“Salty field.” That is the literal meaning of Ham Tin. It is also the name of the village we are about to explore. Welcome to Ham Tin Village. This village faces Ham Tin Wan. It is one of the four main bays of Tai Long Wan. All of this is in the Sai Kung District of Hong Kong.
Ham Tin is set in a rural landscape. Mountains surround the area. One main river flows directly into Ham Tin Wan. Over 200 years ago, four villages existed in Tai Long Wan. These included Tai Long Village, Lam Uk Wai, Cheung Uk Wai and Ham Tin Village. Today only Tai Long Village and Ham Tin Village still exist. The other two have been abandoned and are now ruins.
Ham Tin is a recognized village. It falls under the New Territories Small House Policy. People in Tai Long relied on fishing and farming in the past. They grew rice and sugarcane to earn a living. Life was simple but tough. Many villagers walked four or five hours to Ngau Chi Wan in Kowloon. They did this to sell their crops and fish. Some transported timber to Shau Kei Wan and Aberdeen by boat. They sold it in exchange for daily necessities.
Even today Tai Long does not have a ferry pier. Ham Tin Tsuen is believed to be over 150 years old. The Wan clan has inhabited the village for about seven or eight generations. The Wans moved from northern China. They settled in Tai Nam Wu in Sai Kung a long time ago. About 150 years ago three Wan brothers from Tai Nam Wu spread out. They settled in different areas of the New Territories. One settled in Tai Po Tsai. Another settled in Ho Chung. The third one settled in Ham Tin Tsuen in Sai Kung. It is believed that he was the founding ancestor of the village. Many villagers have emigrated to Britain. Fewer than ten villagers live here now.
Ham Tin Village offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s past. It shows a simpler way of life. Imagine the journey these villagers undertook. They walked for hours to sell their goods. They faced tough conditions. Yet they built a community that has lasted for generations. As you explore Ham Tin Village consider the resilience of its people. Think about their connection to the land and the sea. This small village tells a big story. It speaks of history, family, and perseverance. Ham Tin Village is a reminder of the past. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of Hong Kong.