[resu]

You can get an idea of what it might have been like, although at a much more modern, safe, and smaller scale by exploring the Chungking Mansions in Kowloon: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chungking_Mansions

[ANTSANTS]

Thanks for reminding me that I never got around to watching Chungking Express: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chungking_Express

[aneisf]

The first half of the movie gives a really great image of the Chungking atmosphere, so definitely check it out. I highly recommend it on its own narrative strengths too of course.

[resu]

Loved the movie, you should definitely watch it!

I first visited in 2010 and it was nowhere as gritty as seen in the movie, but also much safer I guess!

[olalonde]

Words you are almost guaranteed to hear walking past Chungking Mansions: Rolex, hashish, tailor :)

[chandraonline]

This is the first place I stayed in Tsim Tsa Tsui in the late 90s. The diversity of people that lived and visited this place is unbelievable.

[KMag]

For anyone visiting, that's a misspelling of Tsim Sha Tsui, (usually just called TST in English) on the southern part of the Kowloon peninsula.