Why would there be? This seems like one of those "people living in squalor is their right!" statements by people on the outside that want to visit a human zoo. I suspect no one that was living there would choose to go back if it still existed. My friends from there certainly don't. They might have a few fond memories but so do war veterans.
At the same time, the grandmother did leave when she could, long before the final demolition, despite her later views on that time.
People form emotional attachment to their home, even if the living conditions are bad.
The interesting dynamic is that most have enough land to sell for a very pretty penny and they could build a great place further out, far better than they have now, but rather they value the comfort and familiarity of home, and I get that too.
Undocumented status.
HK was not part of the PRC until 1997, and even today you require authorization to live there.
Back before reunification, lots of undocumented Chinese nationals would sneak across the fence in the New Territories and then live in the Walled City as it was technically still Chinese territory that was not absorbed by the British during the 99 year lease.
>There were some 90 dentists and around 30 doctors operating in the City, for the most part trained in China but unable to operate in Hong Kong without taking more exams. The City provided a handy alternative and they were allowed to operate there without oversight from the authorities. Many were actually very good at their job and attracted patients from a wide area – including a number of policemen to our knowledge – the best of them with smart premises along Tung Tau Tsuen Road that ran along the north side of the City.
For many, a big part of the appeal was the low costs of living. Surely choosing relative squalor with low prices should be an option?