Public Square Street

Public Square Street

Public Square Street is an east-west oriented street located in Yau Ma Tei, Hong Kong. It extends from the Ferry Street flyover to Stone Nullah Road at the foot of Kings Park, intersecting with Ching Ping Street, Reclamation Street, Shanghai Street, Temple Street, Yat Aa Street, and Nathan Road along the way.

The "Public Square" in the name of Public Square Street refers to a square in front of the Tin Hau Temple in Yau Ma Tei, which locals call Yung Shue Tau. In November 2004, Yung Shue Tau was selected by TIME magazine as the "Best Chess Spot in Asia." In the past, after nightfall, street performers would gather at Yung Shue Tau to tell fortunes, sing songs, and perform storytelling, making it a leisure and entertainment spot for local residents. It has now been redeveloped into Yau Ma Tei Rest Garden. When the Hong Kong government built this street in 1887, it was named Public Square Street, reflecting the idea of a public square. However, the Chinese name was mistakenly translated as “公众四方街” (Public Square Street). In the 1970s, it was changed to 众坊街 (Public Square Street), meaning a place for public gatherings. In addition to Yung Shue Tau and the Tin Hau Temple, Public Square Street also features the historic Yau Ma Tei Police Station, Temple Street Night Market, Chun Fat Garden, Mai Po Café, and the Jade Market, all of which are highly distinctive.

The western end of Public Square Street, where it meets Ferry Street, was the former site of the Yau Ma Tei Ferry Pier. This pier used to provide ferry services across Victoria Harbour but was later replaced by the Jordan Road Ferry Pier in Jordan when it opened in 1933.

Public Square Street

Must-visit reason: One of Hong Kong’s most bustling streets