Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong: On the Edge of the Center of the World

Through fascinating stories, this book shows the intricate connections between the residents of the building and international commodities, money, and ideas.

A place named “The Best Example of Globalization” by Time Magazine

Presenting the logic of human relationships and money packed in a suitcase

Chungking Mansions, located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, looks very old and is like an isolated island in the bustling city of Hong Kong where land is at a premium. However, it is a cheap place for backpackers from all over the world and an important trading place for merchants in Africa and South Asia.

It is estimated that mobile phones shipped from Chungking Tower account for about 20% of sub-Saharan mobile phone transactions. This role, which is in great contrast to Hong Kong's role as a hub of globalization represented by Central, is called "low-end globalization" by author McGolden.