanctuary to the underprivileged. This mirrors Hong Kong’s broader ethos as a city that welcomes diversity and enables people from all walks of life to thrive.

Second, the film highlights the value of mutual support and solidarity. Life in the Walled City was indisputably challenging, yet its residents forged close-knit relationships and looked out for one another. This is impressively captured in the film’s portrayal of brotherhood — a reflection of Hong Kong’s communal cohesion. As the beloved song Below the Lion Rock declares, “We can all conquer our difficulties hand in hand.” Such solidarity has long been a defining feature of the city’s social fabric.

Third, the film embodies the spirit of perseverance. Surviving in the harsh and overcrowded conditions of the Walled City demanded exceptional resilience and perseverance. The characters’ unyielding resistance to external threats symbolizes the tenacity of Hong Kong people — generations of whom have transformed adversity into opportunity through relentless effort and unwavering resolve.

Together, these values not only explain the film’s resounding success but also offer a compelling narrative foundation for reimagining the city’s tourism strategy.

In recent years, Hong Kong’s traditional tourist appeals — Victoria Harbour night, duty-free shopping, and classic cuisine — have gradually lost their novelty for Chinese mainland visitors. With the rise of domestic alternatives, many travelers are now seeking more emotionally resonant experiences. Increasingly, they are discovering new cultural landmarks through different lenses.

Take, for example, the Yau Ma Tei Police Station — a frequent backdrop in iconic Hong Kong crime films. During peak travel seasons, particularly during national holidays, the site draws crowds of mainland visitors eager to relive the cinematic moments etched into their memories and reconnect with the golden era of Hong Kong cinema.

Similarly, the basketball court near the Kennedy Town MTR Station has become a viral photo spot. Visitors are captivated by a unique angle where the sea appears wedged between urban buildings — a juxtaposition of urban and natural scenery that has proved irresistible.

Perhaps the most unexpected hot spot is a directional sign near the Central MTR Station reading “All destinations”. This simple phrase has become a symbolic photo backdrop for young travelers, who often pair it with captions like “Your life can go anywhere.” It evokes themes of ambition, freedom, and possibility — values that strike a powerful emotional chord among young people.

These examples clearly illustrate how viewing Hong Kong through an “outsider’s perspective” can uncover the hidden value of tourist attractions. Rather than relying solely on traditional, locally defined attractions, Hong Kong should prioritize experiences that align with visitors’ evolving expectations and emotional connections.

The tourism sector can draw actionable insights from Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In by integrating emotional depth with tangible settings to create resonant visitor experiences.

First, it is vital to identify and develop attractions that authentically embody Hong Kong’s spirit — places where inclusiveness, mutual support, and perseverance are not just abstract ideals but lived realities.

Moreover, it is equally important to scale up these attractions to meet growing visitor demand. For instance, while the Yau Ma Tei Police Station has emerged as a beloved tourist site, its limited space calls for thoughtful expansion. Enhancing such venues with interactive elements — within legal and preservation constraints — would significantly enrich the visitor experience.

The concept of “Tourism is Everywhere in Hong Kong” advocates innovative thinking, policy optimization and cross-sector collaboration to develop new travel routes and experiences while upholding the city’s tradition of hospitality and enhancing service quality. The “In-depth Travel in Kowloon City” project, which transforms cinematic nostalgia into experiential journeys, letting visitors feel the city’s soul firsthand, embodies this concept. As the legacy of Kowloon Walled City evokes nostalgia and captivates imaginations, Hong Kong’s cultural and tourism charm is poised to glow brighter than ever.

The author is vice-chairman of the Committee on Liaison with Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, and chairman of the Hong Kong New Era Development Thinktank.

The views do not necessarily reflect those of China Daily.