Frontier Closed Area

Hidden in plain sight, the Frontier Closed Area whispers tales of a divided past. For decades, this 2,800-hectare zone along the Hong Kong-China border remained shrouded in mystery, a “demilitarized zone” established 56 years ago. The Frontier Closed Area is a stark contrast, a rural landscape juxtaposed against the towering skyscrapers of Shenzhen. This area, encompassing Sha Tau Kok, Lo Wu, and Lok Ma Chau, was once a land of restricted access, its indigenous villagers yearning for connection and opportunity. The Frontier Closed Area became a “land of no hope,” its isolation stifling economic growth and forcing many villagers to seek livelihoods beyond its boundaries. However, a glimmer of hope emerged with a government plan to open up a significant portion of the area. A 30-month study was launched, promising to unlock the potential of this forgotten frontier by 2010. The Frontier Closed Area, untouched by modern development, is a treasure trove of historical remnants. Ancient villages stand as silent witnesses to centuries past, while “MacIntosh Cathedrals,” concrete forts built by Police Commissioner Duncan MacIntosh, offer a unique glimpse into the tense atmosphere of the 1948 Chinese Civil War. These forts, strategically positioned along the Shenzhen River border, served as vigilant eyes, monitoring the delicate balance between two worlds. Today, they stand as Grade-II historical buildings, a testament to a bygone era. The Frontier Closed Area, once a symbol of division, holds the promise of a brighter future, a place where history and progress can finally intertwine.