Considering a weekend getaway? Sha Tau Kok might be the perfect choice. It is located in Hong Kong’s North District. It sits right next to Shenzhen’s Yantian District.
Sha Tau Kok was designated as part of the Frontier Closed Area in 1951. For years, only individuals with a closed area permit could access it. Back in the days when Sha Tau Kok was closed to non-residents, visiting the border town also required a guarantee from a local resident. Now Sha Tau Kok is gradually opening up.
The first phase of the opening of Sha Tau Kok began in June 2022. The second phase started in January 2024. Since December 1, 2023, Hong Kong residents and overseas visitors can apply for a Tourism Closed Area Permit. You can apply through the Hong Kong Police Force’s online platform. The applications are free.
All applications must be submitted three working days before your visit. Submissions are on a first-come, first-served basis. Authorized licensed travel agents also operate local Sha Tau Kok tours. They can handle the permit application for you.
With a Tourism Closed Area Permit, you can travel around Sha Tau Kok. However Chung Ying Street is still a restricted area. You may see it via the Chung Ying Street Garden. Individual travelers must use public transport to enter Sha Tau Kok. You are not allowed to drive there on your own.
Setting off from Sha Tau Kok, you can also embark on a one-day island-hopping trip to Double Haven. You can visit the three charming villages in the area. These villages are Lai Chi Wo, Ap Chau and Kat O. You can take the kaito ferry. You can rent a boat. You can also join the Hong Kong Geopark guided tours.
Lai Chi Wo village was built more than 300 years ago. It is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and best-preserved Hakka settlements. Take in the stunning beauty of the village’s ‘fung shui’ woods and mangroves. Enjoy the natural landscapes along the nature trail.
Ap Chau is also known as ‘Duck Island’ in Cantonese. It got its name from its duck-resembling shape. The island falls within the Double Haven Special Area. It is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Ap Chau is known for its spectacular geological features.
Kat O means ‘Lucky Bay’ in Cantonese. It provides good shelter for fishing boats. This is due to its unique, crooked shape. Enjoy an easy stroll on the Kat O Heritage Trail with your family and friends. Take in the breathtaking beauty of Double Haven.
If you’re feeling hungry in Sha Tau Kok, the food options may be limited. But you definitely won’t have to go hungry. Head to the cooked food center at Sha Tau Kok Market. You’ll find around eight eateries. They each offer a different menu. The menus range from traditional Hakka cuisine to usual cha chaan teng bites.
For more Hakka bites, find your way to Golden Prosperous Cuisine. Try the Hakka-style pork bowl. This is a nostalgic delicacy. It is cooked by steaming over a wood-burning stove for long hours. The rich flavors of the sauce and the tenderness of the pork go perfectly with a bowl of hot fluffy rice.
Once a closed-off border town, Sha Tau Kok is now opening its doors. It welcomes visitors to explore its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.