This issue brings together a diverse collection of research and narratives that illuminate the evolving urban landscapes of Hong Kong and beyond. From personal explorations of hidden city spaces to rigorous analyses of rural settlement transformation, each contribution offers fresh perspectives on the complexities of urban life.

Zhu Ying’s evocative account reveals the invisible layers of urban morphology through a personal lens, challenging us to discover the hidden value in everyday spaces. Xuze Wang and Gianni Talamini provide a comprehensive study of rural settlements in the New Territories, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable strategies that balance development with heritage and ecology. Dai Yiwen’s investigation into micro public spaces used by foreign domestic workers foregrounds issues of spatial justice and inclusivity in Hong Kong’s public realm. Jingbo Ma, Sylvia M.H. Chan, and Jeroen van Ameijde offer insights into the residential preferences of young professionals living across the Hong Kong-Shenzhen border, emphasizing the importance of accessibility and quality of life. Moreover, Wen Jing Zhu, Sylvia M.H. Chan, and Jeroen van Ameijde provide guiding principles for creating more inclusive pedestrian spaces, emphasizing the importance of gender-responsive urban planning. By highlighting the specific needs and preferences of different genders, the paper advances gender equality and informs future urban design strategies in Hong Kong. Jianing Tian, and Jutta Kehrer’s paper proposes transforming Hong Kong’s neglected back alleys into therapeutic spaces to address the city’s mental health challenges caused by extreme urban density. By analyzing alley types and testing targeted design interventions at two sites, the study shows how these spaces can be systematically renewed to create a network of healing environments, offering a scalable solution for urban wellbeing. Finally, Ayush Kumar Pal and Han Hsi Ho critically examine the redevelopment of the Mongkok Flower Market, navigating the tensions between urban renewal and the preservation of local character.

Together, these works advance our understanding of urban transformation, spatial justice, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation. We hope this issue inspires further dialogue and creative thinking in the field of urban studies.