Hong Kong's urban landscape, punctuated by soaring skyscrapers, often obscures the city's rich cultural traditions. One such tradition is bird keeping, a fading practice sustained at the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden, the only remaining market in Hong Kong that caters specifically to bird lovers.

The decline of Bird Market

In 1997, Hong Kong faced a severe outbreak of avian influenza, also known as bird flu, specifically the H5N1 strain. To prevent such outbreaks in the future, stringent health checks and hygiene practices became the new norm for Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. The bird market was relocated to Yuen Po Street from Hong Lok Street for the urban renewal project. In the market, there's a wide range of birds, like songbirds, parrots and so. In the very old days, people fed them for several purposes, like divination, competition, or appreciation. However, since the young generation doesn’t find it fascinating at all, the culture has become as antique as the elderly in the market.

The Visit

Entering the garden, there are many stalls offering everything from a variety of bird species to birdcages and related accessories. If you're a bird enthusiast or simply curious, the garden is worth an hour of exploration.

As you step into Yuen Po Street, you're greeted by the soothing scent of a traditional Chinese garden and the sweet warble of birds. The hustle and bustle of Mong Kok fade into the background, replaced by the tranquil ambiance of a bird paradise. You can't miss the distinctive elements of the garden's architecture - green-tiled roofs, octagonal windows, and wooden plaques - all complemented by delightful bird murals.

Uncle Choi

Don't miss out on this exceptional opportunity and visit Master Chan Lok Choi's shop at the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. Having crafted bird cages since the tender age of 13, Master Chan Lok Choi is an enduring presence in the Yuen Po Street Bird Garden. Surrounded by singing birds, his store holds the unique distinction of being the only outlet selling handmade bamboo cages 

Inherited from his uncle and another esteemed cage-maker, Master Chan's craft involves delicately bending bamboo rods into place, carving patterns or scriptures onto them, and painting the cage. As time has passed, the creation of a single cage, once a quicker task in his youthful days, now demands several months of meticulous work. Now in his 70s, Master Chan faces an uncertain future. With his children showing no interest in inheriting his unique trade, he is painfully aware that his industry is fading quickly.