How about a quiet escape? Tsim Mai Wan offers a different pace. It is a tranquil bay away from the city.
Ma Wan Island is where we find Tsim Mai Wan. It sits between Lantau Island and Tsing Yi Island. The island itself is not large. It covers less than one square kilometer.
Let’s explore Ma Wan’s past. Imagine people living here thousands of years ago. Remains from the Mid Neolithic Age have been discovered here. That’s about 3000 BC. Findings also include items from the Bronze Age.
Foreign visitors arrived on Ma Wan in 1794. This marked a change for the island. Later, a Customs house was established. It was marked by a stone monument. This monument was called Kowloon Gate. The Customs house closed in 1899.
In 1965 new housing was built. The CARE program from the United States funded it. Twelve two-story units were built. A communal house was also included. It became known as Ma Wan Fishermen’s Village.
By 1995 fish farming was common here. It was a main source of income for residents. In 2000, Ma Wan had only 800 people.
Today Ma Wan has changed. The Park Island apartment complex now occupies much of it. Villagers were moved to the northern part of the island. They were offered compensation. They could choose a house or separate units.
Tsim Mai Wan faces the Kap Shui Mun Channel. The Kap Shui Mun Bridge crosses this channel. It connects to Lantau Island. To the east is the Ma Wan Channel. The Tsing Ma Bridge crosses here. It links to Tsing Yi Island.
Ma Wan’s geology is interesting. The surface rocks are volcanic. They are part of the Yim Tin Tsai Formation. This includes coarse ash crystal tuff. Some granite is found on the east coast.
Look around Tsim Mai Wan. Imagine the ferries that once arrived here. The ferries connected Ma Wan to other areas. Ferries ran to Central and Tsuen Wan.
Consider the bridges nearby. The Tsing Ma Bridge is one of the world’s longest. It carries both road and rail traffic.
Think about the residents of Ma Wan. Some commute to the city. Taxis are allowed on Ma Wan at all times. Buses also connect to MTR stations.
Before leaving Tsim Mai Wan remember its history. From ancient settlements to a modern island. Ma Wan offers a unique glimpse into Hong Kong’s story.