Did you know Lo A Tsui watches over a region with a past far richer than its recent boom? Shenzhen’s story didn’t begin in 1979. Its roots stretch back centuries.
Lo A Tsui is in Shenzhen. Shenzhen became a city in 1979. Deng Xiaoping introduced economic reforms. This led to Shenzhen becoming China’s first special economic zone.
Before Shenzhen, there was Shum Chun. Shum Chun gave Shenzhen its name. In the 1930s Shum Chun was known as the Monte Carlo of the East. Risk-hungry Hongkongers flocked to it. They gambled and caroused. Shum Chun welcomed all who spent money. Roulette tables hosted people from around the world. Britons and Americans were also there. Frenchmen and Italians joined too.
Gambling was the main attraction. Dance halls and restaurants also thrived. Triads ensured the safety of casino patrons. Besides fan-tan western games were added. Chemin de fer and slot machines became popular. Shum Chun competed with Macau by offering free perks. High rollers got first-class train tickets refunded. Even third-class travel was free.
Luohu District is part of Shenzhen. It is north of Hong Kong’s New Territories. Luohu served as Shenzhen before 1953. It became a market town between 1953 and 1979. Shenzhen was a fishing village.
Luohu has some of Shenzhen’s tallest buildings. Wutong Mountain is the highest peak. Luohu also serves as an important point between Hong Kong and mainland China.
Lo A Tsui stands near this transformation. It represents a blend of old and new. It watches over Shenzhen’s dynamic story. Next time you see Lo A Tsui remember Shum Chun. Remember the past.