Sai Kung District

Amidst the vibrant tapestry of Hong Kong, Sai Kung District beckons. Sai Kung District offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Sai Kung District is known as the “Back Garden of Hong Kong”. It’s a place where rolling hills meet pristine beaches, where bustling markets give way to tranquil villages. Sai Kung District’s history intertwines with the resilience of its people. During World War II, the district played a crucial role in the resistance against the Japanese occupation. Hidden amidst the hills and bays, the Hong Kong Independent Battalion found refuge. They launched attacks and provided sanctuary for cultural figures. One of the key locations in this resistance was the Yuk Yin Study Hall in Sha Kok Mei Village. Built in 1928 with donations from the Wei clan and villagers abroad, this unassuming building transformed into a secret resistance base for the East River Guerrillas. Within its grey brick walls, guerrillas planned strategies, monitored Japanese forces, and strengthened their network. The study hall also served as a haven for prominent cultural figures and patriotic democrats. Even the wife of Yu Hanmou, commander of the Seventh Theatre Command in China, found temporary shelter here before escaping to Shenzhen. The echoes of patriotic songs, once sung by the guerrillas, still resonate within the hall’s walls. Songs like “On Songhua River”, “Eighth Route Army Chorus”, and “Dongjiang Column Chorus” served as anthems of hope and unity for the villagers. New recruits were trained within the study hall, learning the vital skills of intelligence gathering. The Yuk Yin Study Hall witnessed the unwavering spirit of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Brigade of East River Guerrillas. Though briefly seized by Japanese forces during the occupation, the hall reopened after Japan’s surrender in 1945. It later became the Yuk Yin School, thanks to government funding. Sai Kung District’s story is one of transformation and resilience. From a quiet fishing village, Sai Kung Town expanded into a bustling hub, driven by the development of the High Island Reservoir in the 1970s. Today, Sai Kung District continues to evolve. The revitalization of the old Centro Building, now renamed Dock 1A, promises a new era for the district, blending modern amenities with the timeless charm of its natural landscapes.