For decades it was known as Little Shanghai, a gritty, waterfront neighborhood that was the landing spot for many mainland Chinese emigrating to Hong Kong. Densely packed with dilapidated, high-rise apartment blocks looming above bustling neon-lit streets, North Point has long been known as one of the “reddest” – or most pro-Beijing – districts in Hong Kong. During anti-government demonstrations in Hong Kong this year, the district was the scene of street brawls between men in white T-shirts – believed to be pro-Beijing supporters – and black-clad protesters.
