Gentrification transforms Tai Hang, but at least one tradition remains

At least once a year, Tai Hang makes headlines, because of its famous fire-dragon dance - the parade of a 67-metre dragon through the streets. This year is no different, as residents celebrate the local tradition between yesterday and tomorrow.

But while they may still be clinging to one of the most well-preserved customs, which has been around for more than a century, the neighbourhood's character has changed so rapidly over the past few years that many can hardly recognise it.

Retiree Yu Lin-sang, 73, has lived in Tai Hang since 1947, but most of the buildings and faces from that time are gone.

"My grandfather had a village-type house. And there were wooden 'squats' scattered around the hills," he said, pointing out from a window at Wun Sha Street to the surroundings that are now occupied by modern skyscrapers.

During the day, Ormsby Street would welcome sellers of vegetables and fish - a far cry from the cluster of trendy coffee shops and restaurants it currently hosts.

"Everyone was friendly and we all looked after one another. Many people couldn't afford a fan, so we used to go out and lie down outside to cool ourselves," Yu recalled.