Ko Tong Hau. A tranquil bay nestled on the central coast of Guangdong. It’s hard to believe this serene spot is just a stone’s throw from the bustling metropolis of Shenzhen, a city synonymous with “Shenzhen speed.” Ko Tong Hau, once known as West Arm, offers a glimpse into a slower, more traditional pace of life. Before the towering skyscrapers and the influx of migrants, this area, like much of Shenzhen and Hong Kong, was part of Bao’an County. The history of Ko Tong Hau is intertwined with the stories of Hakka and Cantonese people, the original inhabitants of this region. They were farmers and fishers, their lives dictated by the rhythms of the sea and the land. Imagine their small villages dotting the coastline, the aroma of Cantonese cuisine filling the air. Ko Tong Hau was a part of their world, a source of livelihood and a place of quiet beauty. The transformation of Shenzhen into a Special Economic Zone in 1980 brought unprecedented change. Migrants from all over China flocked to the city, drawn by the promise of opportunity. Shenzhen became a hub of technology and finance, its skyline punctuated by modern architecture. But amidst this rapid development, pockets of tranquility like Ko Tong Hau remain. As you stand here, looking out at the calm waters, you can almost feel the presence of the past. The echoes of the Hakka and Cantonese dialects, the gentle sway of fishing boats, the scent of salt and sea. Ko Tong Hau stands as a quiet reminder of a time before the “Shenzhen speed,” a testament to the enduring power of nature amidst the relentless march of progress.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to