Picture this a serene saddle-shaped hilltop overlooking the bustling Sha Tin area. This is Kak Tin Au. This unassuming hill holds the secrets of a village steeped in history.
Kak Tin Au is part of the larger Kak Tin village. This village was founded around 400 years ago by Tsang clanspeople. These people originally hailed from Shandong province in China. Their ancestor Tsang Nam-hin eventually settled in Kak Tin during the late Ming dynasty.
For centuries Kak Tin villagers were farmers. They cultivated rice and vegetables. They also raised pigs and poultry. By 1899 the village boasted a population of 130. This grew to 200 by 1911 and 220 by 1960.
Today remnants of old Kak Tin remain. Some houses have been replaced by modern small houses. Two buildings from the 1920s and 1930s were even listed as Grade III historic buildings. Unfortunately they were demolished by 2020. Still about 80 Tsang households persist. They cling to the history of their ancestors. They continue to call Kak Tin Au home.
Kak Tin Au itself stands as a silent observer. It witnesses the rapid urbanization of Hong Kong. Its unchanging presence offers a quiet contrast. It serves as a reminder of the enduring spirit of a village. A spirit that faced changes and challenges throughout the centuries.
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the resilience. To consider the stories etched into the very soil of Kak Tin Au. For in this place lies the quiet strength of a community. A community that preserves its history. It thrives amidst constant change. This place deserves our respect and admiration. We should all remember its story.