Hong Kong

Hong Kong by Ellen Thorbecke is a richly illustrated travel book that captures the essence of Hong Kong in the late 1930s. Blending photography, sketches, and lively descriptions, Thorbecke presents a vibrant portrait of a city where East meets West. The book explores daily life in the bustling streets, harbor scenes, hillside neighborhoods, and marketplaces, highlighting the mix of Chinese traditions and British colonial influences. Thorbecke, a European journalist and photographer, brings an outsider’s curiosity and keen observation to her work, offering readers both visual and narrative insights into the cultural contrasts and coexistence found in the colony.

Through a series of photographs and accompanying text, the book guides readers through different parts of the city, from the crowded, energetic urban centers to the quieter rural outskirts. Her writing conveys a sense of wonder and fascination, capturing the dynamic spirit of Hong Kong on the eve of great change. Although not an academic study, the book serves as a historical snapshot, preserving the atmosphere, architecture, and people of Hong Kong at a pivotal moment in its development. Thorbecke’s work remains a unique and artistic record of a colonial city in transition, just before the major upheavals of the mid-20th century.