Hidden in plain sight, Nam Tong Tsui whispers tales of Shenzhen’s origins. Nam Tong Tsui isn’t just a cape; it’s a time capsule. It’s a place where the echoes of ancient mariners mingle with the hum of modern Shenzhen. Nam Tong Tsui was once part of a bustling walled city, a vital hub on South China’s sea route. Known as the “gatekeeper” of the Pearl River and Guangzhou, Nam Tong Tsui held a strategic position.
The story of Nam Tong Tsui begins long ago, in 331 CE, when it was known as Dongguan. It served as the capital of Dongguan Prefecture. This prefecture encompassed a vast area, including present-day Dongguan, Shenzhen, Hong Kong, and even parts of Macau. Nam Tong Tsui thrived on the salt industry, its prosperity echoing through the centuries. Later, in 736 CE, during the Tang dynasty, the city was fortified and renamed Tunmen. The walled city we conceptually connect with Nam Tong Tsui today arose in 1394, during the Ming dynasty. It became a key point of coastal defense. Legend has it that even Admiral Zheng He and his fleet passed by Nam Tong Tsui during their epic voyages.
The city walls of Nam Tong Tsui, built on foundations of yellow sand, once boasted defensive trenches. Today, only fragments remain, including sections to the north, the south gate, and the east gate. Imagine standing at the south gate, its opening a mere 10 meters wide and 4.5 meters tall, the ghostly outline of the vanished gate tower looming above. In 1573, over 30,000 people from the Dongguan prefecture were relocated to the walled city, further solidifying Nam Tong Tsui’s importance. The establishment of Xin’an County during this time marked another significant chapter in Nam Tong Tsui’s history.
Sadly, time and progress took their toll. With the arrival of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, the nearby market town of Shenzhen began to flourish, eclipsing Nam Tong Tsui’s prominence. The administrative center eventually shifted to Shenzhen in 1953. Nam Tong Tsui stands as a testament to the ebb and flow of history. Although its role as an administrative center has faded, its legacy endures. Nam Tong Tsui remains a powerful reminder of Shenzhen’s rich past.