“Ever wonder what it was like to live in a Hakka village?” Our journey today leads us to Sham Chung. It is a place where history whispers on the wind. Sham Chung is located south of the Tolo Channel. It sits beside Three Fathoms Cove on the Sai Kung Peninsula.
Sham Chung is more than just a location. It is a Hakka village with a story etched in time. Archaeological finds show Late Paleolithic and Early Neolithic settlements nearby. The Lee clan first settled Sham Chung. They came from Wu Kau Tang during the reign of Emperor Qianlong. Later, the Wong clan joined them. Historically Sham Chung had close ties with Lai Chi Chong and Pak Sha O villages.
Let’s step back to the late 1990s. Sun Hung Kai Properties planned a golf course here. Part of the wetland was converted into a grass field in 1999. The Town Planning Board eventually rejected the land use change.
Sham Chung divides into five areas. They are Ha Wai, Shek Tau King, Pao Wai Tsai, Wan Tsai, and Dui Min Tsuen. Each area offers a glimpse into the past. Imagine the villagers going about their daily lives.
Look toward Ha Wai. You will see the Epiphany of Our Lord Chapel. It is a former Catholic church that stands as one of Sai Kung Peninsula’s historic churches. Established in 1879, it was rebuilt in 1956. The Chapel once housed Kung Man School. About 50 pupils and two teachers studied here.
Now picture the natural environment. Sham Chung is home to diverse fauna. In 2006, there were reports of 27 bird species, 19 freshwater fish species and 28 butterfly species. Green Power’s 2011 survey listed rare species. These included the Hong Kong paradise fish and the sapphire flutterer dragonfly. At least 68 butterfly species live here. Among them are the rare Commander and broadtail royal butterflies.
Sham Chung Coast is a Site of Special Scientific Interest since 1985. It stretches between Sham Chung Wan and Tung King Pai. This 26-hectare area contains rich fossil assemblages. Bivalves, microfossils, plant fossils, ammonites, gastropods, and crinoids are found here.
Think about transportation in Sham Chung. A scheduled kai-to ferry serves the village. It runs from Ma Liu Shui to Sham Chung, Lai Chi Chong, Tap Mun, Ko Lau Wan, Chek Keng and Wong Shek Pier. The Sham Chung Pier was built in the 1960s. Hiking paths connect Sham Chung to nearby villages.
Sham Chung stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s natural beauty. It reminds us of the Hakka people’s resilience. It offers a unique blend of history and ecology. Take a moment to appreciate this special place.