Rumor has it that Ngau Shi Wu is haunted. But don’t worry. We will explore its fascinating history together. Ngau Shi Wu Shan, also known as “cow turd lake”, offers more than its unpleasant name suggests.
Ngau Shi Wu village was founded over a century ago. Three Tsang brothers from Lai Chi Wo established it. They needed more space due to the growing population. The village once housed over a hundred people. They relied on agriculture and fishing for their livelihoods.
As part of the Tsang Clan, they shared the same ancestral hall as those in Lai Chi Wo. The remote location meant boats were their main transportation. A single boat traveled daily to Sha Tau Kok. The journey took about fifty minutes.
In March 1965, tragedy struck. A shipwreck combined with declining agriculture and fishing. The eight families living in Ngau Shi Wu decided to relocate. They moved to Shau Tau Kok.
Today, Ngau Shi Wu lies in ruins. Dense vines cover the remains of collapsed houses. Yet, some unique features remain. Several wine-cooking stoves stand, along with a clear stream. Traces of old irrigation systems hint at the farming that once thrived here. These remnants attract hikers eager to explore the past.
The origin of the village’s name, Ngau Shi Wu, has two theories. The first involves Sai Lau Kong. It was originally called ‘Sai Ngau Tou Kong’ which means the head of a Rhino. The rhino’s head faces Kat O. The rhino’s body is the hill behind Sai Lau Kong and Ngau Shi Wu. Its tail hangs behind. Cow dung symbolizes wealth for farmers. Villagers believed naming the village Ngau Shi Wu would bring good fortune.
The second theory focuses on the village’s location. It overlooks a low-lying field by the sea. This resembled a lake. The village was originally named ‘Ngau Chi Wu’ meaning ‘cow pond lake’. According to villagers, visiting officials misheard their ancestors’ accents. They thought the name was Ngau Shi Wu. The name has stuck ever since.
Ngau Shi Wu is one of the seven Hakka villages of the Hing Chun Yeuk. This alliance includes Kop Tong, Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam, Sam A Village, Siu Tan, and So Lo Pun.
The Sai Lau Kong Fish Culture Zone sits in Ngau Shi Wu Wan. This bay lies northeast of Ngau Shi Wu. It is one of Hong Kong’s 26 marine fish culture zones.
As you explore Ngau Shi Wu Shan, consider its past. Imagine the villagers who once called this place home. Picture their daily lives. Think about their reliance on the sea and the land. Though ruined, Ngau Shi Wu holds stories waiting to be discovered.