Can you feel the tranquility? Here we are at Sam Chau Shan. It is a peak in Hong Kong. Sam Chau Shan may seem like just another peak. But it holds a silent story. It is a story of change. It is also a story of resilience in this dynamic region.
Shantou is a city near Sam Chau Shan. Shantou’s history gives us context. It enriches our understanding of the area. Shantou, once known as Swatow, was a fishing village. It grew over centuries. By 1574, it was called Shashanping. The name evolved to Shantou.
In 1860, Shantou opened to foreigners. It became a trading port. This was according to the Treaty of Tientsin. Shantou became a city in 1919. It separated from Chenghai in 1921.
The 1930s saw Shantou rise as a transport hub. It was also a merchandise center in Southeast China. Shantou Port’s cargo was third in the country. But in 1939, Japanese troops invaded Shantou. They occupied it until 1945.
After the war, Shantou transformed again. It became a special economic zone in the 1980s. While it did not boom like Shenzhen, it remained important. It is eastern Guangdong’s economic center.
The location of Shantou is interesting. It lies in eastern Guangdong. The Tropic of Cancer passes through its northern part. Mount Dajian is the highest peak. It stands on Nan’ao Island.
The climate in Shantou is humid subtropical. Summers are hot and humid. Winters are mild. The annual rainfall is about 1,618 mm.
Shantou is divided into districts and counties. Longhu and Jinping are two districts. Nan’ao is one county. In 2003, districts were merged and created. Chaoyang City split into Chaoyang and Chaonan districts.
Economically, Shantou thrives on manufacturing. Products include toys and plastics. Toy manufacturing is a major export industry.
However, Shantou faces environmental challenges. Guiyu, in Chaoyang District, is a large e-waste site. This poses health and environmental risks.
Culturally, Shantou shares traditions with Teochew people. Tea drinking is a key custom. Shantou people drink more tea than anyone else in China.
Shantou has connections to overseas Chinese communities. Many Teochew people reside in Thailand and Cambodia. This is shown by flights between Bangkok and Shantou.
Consider also the Sham Chun River. It forms a natural border. It separates Hong Kong and Mainland China. This river is part of the New Territories lease from 1898.
Now, think about the triads. These are Chinese organized crime groups. They originated from secret societies. They aimed to overthrow the Qing dynasty. After 1949, triads moved to Hong Kong. Some triads have connections to the Chinese government. They engage in crimes like drug trafficking. They are also active in money laundering.
As you stand here, remember these stories. Sam Chau Shan is a silent witness. It sees the ebb and flow of history. Shantou’s transformations. The river’s borders. Even the shadows of the triads. All contribute to this region’s complex narrative. Take a moment to appreciate the layers of history. Each adds depth to this place.