Gazing out to the easternmost point of Sha Tau Kok, can you feel the sea breeze? This is Kak Tsat Tau. This cape holds a story etched in stone and legend.
Kak Tsat Tau, or Cape of Sha Tau Kok, marks the edge of this historic town. Sha Tau Kok itself is a place of borders and beginnings. Its history stretches back centuries. Stone tools from the Neolithic Period were found nearby. Pottery from the Han Dynasty also surfaced here.
But the story of Kak Tsat Tau becomes clearer in more recent times. The Qing Dynasty’s “Great Clearance” in the 17th century shaped this area. It expelled many original settlers. Hakka people then arrived. They settled along Mirs Bay’s northern shore.
The name “Sha Tau Kok” itself has an interesting origin. According to local legend, Qing officials visited. They were inspired by the view. They wrote a poem. It said, “The sun rises from the beach, the moon hangs above the cape.” The “beach” is Sha Tau. The “cape” is Kok.
At Kak Tsat Tau, you will find a stone tablet. Red traditional Chinese characters depict the poem. This poem immortalizes the cape’s name and its stunning views.
In 1898, Sha Tau Kok was leased to the British. This happened as a result of the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory. Tensions and changes marked the 20th century. In 1967, amid Hong Kong riots, demonstrators crossed the border. They attacked the police post.
Today, Sha Tau Kok is opening up. Tourists can visit with permits. But Chung Ying Street remains restricted.
Kak Tsat Tau offers more than just a pretty view. It connects to the broader story of Sha Tau Kok. This is a story of resilience. It is a story of cultural fusion. It is a story of a border town finding its place in a changing world.
As you stand here at Kak Tsat Tau, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. Think of the Hakka settlers. Imagine the Qing officials gazing at the view. Feel the echoes of conflict and change. Kak Tsat Tau is a reminder. It is a reminder that even the smallest places can hold the grandest stories.