Jordan, Hong Kong

Jordan (zh-cp|c=佐敦|p=Zuǒdūn) is an area in the Yau Tsim Mong District of southern Kowloon, Hong Kong. The unofficial area is named after a road of the same name.

Geography

Jordan is located in the central part of the Yau Tsim Mong District, as suggested by the name of some bus stops nearby. The area (specifically the western portion) was formerly known as Kwun Chung, especially before the MTR metro system went into service in 1979. Jordan became geographically separated from Yau Ma Tei after the MTR named the area subway station "Jordan". As such, it is often claimed that the MTR created Jordan as a separate geographic identity.

Since Jordan is not an official area in Hong Kong, it does not have defined boundaries. However, many consider Jordan to be the area surrounded by Kansu Street to the north, Gascoigne Road and Jordan Path to the east, Austin Road to the south and Ferry Street to the west. This would make Jordan approximately 1 square kilometre (0.4 square miles) in size with a population of about 150,000.

Like most of southern Kowloon, Jordan is entirely developed and urbanised other than a few small parks. Motor and pedestrian traffic throughout most of the day is very dense.

Character

Jordan is a microcosm of working-class Hong Kong. Like nearby districts of Mong Kok and Tsim Sha Tsui, large sections of Jordan hosts a mix of older residential high-rises, office buildings, street markets, hotels, eateries and an almost infinite variety of small shops. There are also seedy sections containing karaoke, hostess bars and massage parlours although the seediness is mild compared to nearby Mong Kok. Jordan is also home to a large collection of Indians, Pakistanis, Nepalese and other ethnic minorities.

Although Jordan lacks the sights and comforts to support mass mainstream tourism, it still attracts a small cadre of adventurous tourists interested in experiencing authentic working-class life in Hong Kong. For locals, many live in Jordan for its relatively affordable housing, its centralised location on the spine of Hong Kong's transportation network and its diverse cultural flavour.

Places

The following noteworthy places are located in Jordan:

* Southern segment of the Temple Street Market
* Jade Market
* Several prominent hotels including Eaton Hotel Hong Kong, Nathan Hotel, Majestic Hotel and the Mayfair Garden Hotel
* Kwun Chung Street Market
* King George V Park
* Northern entrance to Kowloon Park

Transport

Nathan Road and Jordan Road runs through the area. The intersection of these two roads is a major intersection in Kowloon.

Jordan is served by the MTR station of the same name, on the Tsuen Wan Line, as well as numerous bus lines.

Jordan is also the site of a bus terminal for transport to the Huanggang Border Crossing in Shenzhen, China.

ee also

* List of buildings, sites and areas in Hong Kong
* Jordan station
* Kwun Chung

Links

* [http://www.johomaps.com/as/hongkong/metroatlas/jordan.html Map of Jordan]
* [http://www.mtr.com.hk/jplanner/images/maps/jor.gifMTR Map of Jordan] (bear in mind that this map has north on the right hand side)