“Shell Lake.” Does the name Lo Wan tell a story? Perhaps it whispers tales of a time when shells were abundant here.
Today, we stand at Lo Wan. It is an area in the North District of Hong Kong. More precisely it lies on the border between Hong Kong and mainland China. It is the Luohu District of Shenzhen in mainland China.
Lo Wan is known as the most heavily used immigration control point. People use it when travelling to and from mainland China. The Lo Wu station makes it easy to cross.
Lo Wu was once known as “shell lake” in Cantonese. The characters for Lo and shell have the same consonant and vowel sounds. However, they differ in tone.
Lo Wu appears in a list of withdrawn villages. This happened during the Qing era. It aimed to suppress the remaining resistance of the former Ming dynasty.
In 1911, Lo Wu had a population of just eight people. Lo Wu sits at the junction of the Sheung Yue River and the Sham Chun River.
Sandy Ridge, a hill known as Sha Ling to locals lies east of Lo Wan. It is one of Hong Kong’s major cemeteries.
In 1898, the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory divided Lo Wan. From 1898 to 1949, no border patrol existed. People moved freely between Hong Kong and China.
The Hong Kong Government established the Frontier Closed Area in 1952. This included Lo Wan. It was an effort to combat illegal immigration and smuggling.
The border crossing is accessible only via the Lo Wu station. It is on the East Rail line. People need a Closed Area Permit. This is if they are not residents or crossing the border.
The Lo Wu Immigration Control Point operates daily. It is open from 6:30 am to midnight. Lo Wu handles visitors efficiently. Waiting times are shorter than at other control points.
Most people travelling to mainland China use Lo Wu. The East Rail line is a convenient option. Lo Wu provides quick access. It gives you access to Shenzhen’s busiest commercial zone.
Since 2002, Hong Kong residents aged 18 or above can bring in 60 cigarettes duty-free. They must have spent at least 24 hours outside Hong Kong. This allowance was reduced to 19 in 2010.
The Lok Ma Chau immigration control point started providing 24-hour passenger service. This happened just before Chinese New Year. However, 24-hour border crossing at Lo Wu faces debates.
Lo Wu lies within the Closed Area. Only travellers passing through to Shenzhen can enter. Others need special approval from the Hong Kong Police Force.
In 2000, a mentally disabled boy went missing at the Lo Wu boundary control point. He crossed the boundary without identification. Officials mistakenly released him into mainland China. He has not been found since.
Luohu District has flourished due to its location. It acts as a gateway to Hong Kong and in Shenzhen’s CBD. Lo Wu in Hong Kong remains rural. Access is restricted due to the Closed Area.
The Sham Chun River underwent improvement works. The governments of Hong Kong and Shenzhen jointly completed an environmental impact assessment study.
Established in 1997, a correctional institution stands on the site of a former British Army camp. This camp later served as a detention center.
The Lo Wu Saddle Club, a horse riding establishment, is open to members and the public. It promotes equestrian sport and horse care.
The Lo Wu Public School was established by local villagers. Lo Wan’s story is one of borders and crossings. It is about the flow of people and goods. It’s about a place on the edge adapting to change.