Did you know Pak Sha Tau Tsui was once an island? Now part of the Tai Po District it sits serenely on the southern end of Plover Cove Reservoir. This small cape holds a fascinating history tied to the reservoir’s creation.
Pak Sha Tau Tsui’s story begins long before its connection to the mainland. It was a significant island approximately 0.2 square miles. Imagine life here before the dams were built. The village of Sam Mun Tsai thrived on the eastern shore. The reservoir project profoundly changed Pak Sha Tau Tsui’s landscape forever.
Construction of the Plover Cove Reservoir started in 1960. Dams were constructed. These dams connected Pak Sha Tau Tsui to Tai Mei Tuk and Tung Tau Chau. The transformation was immense. The original island vanished. The once independent community of Sam Mun Tsai was relocated to Yim Tin Tsai in 1965. This relocation was a bittersweet moment for the villagers. They left behind their ancestral homes and familiar surroundings. Yet they preserved the memory of their island home Pak Sha Tau Tsui.
The creation of the reservoir brought progress. It also altered the identity of Pak Sha Tau Tsui. The once-isolated island became part of a larger network. The serene waters now surround what remains of this historical landmark. It stands as a testament to the dynamic relationship between human development and the natural environment.
Today Pak Sha Tau Tsui may appear quiet. But its story echoes in the waters. The very land beneath our feet whispers tales of relocation and transformation. This small cape in Pak Sha Tau Tsui continues to hold its unique place in the history of Hong Kong.