Shek Shan Kok

Emerging from the mists of time, Shek Shan Kok stands as a silent sentinel. It has witnessed centuries of change along the northern shoreline of Mirs Bay. Shek Shan Kok, also known as Sha Tau Kok, holds a unique place in Hong Kong’s history. It is a closed town, a last vestige of the Frontier Closed Area. Shek Shan Kok was once a bustling hub, a crossroads of cultures and commerce. Hakka farmers and Hoklo fishers, drawn to the area after the Qing dynasty’s “Great Clearance”, built their lives here. They shaped the character of Shek Shan Kok, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural landscape. Imagine the vibrant Tung Wo Market in its heyday. It thrived as an independent trading center, drawing merchants and villagers from miles around. But the Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory in 1898 brought unforeseen challenges. Tung Wo Market remained on the Chinese side of the newly drawn border, separating shopkeepers from their ancestral villages. The market dwindled. The once-thriving center of commerce slowly faded. Shek Shan Kok’s fortunes shifted again in the 1980s with China’s “open door” policy. Chung Ying Street, the unwalled section of the border, became a focal point. It attracted mainland Chinese shoppers seeking goods unavailable back home, but also became a hub for smuggling and illicit trade. Today, Shek Shan Kok is gradually opening to the outside world. A limited number of visitors with permits can now experience its unique charm. Yet, echoes of the past linger. Chung Ying Street remains restricted, a reminder of the complexities of the border. As you stand here, at Shek Shan Kok, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. From ancient stone tools unearthed in San Tsuen to the bustling marketplace of Tung Wo, Shek Shan Kok’s story is one of resilience, adaptation, and the enduring spirit of its people.