Ladies Market History and Origins | Generated by AI
Here’s a summary of what I found on the history of the Ladies’ Market (Tung Choi Street, 通菜街), Mong Kok — approx when it started, how it evolved. If you want, I can dig deeper with archival maps or government documents.
Origins of Tung Choi Street
- The name Tung Choi Street literally means “water spinach street.” It reflects the land’s earlier use: vegetable fields, especially water spinach, in what was then more rural outskirts of what became Mong Kok. (hong-kong-travelblog.com)
- The street itself was opened around 1924 when the area was being developed, with roads replacing farmland. (hong-kong-travelblog.com)
When the Market Activity Started
- Street hawkers along Tung Choi Street began selling various goods, including women’s clothing and accessories, around the 1960s. It was informal at first — people doing hawker business without formal licensing or structure. (Fridayeveryday)
- By the early 1970s, especially due to economic fluctuations (like the oil crisis), more people turned to hawking as a means of livelihood. (nextstophongkong.com)
Formalization: the Hawker Zone & Ladies’ Market Name
- In 1975, the government (British colonial authorities) designated Tung Choi Street (between Argyle Street and Shantung Street) as one of the first authorized hawking zones in Kowloon. This created formal legal recognition for the market stalls. (Ladies’ Market)
- Because many of the stalls were selling women’s clothing and related accessories, the market became popularly known as “Ladies’ Market” or “Ladies’ Street” (女人街). (hong-kong-travelblog.com)
Evolution After That
- After 1975, as the market became more established, its geographic span was extended southwards to Dundas Street. (Ladies’ Market)
- Over time, although still called “Ladies’ Market,” the variety of goods expanded — not just women’s wear, but souvenirs, accessories, household items, etc. (hongkongextras.com)
- Also later on, pedestrianization was introduced in parts (closing to vehicles during certain hours) to facilitate foot traffic and market activity. (hongkongextras.com)
So: Was it built in the 1950s or 60s?
- The street was established earlier (1924), but the market as a recognized street hawker zone really came into being in the 1960s and formalized in 1975.
- So, while there was market / hawker activity in the 60s, the structure (legal hawker zone, widely known “Ladies Market”) was not official until mid-1970s.
If you like, I can try to find primary sources (old maps, government ordinances) to pin down the first hawkers there more precisely. Do you want that?