HONG KONG – The production of “Kowloon Walled City: The Final Chapter,” directed by Soi Cheang and starring Raymond Lam, Terrance Lau, and Tsz Tung Wu, is drawing public excitement as filming moves across Hong Kong, with crews recently recreating the legendary walled enclave in a sprawling set in Yuen Long.
After shutting down streets in Tsim Sha Tsui East for action sequences, the film’s unit shifted to Temple Street in Yau Ma Tei this month, where onlookers gathered to catch a glimpse of the cast and crew. But the most striking development came when online users spotted a full-scale reconstruction of the Kowloon Walled City in Yuen Long—a near-exact replica of the notoriously dense, lawless labyrinth that was demolished in the early 1990s.
Photographs shared on social media show a dizzying array of narrow alleys, tangled overhead wires, and crowded signage designed to mimic the original settlement’s chaotic urban fabric. The set has been widely praised for its meticulous detail. “The art department is incredible,” one user commented on a local forum. Another wrote, “I thought they’d shoot this on a mainland set. The fact they’re building it in Hong Kong—I’ll definitely buy a ticket for that alone.”
The sequel, which follows the 2024 hit “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In,” continues the story of martial arts and gang warfare set within the walls of the infamous Kowloon Walled City. The original film grossed over HK$100 million in Hong Kong and sparked renewed interest in the city’s gritty history. Sources indicate the production is investing heavily in practical sets rather than relying solely on CGI, a decision that has resonated with local audiences nostalgic for the territory’s cinematic golden age.
A Cultural Touchstone Returns to the Big Screen
Historical records describe the Kowloon Walled City as one of the most densely populated places on Earth before its demolition, housing an estimated 33,000 residents in a 6.4‑acre area. Its maze-like interior—filled with unlicensed dentists, noodle shops, and secret gambling dens—has long fascinated filmmakers. By building the set locally, Cheang’s team is aiming for an authenticity that digital effects alone cannot capture, according to production insiders.
“This isn’t just a movie; it’s a piece of Hong Kong’s soul,” a crew member involved in set construction wrote in a post. “We’re using actual materials, vintage signs, and period-correct furniture to make it feel alive.”
The production’s choice to keep filming in Hong Kong—rather than relocating to cheaper studio backlots in mainland China—has spurred a wave of community support. Many residents see it as a vote of confidence in the city’s creative industry, which has faced challenges from rising costs and shifting talent pools.
What’s Next for the Production
Filming is expected to continue through early next year, with additional location shoots planned in Kowloon City and New Territories. The film is slated for a 2026 theatrical release. While plot details remain under wraps, early promotional materials hint at a deeper exploration of the walled city’s underground economy and the moral compromises faced by its inhabitants.
For cinephiles and history buffs alike, the set in Yuen Long has become a temporary pilgrimage site. “I’d watch it over and over just to see those sets on the big screen,” another fan posted. “It’s a reminder of what made Hong Kong cinema legendary.”
Further Reading: For context on the real Kowloon Walled City, refer to Greg Girard and Ian Lambot’s 1999 photo book “City of Darkness: Life in the Kowloon Walled City.”
