Gary Ahuja

Many people see Chungking Mansions as a black mark of the prosperous Hong Kong. Prostitutions, drug trafficking, overstaying and many other crimes are the trademarks of the Mansions. But there is something about Chungking Mansions. What has made it so special besides its notoriety?

According to Gary Ahuja, a councilor of the Yau Tsim Mong district, the answer is “the many business activities inside”. He has served T.S.T. and the Chungking Mansions community for over 12 years. When he first arrived at Hong Kong from India, he rented a room in one of the guesthouses at Chungking Mansions. He spent several years there and is familiar with the place. To him, Chungking Mansions is a good place for doing business. “The things there are very very cheap. It is a good place for business,” he said. According to Ahuja, this is due to several reasons. First, the rent of Chungking Mansions is relatively low. Therefore, the shop owners can sell the goods at a lower price. Second, the shop owners do not keep goods in stock. They get the goods directly from the manufacturer once the customer makes an order. 

The low cost attracts crowds of shoppers and that is why many people or businessmen like buying things at Chungking Mansions. “I like shopping there. I like going to Chungking Mansions with my family when I have time,” Ahuja said, “You can always find the things you want.” 

Ahuja also enjoys eating at Chungking Mansions. He likes visiting the restaurants there. “There are nearly fifteen restaurants at Chungking Mansions. I like eating in those restaurants. The food is good. I always have lunch there,” Gary said, “. You see. There are many kinds of businesses at Chungking Mansions.” 

To him, Chungking Mansions is not the black mark, but the trademark of Hong Kong’s prosperity.