Ngau Yue Tau

What secrets does Ngau Tau Kok hold? Ngau Tau Kok, meaning “Ox Head Corner,” isn’t named for a herd of cows, but rather its ox-horn-shaped coastline before land reclamation. Imagine the area before the towering high-rises, a landscape shaped by nature. Ngau Tau Kok’s history stretches back to the late nineteenth century. Hakka people settled in the area, some working in quarries, others farming the land. It’s very likely these farmers kept cows, adding a touch of rural charm to the developing area. A 1911 census recorded a mere 440 inhabitants, a stark contrast to the bustling area it is today. By the 1960s, Ngau Tau Kok had blossomed into a significant township within Kowloon. Ngau Tau Kok also holds the remnants of a quarry. It was one of four in early colonial Hong Kong. The granite extracted from this site was vital. It contributed to the construction of Victoria City across the harbor. Some even journeyed further afield to Canton City (now Guangzhou), becoming part of the Sacred Heart Cathedral. Ngau Tau Kok has undergone a dramatic transformation. From a quarry and farming area, it transitioned into an industrial hub. The Amoy Food factory, known for its soy sauce, once stood here. Now, the high-density Amoy Gardens occupies the very same spot. This reflects the area’s shift from industry to residential prominence. Ngau Tau Kok also housed one of Hong Kong’s first public housing estates. The Lower Ngau Tau Kok Estate provided homes for families displaced by disasters or redevelopment. Later demolished, its residents moved to the Upper Estate, continuing the cycle of change in this dynamic area. Ngau Tau Kok stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s constant evolution.