Mt. Ngong Tau

Ever felt the pulse of a city’s ancient heart? Mt Ngong Tau in Shenzhen whispers tales of centuries. Stand here before its slopes. Imagine the bustling activity of Nantou. This ancient walled city once thrived at Mt Ngong Tau’s base. It was more than just a settlement. It held strategic importance. Its walls defended against Japanese pirates. It served as a vital trading hub along the South China Sea route. Nantou was a gatekeeper to the Pearl River and Guangzhou. The city’s history stretches back to 331 CE. It served as the administrative centre of Xin’an County. For almost a thousand years it held the prestige of its position. Then the Kowloon-Canton Railway shifted prosperity eastward. Shenzhen grew while Nantou declined. Though much of Nantou’s ancient walls are gone. Remnants remain. They stand as silent witnesses. They speak of a glorious past. Mt Ngong Tau itself watched over these changes. It saw the Ming dynasty’s admiral Zheng He sail by. The mountain’s slopes witnessed the city’s rise and fall. It continues to oversee a city’s rapid growth. Yet the mountain remains steadfast. It holds on to the spirit of Nantou. The stories of this ancient city are embedded in Mt Ngong Tau’s very stones. Today as you stand at the foot of Mt Ngong Tau. Consider the history beneath your feet. The past lives on in the present. In Shenzhen’s modern cityscape Mt Ngong Tau stands strong. It is a reminder of the resilient past. It shows the enduring spirit of Shenzhen itself.