by Oui
Wed Nov 26th, 2025 at 02:46:24 PM EST
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How bamboo scaffolding helped build Hong Kong and still holds up its spirit | SCMP - 13 July 2025 |
In the concrete and steel jungle of Hong Kong, bamboo remains a widely used building material. The organic material is shaped into rapidly constructed scaffolding that covers new developments or supports workers doing building renovations. Bamboo scaffolding even forms entire venues for pop-up Cantonese opera theatres and cultural events. Hong Kong is one of the last bastions of bamboo scaffolding in the world. The city's enduring reliance on it is the result of a unique blend of heritage and practicality - bamboo is cheap, strong and flexible. But while many cherish it, in March 2025, the city's government started a partial phasing out of bamboo in favour of metal scaffolding, citing safety concerns. Bamboo scaffolders known as "spiders" continue to work for now, but their craft could be slowly fading away. Hong Kong Authentic takes a look at the business and art of bamboo scaffolding.
Building a modern metropolis using a centuries-old technique | CNN - 9 Sept 2025 |
Hong Kong high-rise fire kills at least four thirteen as emergency crews battle flames | Al Jazeera |
Hong Kong emergency services are battling a major fire at a high-rise residential estate in the northern district of Tai Po. Thick smoke is rising from multiple buildings at Wang Fuk Court housing estate as crews try to contain the blaze.
The fire has spread to three all eight blocks and ignited bamboo scaffolding on the exterior. Authorities have raised the alert to a number-four alarm, indicating a severe fire. 🔥🔥 Raised alarm to highest level 5.
Roads are closed, and residents are urged to stay indoors as conditions remain dangerous. Firefighters continue efforts to bring the fast-moving blaze under control.
Hong Kong fire latest: Fourteen killed after huge blaze rips through Tai Po apartment buildings | The Independent |
Live feed from scene shows firefighters dousing fierce flames at Tai Po high-rise complex
A fire in a Hong Kong residential complex has killed at least 36 people, while 279 remain missing. The blaze rapidly spread through bamboo scaffolding, leading to the evacuation of 700 residents | EuroNews |
