Far from the bustling city, we find ourselves at Ham Tin Shan. Have you ever wondered about the story behind this place?
Ham Tin Shan, once known as a salty field, holds more stories than one might expect. The name itself gives a clue to its past. Ham Tin translates to salty field.
Shenzhen transformed from fishing villages into a city of millions. Now, it is a hub of technology and commerce. Yet, places like Ham Tin Shan remind us of simpler times.
Let us journey back. Imagine a landscape surrounded by mountains. A river flows into Ham Tin Wan. This is Ham Tin, located in eastern Sai Kung.
Over 200 years ago, four villages thrived in Tai Long Wan. Tai Long Village and Ham Tin Village remain. Lam Uk Wai and Cheung Uk Wai faded into ruins.
People here lived off the land and sea. They fished and farmed. Rice and sugarcane were their main crops. Life was tough. Villagers walked for hours to sell their goods. They traveled to Ngau Chi Wan in Kowloon. They bartered timber for necessities in Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen.
Ham Tin Tsuen has stood for over 150 years. The Wan clan has inhabited it for seven or eight generations. They came from northern China. They first settled in Tai Nam Wu, Sai Kung. Three Wan brothers branched out. One settled in Tai Po Tsai. Another went to Ho Chung. The third founded Ham Tin Tsuen.
Many villagers left for Britain. Now, fewer than ten remain. Yet, the history of Ham Tin Shan lingers.
Shenzhen is now known for its economic power. It is China’s richest city. It boasts the world’s fourth-largest building. It is a UNESCO City of Design. But, let us not forget its roots.
Even earlier, 7,000 years ago, primitive humans inhabited this area. They lived in Xiantouling, now Mirs Bay. These were Shenzhen’s earliest immigrants. They crafted exquisite pottery.
During the Shang dynasty, Shenzhen was populous. Tombs discovered here indicate a thriving community. People were often at war.
Shenzhen’s maritime industry flourished. Coastal residents harvested oysters, made salt, and gathered pearls. Salt production peaked during the Song dynasty. Oyster farming dates back to the Jin dynasty.
During the Ming and Qing dynasties, people built cities to defend against pirates. Nantou served as a strategic coastal defense location. Dapeng Fortress stood strong against invaders.
Hakka culture also shaped Shenzhen. Castle-style compounds provided defense and residence. These buildings reflect the traditions of the Central Plains Han people. They also show the characteristics of Hakka immigrants.
As we stand here at Ham Tin Shan, we connect with Shenzhen’s diverse past. From salty fields to fishing villages, from ancient settlements to modern city, Shenzhen’s story is rich and complex. Ham Tin Shan is a reminder of this journey. It links the past to the present. It shows how far Shenzhen has come.