Standing here in front of Che Ha Village, can you imagine life a century ago? Che Ha Village is a recognized village in the Shap Sze Heung area. It lies in Sai Kung North, which is part of Tai Po District. We are in Hong Kong.
Let me tell you a little about Che Ha’s past. The 1911 census tells us something about the village. Back then, Sheung Yeung had a population of just 73 people. Of those, 33 were men. Life in Che Ha Village was simple.
Che Ha is a small village. It gives us a glimpse into Hong Kong’s rural past. The New Territories Small House Policy recognizes Che Ha. This policy acknowledges the rights of indigenous villagers. They can build small houses on their ancestral land. This policy protects the interests and heritage of villages like Che Ha.
The history of Che Ha Village goes back further. Traditional villages in the New Territories show how people lived. They fished and farmed here for centuries. These villages were rural enclaves. They were governed separately from the city. Many villagers replaced their old houses. They built tenements for migrants. These migrants came to work in Shenzhen. This created a unique urban mix. It is a mix of old and new.
Imagine Che Ha Village in those early days. Villagers living a traditional life. Farming the land and fishing the sea. The village was small but self-sufficient. Everyone knew each other. Life revolved around the seasons and local customs.
Now, picture the changes that came with Shenzhen’s growth. The migrants seeking work. New buildings rising next to the old ones. Che Ha adapting to the changing times. But the village still holding onto its identity. Its traditions.
Today, Che Ha Village stands as a reminder of the past. It is a contrast to Hong Kong’s modern skyline. A place where you can still feel the connection to the land. The sense of community. The spirit of the New Territories.
So, as you walk through Che Ha Village, think about its history. Think about the people who lived here. The challenges they faced. The traditions they kept alive. It’s a story of resilience. A story of change. And a story that is still being written. Che Ha Village is more than just a place. It is a living piece of Hong Kong’s history.