Info
The submerged kowloong city author: rukatyan
Translators: centurys lute,
cakelord114514,
Lambda Core
Image source information (listed in the order they appear in the text)：
Image 1: Made by cakelord114514.
Image 2: Taken by myself.
Image 3: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53060122 CC BY 3.0
Image 4: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HK_Sai_Ying_Pun_%E5%B9%B2%E8%AB%BE%E9%81%93%E8%A5%BF_Connaught_Road_West_%E5%94%90%E9%A0%86%E8%88%88_Tong_Shui_Hing_%E7%99%BC%E6%B3%A1%E8%86%A0%E9%A3%AF%E7%9B%92_lunch_box_with_%E5%9C%B0%E9%81%93%E7%B6%A0%E8%8C%B6_Green_drink.jpg?uselang=zh-cn CC BY-SA 3.0
Image 5: https://www.flickr.com/photos/44343967@N00/7243375954 CC BY 2.0
Image 6: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:KWC_-_Alley.jpg?uselang=zh-cn CC BY 4.0
Image 7: https://www.flickr.com/photos/joegoauk70/14664596007/in/photostream/ CC BY-SA 2.0
Image 8: https://www.flickr.com/photos/41872041@N03/19210455603 CC BY-SA 2.0
Image 9: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=121140798 CC BY 2.0
Image 10: https://www.flickr.com/photos/44343967@N00/7243376884 CC BY 2.0
Image 11: https://www.flickr.com/photos/24512729@N00/142654784 CC BY 2.0
Image 12: https://www.flickr.com/photos/67170142@N02/6554506759 CC BY 2.0
Image 13: https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=53190023 CC BY-SA 3.0
From the day I was born into this world of disorder, my parents named me Loong because they hoped I would be as tough and powerful as a loong. But I have never truly seen a loong, nor did I understand why loongs are considered so powerful.
Before I had a chance to ask my parents what a Loong was, a sea of azure blue spilled into my room from all sides.
Island Overview
A schematic diagram of the Submerged Kawloong City.
The mist shrouding the outskirts of the Submerged Kawloong City.
In the midst of the foggy seas of the Blue Channel lies an island city known as Loong City Island, also known as the Submerged Kowloong City, which is continuously sinking. Loong City Island is an immensely important resource island, its name deriving from the word "龙城"City of loong found in the names of many shops within the city.
From an overall perspective, Loong City Island is a severely flooded island city with four main areas. The outermost edge of the island consists of crossing beaches and tidal flats, leading towards the center of the beach into the Inner City. The city area has already become thoroughly eroded by The Blue Channel and is yet still sinking; countless fragments of buildings pulling along sand and soil settle in a large pit at the center of the island, while newer constructed buildings float like duckweed above the surface, providing a foothold for those advancing towards the city’s center
I asked an old man, “Why is the Loong City called the Loong City?”
He just smiled and didn’t say a word.
I tried again: “Are there any loongs here?”
Suddenly, a thoughtful expression appeared on his weathered face.
“There is; once you recover, go and see for yourself in the city,” he replied, covering me with a patched quilt and then left with a hunch in his walk.
Outer Beach
A beach littered with all manners of garbage.
Unlike the crisis-ridden and ever-changing Inner City, the outer beaches are relatively safe, stable, and where most scavengers choose to set up home. Large amounts of debris and garbage drift out into the ocean blue, carried by the pull of the tides to their eventual deposition on the beaches. Scavengers hunt among the debris for items of value. However, this line of work is grueling and inefficient. In the end, how much value can waste soaked by seawater hold?
A lunchbox and drinks prepared for explorers (picked up from the beach).
Aside from the ubiquitous trash, the beach also hosts numerous scavenger camps, where people construct makeshift tents and cabins out of the scraps to provide shelter from the elements. Since resources available on the beach are scarce, most of the young and able-bodied scavengers still need to enter the Inner City Area to search for supplies, leaving mostly the elderly and children at the camp. Typically, explorers venturing into the Inner City Area operate from tall buildings near the camps. Every evening, they lower the day’s collected supplies from the building windows to the ground using ropes tied to baskets or canvas bags. Family members on the ground receive these goods to sell or trade, and in return, they load the containers with dinner and daily necessities. The explorers then hoist these supplies back up. At dusk, ropes in the tall buildings near the camps move up and down like elevators, as explorers inside the buildings loudly communicate with family members left at the camp. Some families receiving good supplies may even sell their items right there, turning the area beneath these buildings into a bustling marketplace.
I found a camera near the beach, and surprisingly, it still worked. This made me see these damp piles of trash in a new light.
I took my first photo of those preparing meals for travelers. For some reason, it made me think of my parents from long ago.
The child of the old man who has been nursing me back to health has also returned. Tomorrow, I can go with him to explore the Inner City Area.
Will I really be able to see a loong?
The Inner City Area of The Loong City
Considering the dangers of the Inner City Area, no one lives there permanently, but scavengers venture into it daily to search for resources for survival and trade. Due to the overly damp environment, most of the food here has spoiled, but many of the daily necessities and small electronic/mechanical devices are still functional. Some non-perishable, storable canned goods and bagged condiments can also be found here, and these are highly sought after at the trading markets.But what I really want to see, is still loong.
Unlike the relatively safe and stable outer beach, the Inner City Area is constantly changing and collapsing, making past routes and experiences potentially obsolete. Streets that were once safe can become narrow and dangerous after a storm. Documenting routes and areas within the Inner City is futile, but we still need to understand its prominent features to ensure our safety during exploration.
Architectural Characteristics
Narrow alleys that are as dark as night even in the daytime.
From the floating bridges on the beach, one can walk all the way into the Inner City Area, constantly careful not to step into the void, lest they plunge into the bottomless blue channels. Soon, countless residential buildings and bungalows begin to emerge in the view, and the path beneath one's feet transitions from floating bridges to a network of streets and alleys, where it becomes less likely to accidentally step into deep water. Numerous high-rise buildings are lined with many unrecognizable billboards, the inscriptions on which have become illegible due to lack of maintenance and rain erosion. A chaotic network of electrical wires centers around these billboards, weaving a massive web above the cityscape. This web is also draped with many items of clothing still damp. With the obstruction of dense fog, even on clear days, not a ray of sunlight penetrates through the mesh of billboards and wires, maintaining a dead silence and darkness in the Inner City Area.
After crossing one street and lobby after another, it becomes difficult to discern exactly where one is within the Inner City Area, which floor one is on, or even whether one is indoors or outdoors. The only sensation is that whether it's the outdoor streets or the corridors within the buildings, they become increasingly narrow. Initially walking side by side, people now have to sidestep through one narrow alley after another, with pathways blocked by randomly discarded building materials and trash. Furthermore, expansions like vegetable gardens and shrines make it nearly impossible for the group to move forward. A suffocating silence fills everyone's lungs, and even rooms that appear spacious might be crammed with various containers and household trash upon entering, posing a risk of being trapped underneath if not careful.
Just when everyone was almost out of breath, a row of windows letting in light appeared before our eyes. Everyone leaned against the windows to rest, sharing their findings of the day. From the windows, one could see the camp below, a rest stop where scavengers rest and eat. They navigate through the oppressive city daily, attempting to find a bit of material in the massive heaps of trash like searching for a needle in a haystack. At the end of the day, they take a break in this narrow space by the light-filled windows, chatting casually with family and teammates. This routine remains their unchanging way of life.
Climate Characteristic
Rooms affected by the Huinantian phenomenon.
As we slept soundly, the pitter-patter of rain gradually started, and despite being dressed in thick clothes, I still felt a chill. The fluctuating temperatures and frequent precipitation made the Inner City extremely damp, shrouded in fog all year round. I vaguely remember this type of climate being referred to as "回南天"Huinantian or "返潮"Damp season. Merely resting against the wall for a while, the surrounding walls, ceiling, and the glass windows behind us were soon covered in thick condensation. Drops of water dripped onto the heads of those asleep, prompting everyone to realize it was time to head back.
The pitter-patter sound of the rain was gradually overshadowed by the howling wind, and what dripped from the ceiling was no longer droplets, but streams of water. Everyone quickened their pace upon seeing the whirlpool at the drain, wondering when the building might be completely submerged. However, the descent was far from smooth; the once clear corridors became perilous after being flooded, rooms with tiled floors turned slippery, and the stairs were submerged in filthy sewage, deterring anyone from daring to wade through. As we hurried along what seemed like an outdoor walkway, rising water levels had pushed open the manhole covers, making it impossible to climb out if one accidentally stepped in. Exposed electrical wires, torn by the strong winds and falling into the water, created high voltage zones that hindered our progress, forcing us to continually detour.
When a clap of thunder sounded, a violent storm with fierce winds struck us. My clothes began to dissolve in the torrential rain, and the raindrops stinging my skin felt like burns; numerous high-rise buildings collapsed before us, and the ground was filled with cracks, merely stepping on it could result in falling into a pit. We had no choice but to take refuge in a small, trembling shack amidst the storm and pray continuously. When facing such a mad disaster, what else could we do?
In the midst of the storm, all we could do was pray helplessly.
But under the powerful protection of Loong City, we managed to survive the storm.
Growing Buildings
I once wondered, even though it continually sinks, why the Loong City has not completely fallen into the blue channels. Those towering skyscrapers, even after sinking more than thirty floors, have not submerged completely into the sea. Could they really be towering giants reaching the heavens? But after the storm, as we tremblingly pushed open the door of the small house, all my doubts vanished.
On the debris of collapsed buildings, countless small houses and buildings sprouted like bamboo after rain, growing vigorously. They were the size of mushrooms, easily lifted by hand, and quite adorable. However, when I turned back to look at the small house that had sheltered us, I found it had become so tall—no, it had grown taller and more stable in the storm. The steel rods and wooden beams that had made eerie noises during the storm had broken, but the new framework had filled the gaps. My companions told me that this little house was a good seedling, and it would eventually grow into a towering skyscraper.
The storm and acid erosion never brought it down.
Even though it was once damaged and sinking, no matter how many times it was destroyed, Loong city could always be reborn from the ruins.
And those that did not completely kill it, only made it stronger with each rebirth.
Other Parts of Loong City
We had almost 10 people at start, but after this journey, only 5 left. We do hope they were just choosing a different path home, but all of us know the fact that there's no chance such of miracle thing would happen. After a short break, the resource gathering from the Loong city would be sold or exchanged. Food in this city is a vital yet rare resource, the only way to get them is by trading with other islands dwellers. I was lucky enough to join these merchants during their way to major trading streets of Loong City.
Loong City Street Market
The spice packs produced in the city, both sumptuous on quality and price.
Loong City Street was originally named "Ruined Skyscrapers Street Market". Just as its former name refers, it is a sea-crossing bridge consists of collapsed buildings, and also a place to allow merchants trading with other areas. The collapsed building is almost hundred storeys in height, it is so tall that the other end of the building lies on another island. Thus, this building becomes the vital bridge that connects these two islands.
As the inner part of the building wasn't severely damaged, peddlers of both islands used these parts of the building as their free shopping stand to sell their goods. Most of them are processed food like char siu, fish balls, chinese sausage and canned food. Besides, hand made tools like knives, kitchen knives, axes, and shovels are also commonly sold items here. All of the things were produced by modern gadgets which were found in this area. As for the supply from other islands, they will also be delivered through this street and sold to food factory and canteen in Loong City.
Shopping stand owners here usually use the brand boards they found in this place as their own, most of them had chinese names written on, like "龙城某某商铺"Loong city shop or "龙城饭店"Loong city Restaurant. As the communication between Loong City isle and other islands dwellers increased, the name "Loong City" then eventually became the official name of the island and wide spreaded among the Archipelago. And that's the reason why this street was renamed to "Loong City Street Market".
I took a photo for these hard working residents here, most of them just lost their partner or family because of that storm.
Holding the photo, my complex feelings can't even expressed by language.
"What are you thinking, young man?" An old man looking upon my face, asked.
"They all lost their family, why?"
"Because that's how life is here, young man, just look forward for tomorrow"
Iron Tree Rainforest
Iron trees growing by the seaside (not yet a cluster).
The southeastern part of Loong City is the only area in the entire city where plants grow, but these plants seem different from the "green plants" we normally think of. These plants grow from the beach all the way to the distant sea. The trees are close together, blocking the flow of water and forming a dam-like structure in the blue channel. By supporting these trees and carefully stepping on the dam, one can walk towards the distant sea and eventually reach a tropical rainforest. This place is on the edge of another island, where some islanders rent or buy specially made boats from the rainforest residents to travel between the two islands. However, there are also many residents who carry and transport goods on the dam.
However, a closer look at these trees reveals something amiss; the trees are extremely hard, with steel pipes and rebars inside the bark, and some iron trees even grow windows. Scavengers jokingly call these trees "iron trees." They uproot the entire iron tree when it is still a sapling and not so tall, transporting it to the city market to be forged into various iron tools. The equipment obtained in this way is superior in all respects to ironware made from recycled materials.
On the other hand, the expansion of the iron trees has caused trouble for the residents of another island, as the iron trees are also wildly growing in their tropical rainforest, severely interfering with the growth of other trees and crops. The crops grown in the rainforest area are exactly the food resources urgently needed by Loong City. Therefore, the residents are collecting acid rain from the Inner City to help the rainforest residents control the disorderly expansion of the iron trees.
Aerial Cable Bridge
The steel cables leading to the floating island.
In the northern high-rise area of Loong City, there is an aerial iron rope bridge made up of dozens of steel cables. These aerial bridges lead to a mysterious floating island. The steel cables intersect multiple times in midair, forming a mesh structure where some intersection points can serve as resting spots. Rumors has it that these peculiar pathways originated from several collisions between the floating island and Loong City, where the city's steel cables became embedded in the island. As the island drifted away, it gradually pulled the cables into the thick fog.
The residents of Loong City and the floating island need to use this rope bridge to commute. To facilitate trade, merchants carry thick backpacks loaded with goods and grip the steel cables with both hands as if walking on a tightrope, pausing at the intersections of the cables. The entire journey takes place high up in the sky, requiring extraordinary courage and physical strength to complete the route with a heavy load. On the return trip, these merchants walk back briskly with their packs full of orders, seemingly with ease compared to the strenuous ascent. For the northern residents who do not trade in the markets, the food brought from the floating island is crucial for their survival.
“Lad, just stop here, don't go any further, it's too dangerous.”
“My brother, if it's so dangerous, why aren't you afraid to walk it every day?”
“Afraid? I still need to eat something for living even if i am afraid. Besides, the view ahead is really beautiful.”
“How beauty?”
“Well, as long as you look forward, all the views are beautiful.”
Memorial Ceremony and Farewell
In Loong City, being a scavenger has never been an easy job; no one can guarantee a safe return from the city areas the next day. At the end of each month, various communities gather to mourn relatives who have passed away within Loong City, accompanying them through their final moments at home. For the residents of Loong City, there is no need for intricate and cumbersome rituals. Each household simply offers modest tributes—a cup of
liquor, a few grains of rice, or even a paper flower suffices. The elderly arrange these offerings on a simple altar, light incense, and each household takes a stick back home, symbolically bringing the deceased's soul back with them.
After returning home, the scavengers serve a small prepared meal and a few pieces of yellow paper. After briefly expressing unspoken words from the deceased's life, the meal will be thrown into the waters of Loong City and when the yellow paper is burned completely, marks the send-off for the deceased. Everything is kept simple as possible, embodying the scavengers' austere way of mourning. The next day, life continues as usual for everyone, and the dead, like the burned yellow paper, seem to vanish like smoke, leaving no trace.
Before packing up to leave, I took one last look at the small house from that day. Unfortunately, it didn't withstand the newly arrived storm and had turned into ruins.
After saying goodbye to the old man, his son dropped me off at the market and then turned back towards Loong City. I stares at his back, wondering if I would see him again the next time I visit Loong City.
The flowers of the Iron tree bloom wildly on the ruins of the collapsed house.
I stares the Loong City from afar, I think to myself that Loong City is beautiful and strong, storms and corrosion didn't defeat them. Perhaps, they are the real Loong.
Yet this beauty, is so cruel and heavy.