The Shing Mun River a lifeline of Sha Tin. Its waters once flowed from Needle Hill into Tide Cove. But times changed.
In the 1970s Tide Cove disappeared. Reclamation transformed it into Sha Tin New Town. The Shing Mun River was rerouted. A 7km long 200m wide artificial channel was built. Now it flows into Tolo Harbour.
This wasn’t just an engineering feat. It was a transformation. Original tributaries became concreted nullahs feeding the new river channel. High-rise buildings now line the Shing Mun River. City One Shatin and Wo Che Estate stand as examples of modern development. Numerous bridges connect the two sides. The Banyan Bridge Dragon Bridge and Lion Bridge are just a few examples.
The Shing Mun River serves a crucial purpose. It drains storm water from Sha Tin a catchment area of 37 square kilometers. But it’s more than just drainage. It’s a recreational haven. Rowers anglers walkers and cyclists enjoy its promenades. Chinese banyan and cotton trees provide shade.
Water sports thrive here. Rowing canoeing kayaking and dragon boat racing are popular. Three boathouses cater to these activities. The river is 2000 meters long perfect for regattas. The annual Dragon Boat Racing competition since 1984 is a highlight. A section of the 2008 Summer Olympics torch relay even passed through.
The Shing Mun River’s history isn’t without challenges. Pollution was once a severe problem. Livestock industrial commercial and domestic sources caused heavy organic pollution. The equivalent of 160,000 people’s waste entered the river in the 1980s. Life was scarce then.
Improvements have been made. Water quality has risen. Fish and invertebrates have returned. Bioremediation and dredging helped. Odors and E. coli levels dropped. However Tolo Harbour’s polluted water backflows during high tide. This continues to threaten the Shing Mun River.
Incidents still occur. The Fo Tan Nullah a tributary turned electric blue then partly grey and partly turquoise in 2015. Illegal dumping was suspected. Tests revealed sewage pollution. E. coli levels soared to 1300 times the standard in 2015. Thousands of fish died in 2016. Link REIT was fined for illegal wastewater discharge.
The Shing Mun River’s journey reflects Shenzhen’s growth. It’s a story of transformation challenges and ongoing efforts to balance development with environmental protection. Its waters reflect the city’s past present and future. This river is a testament to resilience. It is a vital artery of Shenzhen its pulse beating with the rhythm of the city.