1930s China through American eyes

A picturesque thoroughfare in Hong Kong

One of the most interesting features of this Hong Kong street is its shop signs. Some of the wording we can of course read, though much of it we do not understand. Much of the lettering is in gold and black. A great variety of merchandise is to be found in the shops and more Oriental costumes than Western are to be seen. The black cotton trousers and light-colored cotton chemises of the women are commonly worn by the average middle class Chinese woman. This street is a mixture of both Oriental and Occidental which results in some very unique sights. This part of Hong Kong is the lowlands where it is almost impossible for the white man to live. Here the Chinese population is found and it seems to thrive very well in the humid, heavy atmosphere.

[Photo provided to China Daily/Keystone View Company]