Deep within Chi Ma Wan on Lantau Island lies a place with a complex history. It is the Chi Sun Correctional Institution. This institution has undergone many transformations. Its story reflects Hong Kong’s evolving social landscape.
Once, this location was the Chi Ma Wan Drug Addiction Treatment Centre. This was before it became the Chi Sun Correctional Institution. In 2005, the Correctional Services Department reshuffled its facilities. Chi Lan Rehabilitation Centre moved from Chi Ma Wan to Hong Kong Island. The Drug Addiction Treatment Centre became the Chi Sun Correctional Institution. Inmates receiving treatment transferred to Hei Ling Chau.
But its story doesn’t end there. Before its role in rehabilitation and correction, the site served a different purpose. During the late 1970s, it was a camp for Vietnamese refugees. Thousands sought refuge here, fleeing conflict and uncertainty. Imagine the stories within these walls.
The Chi Sun Correctional Institution later became the largest drug addiction treatment center in Hong Kong. This shows Hong Kong’s commitment to addressing drug-related issues. The transformation highlights the changing needs of the community.
Today, the Chi Sun Correctional Institution is closed. It stands as a silent witness to the past. Some YouTubers trespassed here in February 2023. They filmed their exploration and posted it online. The video has since been removed. Trespassing carries a penalty of imprisonment.
Other law enforcement departments use the facilities for training and drills. It is a reminder of the continuous cycle of change and adaptation.
The Chi Sun Correctional Institution represents more than just a physical location. It embodies Hong Kong’s history. It is a place of refuge, rehabilitation, and reflection. Its walls hold stories of hope, despair, and transformation. As we stand here, we remember the past. We acknowledge the present. We look toward the future.