“The sun rises from the beach the moon hangs above the cape.” This poem echoes through the ages at Yagongjiao. It marks the easternmost point of Sha Tau Kok. Let me tell you about this cape.
Yagongjiao is more than just a scenic spot. It is a place where history and natural beauty intertwine. It is a reminder of Hong Kong’s unique border story.
Sha Tau Kok itself has a rich past. Stone tools dating back to the Neolithic Period were found nearby. These finds suggest human activity in the area for thousands of years. The “Great Clearance” of the 17th century greatly impacted the region. Most original settlers were expelled. Hakka settlers then arrived shaping the area.
In 1898 Sha Tau Kok was leased to the British. This lease created a border with mainland China. Tung Wo Market was excluded from this lease. This exclusion caused problems for shopkeepers. They were cut off from their ancestral villages.
The border between Sha Tau Kok and Shenzhen is unique. Chung Ying Street is the only unwalled section. Before the 1980s both sides strictly controlled cross-border activities. Even today non-residents need a permit to visit Chung Ying Street.
After the “open door” policy mainland Chinese travelers flocked to Chung Ying Street. They bought goods unavailable on the mainland. This led to both opportunity and problems. Smuggling and illegal activities became prominent. Various items were smuggled including meat clothes and even live animals.
Today Sha Tau Kok is opening up to tourism. Since January 1 2024 a limited number of tourists can visit daily. They need a Tourism Closed Area Permit. While most of Sha Tau Kok is accessible Chung Ying Street remains off-limits.
The Cape of Yagongjiao offers stunning views. It is marked by a sign and a stone tablet. The sign shows the cape’s coordinates. The tablet displays the poem: “The sun rises from the beach the moon hangs above the cape”.
The waters off Sha Tau Kok are part of a marine fish culture zone. This shows the area’s commitment to preserving its natural resources. The Sha Tau Kok Public Pier is the longest in Hong Kong. It facilitates transport to nearby islands.
Yagongjiao stands as a symbol of transition. It represents the shift from a closed border town to a place embracing tourism. As you stand here take a moment. Reflect on the history and the natural beauty. Think about the stories etched into this landscape. This cape is a reminder of the past a celebration of the present and a beacon for the future.