When it comes to iconic Hong Kong street names, how could one overlook the famous "San Po Kong Eight Streets"?

The 8 streets north of Tseuk Luk Street in San Po Kong—Tai Yau, Sheung Hei, Sam Chuk, Sze Mei, Ng Fong, Luk Hop, Chat Po, and Pat Tat—were originally named "First Street" through "Eighth Street." During Hong Kong’s industrial takeoff in the 1950s, the government systematically renamed these 8 streets to attract developers to invest in San Po Kong. As Chinese society values auspiciousness, the new names were carefully chosen to appeal to this sentiment. "First" and "Second" were changed to "Tai" (Great) and "Sheung" (Double), while the other streets kept their numerical prefixes, paired with auspicious characters like "Hei" (Joy), "Mei" (Beauty), and "Tat" (Success), which symbolize happiness, good luck, and prosperity.

San Po Kong’s industry subsequently flourished, becoming a hub for garment factories, plastic manufacturers, and spinning mills. Today, San Po Kong has transformed into a business district, home to a mix of industrial buildings and residential properties. The blend of old and new streetscapes has attracted many films and dramas for location shooting, including director Johnnie To's classics "Running on Karma" and "Breaking News."

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