“Buddhist Hall Island” is how Fat Tong Chau was once known. Today, it is part of Tseung Kwan O. Land reclamation in the mid-1990s connected it to Clear Water Bay Peninsula. Before that, Fat Tong Chau was an island.
Fat Tong Chau’s history is quite interesting. In 1911, a small village existed here with only 12 residents. By 1955, the population grew to 23. Villagers primarily had the surname Ip. They made a living by cutting grass, growing sweet potatoes, and raising pigs. Ducks and chickens also contributed to their livelihood. Children attended school in Pan Long Wan. They traveled by sampan to Shau Kei Wan. This was the main market for their agricultural goods.
In the early 1990s, the village moved. It joined Tin Ha Wan Village. Originally, Tin Ha Wan Village was on the peninsula. The island’s connection to the peninsula occurred during land reclamation. This was part of the Tseung Kwan O New Town development.
Look to the northwestern part of Fat Tong Chau. Here lies the site of the Fat Tau Chau Old Chinese Customs Station. It is a declared monument of Hong Kong. It was discovered in 1962. The discovery included a broken stone slab. The slab had inscriptions. These inscriptions mentioned accepting tributes from Annam. It also spoke of customs exchange. The Manager of the Customs Station renovated it.
Customs stations arose in 1868. The Viceroy of Liangguang ordered their establishment. They aimed to collect likin on opium trade. This was during a time of intense opium smuggling. Fat Tong Chau, Cheung Chau, and Kap Shui Mun hosted these stations. However, they stopped operating in 1899. This happened after the New Territories’ lease to Britain.
Furthermore, there are three Sites of Archeological Interest on Fat Tong Chau. These include Fat Tau Chau SAI, Fat Tau Chau House Ruin, and Fat Tau Chau Qing Dynasty Gravestone.
Archaeological finds from Fat Tong Chau are on display. You can view them at the Hong Kong Museum of History. A notable item is the “Foster benevolence over Indo-China” stone tablet. It also mentions taxes circulating from afar. Fat Tong Chau is more than just reclaimed land. It holds stories of villagers, trade, and imperial customs.