What if villages could talk? San Tsuen, a village in Hong Kong’s New Territories, has stories etched into its very existence.
San Tsuen means “new village” in Chinese. This Hakka-speaking village offers a glimpse into Hong Kong’s past. The Yau clan calls San Tsuen home. They have shaped its identity over generations.
Linguist Henry Henne studied the Hakka dialect of Sha Tau Kok here. Between 1949 and 1950, he gathered information from a local informant. This research preserved a unique linguistic heritage.
San Tsuen was once served by a railway station. The Sha Tau Kok Railway ran from 1911 to 1928. San Tsuen Station opened in 1916. Imagine the hustle and bustle of passengers. Imagine the steam and sounds of the train.
Today, San Tsuen is a recognized village. It falls under the New Territories Small House Policy. This policy grants certain rights to indigenous villagers. San Tsuen is part of the Sha Tau Kok District Rural Committee. The voice of the village is therefore heard.
Take a moment to appreciate San Tsuen’s enduring spirit. It has seen dynasties rise and fall. It has seen Hong Kong transform. San Tsuen stands as a testament to resilience. It embodies community. It whispers tales of a rich past. San Tsuen remains a vibrant part of Hong Kong’s story.