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To be honest, my impression of Choi Hung Estate in Ngau Chi Wan used to be rather shallow and ordinary. In recent years, when people talk about Choi Hung Estate, many immediately think of it as a “photo hotspot.” Its vibrantly coloured façades have become its signature—an iconic backdrop captured by countless visitors, from tourists and photographers to celebrities. With such global fame, I don’t think it’s an exaggeration to call it world-renowned.
Because this “Instagram image” is so deeply ingrained in the public’s mind, I was actually hesitant to feature Choi Hung Estate in my early housing estate explorations. It felt like too many had already covered it—searching online, you’d find an abundance of historical details, personal stories, and oral histories from residents. With so much material already out there, I wasn’t sure where to begin, and I even felt a little pressure not to pale in comparison.
Still, I thought—why not? I’d give it a go. I decided to write something from my own perspective, combining my visits with what I’d learned, and just let the words flow.
The Story Behind My Three Visits to Choi Hung Estate
Unexpectedly, I ended up visiting the estate three times in total, just to get a more in-depth experience (one of those visits was indeed to take the classic photo—guilty as charged!). But I must admit, there’s more to Choi Hung Estate than its famous Instagram backdrop. It has its own unique appeal that made me want to understand it better.
The site of Choi Hung Estate was formerly Sha Tei Wai, one of the original “Thirteen Villages of Kowloon.” According to the Overseas Chinese Daily News, the area was once home to squatter huts and farmland. “In fact, much of it was used as a dumping ground for waste.” It wasn’t until 1960 that the land was cleared and redeveloped.
As for the estate’s development, it was built in phases between 1962 and 1964, making it one of the oldest surviving public housing estates in Hong Kong today—following only Model Housing Estate and Sai Wan Estate. (Fuk Loi Estate and Ma Tau Wai Estate were also completed in the same year.)
Historical reports make it clear that Choi Hung Estate was a major undertaking. According to Overseas Chinese Daily News and The Kung Sheung Daily News, it was the seventh estate built by the Housing Authority and, at the time, their largest housing project, costing HKD 50 million. In recognition of its significance, Sir Robert Brown Black was invited to unveil the estate himself.
The estate comprises 11 blocks, ranging from 7 to 20 storeys high, creating a visually dynamic skyline. Fittingly, the names of the buildings are also colour-themed, reflecting the name “Choi Hung” (Rainbow).
From History to Experience: Walking Through the Estate
Walking through Choi Hung Estate, I realised it was far larger than I had imagined. The layout is spacious rather than cramped, and its quiet surroundings provide a stark contrast to the noisy, crowded streets outside. It’s a surprisingly calming and comfortable space to explore.
While today the estate may seem fairly standard—featuring a market, shops, post office, playgrounds, schools, and a community centre—such comprehensive planning was considered cutting-edge at the time. The estate incorporated elements of Modernist design, with a focus on functionality, openness, and simplicity. Each flat was equipped with a living and dining room, balcony, kitchen, and a combined toilet and bathroom—considered a high standard of living in the 1960s.
It’s no wonder Choi Hung Estate won the prestigious Silver Medal from the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) in 1965. Over the years, it has also attracted high-profile visitors, including then US Vice President Richard Nixon, Princess Margaret, Princess Alexandra and her husband, and Governor MacLehose.
A Treasure Trove of Old Shops and Local Charm
One of the estate’s most delightful features is the absence of a shopping mall. Instead, the ground floors of several blocks are lined with old-style arcades filled with long-standing local shops—some of which look as though time has stood still since the 1960s. These include the rare “Kee Cheung Flag Shop,” the old-school “Kam Pik Restaurant” and “Lee Ying Kee Watch Shop,” the nostalgic “Oi Kwan Fast Food,” and the traditional “Wah Lai Barber Shop,” which even appeared in the music video for MIRROR’s first English single, Rumours, as well as in local films.
Other hidden gems include the almost extinct “Comic World” manga rental shop and the traditional butcher “Choi Hung Meat Company”—both underappreciated treasures.
And I nearly forgot—on my first visit, I stopped by a snack shop where the prices felt like something out of my school days. HKD 5 for three deep-fried scallops—what a bargain!
Thoughtful Design and Rainbow Identity
As mentioned earlier, Choi Hung Estate’s most distinctive feature is its rainbow-painted exterior. Even the names of the seven streets within the estate reflect the colours of the rainbow—Red Plum Road, Orange Blossom Road, Yellow Chrysanthemum Road, Green Willow Road, and so on—showcasing the Housing Authority’s creative thoughtfulness during planning. Though the estate is now over 60 years old, a major renovation in recent years has helped it retain its charm.
To capture the famous rainbow façade, you’ll need to head up to the rooftop of the car park. I didn’t expect it to be so lively—it doubles as a garden, basketball court, and badminton court. People gather there to relax or play, creating a vibrant everyday scene full of life.
Search online and you’ll find countless stories of residents sharing what it’s like to live in Choi Hung Estate. (For example, actor Tse Kwan-ho once appeared on the public housing series Show You Where I Lived, linked here.) Many residents express a strong sense of belonging and consider the estate a place to truly settle down. For them, Choi Hung Estate is full of fond memories and continues to be a warm and liveable home.
PS:Somehow this turned into quite a lengthy article—and I spent over an hour writing it (oops!). If you’ve read this far, thank you so much for your support.
Estate Information
Location: 5–19 Tsz Wan Road; 2 Wong Kuk Road; 2–8 Luk Lau Road; 2 & 11 Tsing Yeung Road; 1–5 Hung Mui Road, Ngau Chi Wan
Year of Occupation: 1962–1964
Number of Blocks: 11
Building Type: Old Slab Blocks
Building Names: Tsui King House, Chi Mei House, Hung Ngok House, Kam Hon House, Kam Wan House, Kam Pik House, Kam Wah House, Luk Ching House, Pik Hoi House, Pak Suet House, Tan Fung House
Sources: Hong Kong Housing Authority, Wikipedia
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