Hidden beneath the gaze of Lantau Island, lies Siu A Chau Wan. It’s a place whispered about in hushed tones, a secret kept by the waves. Siu A Chau Wan is the northernmost bay of Siu A Chau, the second largest of the Soko Islands. The island itself has a unique dumbbell shape, its rugged coastline etched with steep slopes and hidden coves. Siu A Chau Wan opens onto this indented coastline, offering shelter from the open sea. The bay cradles two distinct beaches, one to the north and one to the south, each a testament to the island’s dramatic topography. While the island is uninhabited now, traces of a past life linger. In 1937, a civil servant named Walter Schofield documented a “fishing village of huts” unlike typical Chinese dwellings, suggesting an early settlement. A solitary temple, nestled on the south side of Siu A Chau, stands as a silent guardian of these bygone days. Siu A Chau Wan and the island it belongs to hold a hidden secret. Beneath the waves and behind the natural beauty, lies a low-level radioactive waste facility. Operational since 2005, this facility houses waste relocated from various locations, including disused tunnels and hospitals. A stark contrast to the island’s untouched appearance, this facility represents a modern chapter in Siu A Chau’s story. So, as you gaze at Siu A Chau Wan, remember that beneath the serene surface lies a blend of ancient whispers and modern complexities. It’s a place where the ghosts of fishermen mingle with the realities of modern waste management. A place where the beauty of nature conceals a hidden purpose.
Sai Wan Shan
Considering a hike today? Sai Wan Shan is calling us. Sai Wan Shan is a hill within Sai Kung East