Didn’t you know Sha Tau Kok was once part of the Frontier Closed Area? For years Sha Tau Kok was only open to those with special permits. Today Sha Tau Kok is gradually opening to visitors like you.
Sha Tau Kok is found in Hong Kong’s North District. It sits right next to Shenzhen’s Yantian District. Sha Tau Kok was made part of the Frontier Closed Area in 1951. This meant access was limited to people with a closed area permit. Back then, even visiting Sha Tau Kok needed a local resident’s guarantee.
Now, Sha Tau Kok is becoming a popular spot for weekend trips. The first stage of opening Sha Tau Kok started in June 2022. The second phase began in January 2024. You can now ride a kaito ferry to explore Sha Tau Kok. Enjoy its beautiful scenery, unique sights, and local food. You can also visit nearby islands like Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, and Ap Chau. These are part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
Since December 1, 2023, Hong Kong residents and tourists can apply online for a Tourism Closed Area Permit. This is done through the Hong Kong Police Force. Applications must be made three working days before your visit. It is a first-come, first-served system and the application is free. You can also join local Sha Tau Kok tours. These authorized travel agents can handle the permit for you.
Setting off from Sha Tau Kok, take a day trip to Double Haven. Visit the three charming villages there: Lai Chi Wo, Ap Chau, and Kat O. You can take the kaito ferry or rent a boat. For a deeper dive, join Hong Kong Geopark guided tours. Learn about unique landscapes, rare landforms, diverse ecology, and local culture.
Lai Chi Wo village is over 300 years old. It is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and best-kept Hakka settlements. Admire the village’s ‘fung shui’ woods and mangroves. Enjoy the nature trail. Visit the Lai Chi Wo Story Room to learn about Hakka culture and village history. You can even meet local villagers.
Ap Chau, or ‘Duck Island’, is named for its duck-like shape. It is part of the Double Haven Special Area. Ap Chau is also part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. It is known for its amazing rock formations. See the rare ochre breccia and the sea arch called the ‘duck’s eye’.
Kat O, or ‘Lucky Bay’, shelters fishing boats with its crooked shape. Stroll on the Kat O Heritage Trail with family and friends. Take in Double Haven’s beauty. Visit the Lovers’ Tree on the way to the Kat O Story Room. Catch a falling leaf for good luck.
The Hing Chun Alliance Heritage Trail connects Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, and Kop Tong. It is about 3.7 kilometers long. Enjoy the history, culture, and stories along this trail. Learn fun facts about the Hing Chun Alliance from the signs. Get a peek at the prosperous villages of the 1950s.
Part of Robin’s Nest Country Park was in the former Frontier Closed Area. It sits between Shenzhen Wutong Mountain and Pat Sin Leng Country Park. Its location protects the natural environment, biodiversity, culture, and wartime sites. When visiting the Robin’s Nest and Lin Ma Hang Country Trails, you can get close to nature. See historic sites like the Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine and the MacIntosh Forts.
Since January 1, 2024, Sha Tau Kok allows 2,300 individual visitors per day. Weekends and holidays allow 700 travel group visitors. There is no group limit on weekdays.
After getting a Tourism Closed Area Permit, you can travel around Sha Tau Kok. Chung Ying Street is still off-limits. You can see it from the Chung Ying Street Garden. Remember to use public transport to enter Sha Tau Kok. Driving there on your own is not allowed.
Before leaving Sha Tau Kok, remember its history. Once closed off, it now welcomes you to explore its hidden beauty and culture.