Villages share the name. Shek Kwu Lung. Today we explore Shek Kwu Lung Shan. It overlooks two villages in Hong Kong.
Shek Kwu Lung actually refers to two villages. One lies in the Sha Tin District. The other is in Tai Po District. Each village has its own story. Shek Kwu Lung Shan watches over them both.
Let’s focus on the Tai Po District village first. It is more than just a place on a map. It is a community with a history. This village is represented within the Tai Po Rural Committee.
In 1911, the census recorded the population of Shek Kwu Lung. It was 72 people. Thirty of them were men. Life was different then. Imagine what those early residents would think of today’s Hong Kong.
Shek Kwu Lung also falls under the New Territories Small House Policy. This policy recognizes the rights of indigenous villagers. It allows them to build houses on their ancestral land.
Now let’s look at the Shek Kwu Lung in the Sha Tin District. This village is in the Siu Lek Yuen area. It also participates in local governance.
Like its counterpart it is a recognized village. It is part of the Sha Tin Rural Committee. This committee addresses local issues. It ensures the villagers’ voices are heard.
Back in 1911 the population was smaller than that of Tai Po District. The census recorded only 55 residents. Eighteen of them were men. It must have been a close-knit community.
These villages share more than just a name. They share a history. The New Territories Small House Policy applies to both. It shows the government’s recognition of their heritage.
Both Shek Kwu Lung villages have evolved. They have grown. They have adapted to modern Hong Kong. Yet they retain their unique identities.
Shek Kwu Lung Shan stands as a silent observer. It has watched over these villages. It has seen their changes. It is a symbol of their enduring presence.
As we stand here consider the lives lived in these villages. Think about the challenges they faced. Appreciate their resilience. Shek Kwu Lung Shan is a testament to their story. It is a story of survival. It is a story of community. It is a Hong Kong story.