Kat O Sheung Wai

Hidden on Kat O, also known as Crooked Island, lies Kat O Sheung Wai. Let’s unravel the secrets of this intriguing locale. Kat O, once a vibrant fishing hub and crucial stop for ships journeying between Hong Kong and mainland China, has a rich history. Kat O Sheung Wai played a part in this bustling past. During the Ming Dynasty, the island was deserted by decree. Later, in the 1660s, Hakka people and Tanka fishermen resettled the island, breathing life back into Kat O. Imagine the scene: fishing boats bobbing in the harbor, the scent of salt and drying fish filling the air, and the chatter of the market echoing through the island. Today, Kat O is significantly quieter with only around 50 residents. This stark contrast paints a picture of a changing world, where traditions meet modern times. Kat O remains a special place, a testament to its resilient community. A walk through Kat O Sheung Wai reveals glimpses of this history. The Tin Hau Temple, built around 1763, served as a school until 1957. Three 19th-century cannons, likely of Western origin, stand as silent witnesses to a bygone era. The Kat O Geoheritage Centre, opened in 2010, preserves and shares the unique geological history of the area. Kat O Sheung Wai, a small piece of a larger story, invites you to explore its hidden depths and discover the echoes of a vibrant past.