Yung Shue Au Wan

What secrets does a banyan tree whisper to the wind? Here at Yung Shue Au Wan, the bay whispers tales of a hidden village. Yung Shue Au Wan means “Banyan Pass Bay”. The bay cradles the Hakka village of Yung Shue Au. Yung Shue Au nestles in the northeastern New Territories of Hong Kong, close to the border with Shenzhen. The village takes its name from a nearby mountain pass. This pass, marked by banyan trees, stands guard over the north bay of Yung Shue Au Wan. The village is part of the North District and lies near Starling Inlet. A man named Wan Mein Cheong, originally from Huizhou in mainland China, founded Yung Shue Au. He was part of the Wan clan, whose lineage traces back to the Zhou Dynasty. According to the “Taiyuantang Wan Family Genealogy,” their ancestor was Shu Yu, a son of King Wu of Zhou. Over time, the descendants adopted “Wan,” the name of their fief, as their surname. Wan Mein Cheong’s grandfather, Wan Ka Kei, first moved to Sha Tau Kok. Then, Mein Cheong himself, born in Shan Tsui Wai, established Yung Shue Au. He settled in an area known as Nong Shue O, across from Sha Tau Kok. For over 300 years, his descendants called this village home. Starting in the 1970s, villagers began to leave Yung Shue Au. Limited farmland, dwindling fishing opportunities, and poor transportation led them to seek better prospects in nearby towns like Sha Tau Kok, Hung Ling, and Chi Tong Chuen. Some even emigrated overseas. The dwindling population gave rise to rumors that Yung Shue Au was abandoned. This, sadly, attracted thieves who pilfered from the remaining houses. They stole not only village property like unicorns and musical instruments, but also personal belongings and festive items. This prompted the villagers to initiate a revitalization project. They are working to rebuild homes and breathe new life back into Yung Shue Au. As you gaze across Yung Shue Au Wan, remember the echoes of generations past. Imagine the whispers of banyan trees sharing secrets with the wind. The story of Yung Shue Au is a testament to resilience, a tale of a village striving to reclaim its heritage.