Lost in the embrace of Ngau Shi Wu Bay’s serene waters a forgotten history unfolds. Ngau Shi Wu Bay itself a name that means cow turd lake sits nestled on the coast of Sam A Tsuen. This unassuming bay holds a captivating story. It’s a tale of a once-thriving Hakka village. The village shared a name with the bay. It’s also rumored to be haunted.
The Ngau Shi Wu village was established over a hundred years ago by three Tsang brothers. They hailed from the nearby Lai Chi Wo village. Population growth in Lai Chi Wo spurred the creation of Ngau Shi Wu. In its prime Ngau Shi Wu boasted over a hundred residents. Agriculture and fishing were their livelihoods. Their remote location meant boats were essential. Only one boat journeyed to Sha Tau Kok daily. The trip took around fifty minutes.
Tragedy struck in March 1965. A shipwreck coupled with the decline of agriculture and fishing prompted the eight remaining families to leave. They relocated to Sha Tau Kok abandoning their homes. Ngau Shi Wu was left to the elements.
Today Ngau Shi Wu is a ghost village. Dense vines conceal collapsed houses. Yet remnants remain. Unique wine-cooking stoves stand as silent witnesses. A clear stream whispers stories of irrigation. These vestiges of the past draw hiking enthusiasts. They seek to uncover Ngau Shi Wu Bay’s secrets.
The name Ngau Shi Wu itself is intriguing. One theory links it to Sai Lau Kong. Sai Lau Kong’s original name supposedly meant rhino’s head. The rhino’s head faced Kat O. Its body was the hill behind Sai Lau Kong and Ngau Shi Wu. Its tail trailed behind. Cow dung was prized as fertilizer. It symbolized wealth. Thus the name Ngau Shi Wu cow dung lake. Villagers believed it would bring prosperity.
Another theory suggests a different origin. The village overlooked a low-lying field. This resembled a lake leading to the name cow pond lake. Local accents supposedly confused visiting officials. They misheard it as Ngau Shi Wu. The name stuck.
Ngau Shi Wu Bay remains a testament to resilience. It’s a place where nature reclaims what humans leave behind. It’s a peaceful retreat. It’s also a place steeped in history. Explore Ngau Shi Wu Bay. Uncover its forgotten tales for yourself. Let the whispers of the past guide you through this enchanting corner of Hong Kong.