Old map of Hong Kong, 1966

Published in 1966 by the Sun Sun Map Company Limited, the second edition of the "Sun Sun Street Map of Hong Kong with Index" stands as a remarkable artifact that vividly captures the urban expanse of mid-1960s Hong Kong. This large-scale map, encompassing Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, bears testament to the city's rapid evolution post-World War II. The bilingual map, adorned with both English and Chinese labels, serves as an invaluable chronicle of the past, a pivotal resource for historians, urban planners, and those enthralled by Hong Kong's historical journey.

Delving into the map's details, it canvases the thriving districts of Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, boasting supplementary insets spotlighting areas like the Peak District, Aberdeen, Pokfulam Road, and Chia Wan. The map becomes a bridge between languages, catering to both English and Chinese speakers, enhancing its accessibility and usefulness.

Central to the map's narrative is the portrayal of Hong Kong's transformation in the aftermath of World War II. The city's complexion is profoundly altered by burgeoning housing estates, emergent road networks, and a burgeoning infrastructure, indicative of an era of rapid expansion and reinvention. These dynamic elements portray the city's response to societal and economic shifts, revealing the pulse of its progression.

However, the map is not confined to local influences alone; it reflects the global impact of the Vietnam War, delineating the presence of United States military bases across the New Territories. This geopolitical element underlines the interconnectedness of world events and their far-reaching effects on local territories, underscoring the map's historical significance beyond geographical boundaries.

As an artifact transcending time, the "Sun Sun Street Map" is a window into the yesteryears of Hong Kong. Its historical worth resonates profoundly, offering insights into urban development, sociopolitical influences, and architectural transitions. For historians, it's a wellspring of empirical data; for urban planners, a blueprint of evolution; for enthusiasts of Hong Kong's saga, an evocative narrative etched onto cartographic canvas.

To encapsulate, the "Sun Sun Second Edition Street Map of Hong Kong with Index" is more than just a map; it is a testament to the city's transformation, a mirror reflecting its past, and a guiding compass for understanding its trajectory. Its bilingual nature, panoramic coverage, and contextual nuances render it an enduring treasure that unites the threads of history, geography, and culture into a captivating tapestry.