Amazing Black and White Photos of Hong Kong in the 1980s

Chung Yeung Street at North Point, Hong Kong, 1986

1980s in Hong Kong marks a period when the territory was known for its wealth and trademark lifestyle. Hong Kong would be recognized internationally for its politics, entertainment and skyrocketing real estate prices.

More: Flickr h/t: vintag.es

Chung Yeung Street at North Point, Hong Kong, 1986

Hong Kong’s population topped five million just at the beginning of the 1980s, and rose at an annual average rate of 1.3% over the next ten years. The additional 700,000 residents raised the population to 5.73 million at the end of the decade.

Chungking Mansion, located at 36-44 Nathan Road in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 1986

There were public outcries in the early 1980s over decreasing wages due to the large influx of mainland immigrants raising supply against demand. On the other hand, citizens of Hong Kong were beginning to emigrate to the UK, Canada and United States in large numbers due to the uncertainty of the handover in 1997. From 1980 to 1986, an estimated 21,000 people left Hong Kong permanently every year. Beginning in 1987, the numbers rose sharply to 48,000 people a year.

These amazing photos were taken by Dave Glass that show street scenes of Hong Kong in 1986 and 1987.

High-rise residential housing, Kowloon, Hong Kong, 1986