Latest news with #Kowloon
CNA
2 days ago
- General
- CNA
Second group of Hong Kong democrats freed after 4 years in jail
HONG KONG: Four people jailed in the landmark Hong Kong national security trial of "47 democrats" accused of conspiracy to commit subversion were freed on Friday (May 30) after more than four years behind bars, the second group to be released in a month. Among those freed was long-time political and LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, who also led one of Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy groups, the Civil Human Rights Front, which disbanded in 2021. "Let me spend some time with my family," Sham said after arriving at his home in the Kowloon district of Jordan. "I don't know how to plan ahead because, to me, it feels like today is my first day of understanding the world again. So, as for what I can do or should do in the future, or where is the red line, I feel like I need to explore and figure it out all over again." CHRF was one of the largest pro-democracy groups in the former British colony and helped to organise million-strong marches during pro-democracy protests in 2019 that turned violent at times and had a major impact on business and tourism. The others who were released were Kinda Li, Roy Tam and Henry Wong. At the end of April, former pro-democracy lawmakers Claudia Mo, Kwok Ka-ki, Jeremy Tam and Gary Fan were released from three separate prisons across Hong Kong around dawn. Since the 2019 protests, which disrupted Hong Kong for most of that year, China has cracked down on the democratic opposition as well as liberal civil society and media outlets under sweeping national security laws that were imposed in 2020. The 47 pro-democracy campaigners were arrested and charged in early 2021 with conspiracy to commit subversion under a Beijing-imposed national law which carries sentences of up to life in prison. Forty-five of the defendants were convicted following a marathon trial, and given sentences of as long as 10 years. Only two were acquitted. The democrats were found guilty of organising an unofficial "primary election" in 2020 to select their candidates for a legislative election that was later postponed. Prosecutors accused the activists of plotting to paralyse the government by engaging in potentially disruptive acts had they been elected. Some Western governments, including the US, called the trial politically motivated and had demanded that the democrats be freed.
South China Morning Post
23-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
5 of the best things to do in Hong Kong this weekend May 23-25, from yoga to an art fair
Sometimes you can be spoiled for choice when it comes to things to do at weekends in Hong Kong. Do not despair – we have cherry-picked some to make your life easier. Advertisement From a crossover pianist's latest Hong Kong performances to the return of the Affordable Art Fair to an unmissable Tom Cruise action film and a burger pop-up, there is plenty to see and do over the next few days. 1. Shogun Burger pop-up The Regent Hong Kong hotel, in Tsim Sha Tsui in Kowloon, is playing host to Japan's gourmet Shogun Burger brand until May 27. Shogun Burger was launched in 2016 by Taiki Honda, who comes from a family of yakiniku specialists – so he knows his beef. The brand now has more than 30 outlets across Japan. The pop-up brings to Hong Kong its signature Wagyu beef burgers , made with Japanese black Wagyu and smashed on a hot iron plate. Four of Shogun's signature burgers will be available at The Lobby Lounge, including the classic cheese and the chilli meat and cheese. Shogun Burger is popping up at Regent Hong Kong. Photo: Regent Hong Kong Each set, available from 12pm to 10pm daily, is priced at HK$398 (US$51) and includes a burger, fries with three dipping sauces – or a mixed salad – plus either two scoops of ice cream or a matcha sesame tart, and a drink.
South China Morning Post
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- South China Morning Post
Twilight of the Warriors exhibition to sustain heritage tourism in Hong Kong
An exhibition of replica sets from the acclaimed martial arts film Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In, located at the original site of the Kowloon Walled City, will sustain Hong Kong's tourism enthusiasm, particularly for historical areas that evoke a sense of nostalgia, experts have said. Advertisement Scheduled to open this month for a three-year run at Kowloon Walled City Park, the exhibition will showcase classic sets from the Hong Kong box office hit, including a barber shop and tea stalls, with daily life recreated through an immersive experience, allowing visitors to travel back in time to the 1980s. Kowloon City was one of nine tourist hotspots identified by a government working group on Tuesday. These locations will feature expanded attractions and promotions to draw more tourists seeking in-depth trips to the city. In addition to the exhibition, the Tourism Commission plans to extend the 'City in Time Project' to Kowloon City district this year. Using augmented reality technology, tourists will be able to experience the Kowloon City of old, including the Walled City, Kai Tak Airport and its evolving landscape. This initiative aligns with the growing trend of 'city walks' and in-depth tours, highlighting the charm of the Walled City, vibrant Thai culture, Chiu Chow delicacies, memories of the old airport days and well-known movie scenes. Visitors take a walk back in time to the old days of Kowloon Walled City as part of the Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In exhibition. Photo: Dickson Lee Notably, some businesses, such as a tea leaf maker and a fish ball shop, which once operated within or near the Walled City, subsequently relocated to nearby Kowloon City and have since thrived, continuing their legacy.
South China Morning Post
21-05-2025
- General
- South China Morning Post
Revitalise Hung Hom with an eye for its transport history
Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@ or filling in this Google form . Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification More than a key transport hub on the Kowloon Peninsula, Hung Hom has been the pulse of Hong Kong's evolving mobility. Transforming the Hung Hom waterfront ('Proposed Hung Hom marina is as exciting as it is challenging', May 19 ) would present a unique opportunity to celebrate the area's role in the history of Hong Kong transport and logistics, a legacy that should connect us to our past and shape our future. For decades, Hung Hom served as the southern terminus of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, connecting Hong Kong to the mainland and facilitating both passenger and freight transport. The station's iconic interior, illuminated by distinctive spherical pendant lights, witnessed countless cross-border journeys. The ferry pier once stood near the railway terminus. Nearby, Hong Kong's first Cross-Harbour Tunnel transformed vehicle travel across Victoria Harbour. Today, Hung Hom remains a vital interchange station on the Tuen Ma and East Rail lines, linking new development areas with the central business district.
South China Morning Post
19-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Hongkongers using CLP Power to pay less due to cheaper global fuel
Consumers of CLP Power , Hong Kong's biggest electricity provider, will pay lower bills thanks to a decline in global fuel prices in recent months. Releasing its quarterly results on Monday, the company said monthly fuel costs for consumers dropped to 44.4 HK cents (5.7 US cents) per unit of electricity this month, 'resulting in a 1.3 per cent drop in the average net tariff' from the beginning of the year. The power firm also reported a 2.6 per cent fall in electricity sales in the first three months of the year as the milder weather reduced demand. In November of last year, the company announced it would increase its basic tariff from January by 1.44 per cent to 98 HK cents per kilowatt-hour and keep its fuel charge unchanged at 46.3 HK cents per kWh, resulting in an overall increase of 0.98 per cent. 'CLP Power continued to exercise prudent cost controls to ensure reasonably priced energy, while offering additional support available to further relieve the burden on customers in need,' it said. The company serves more than 2.8 million customer accounts in Kowloon, the New Territories and the outlying islands.
