High above, at 74 meters, lies Siu Tsing Chau Teng. Siu Tsing Chau Teng is the highest point on this dumbbell-shaped island. Have you noticed the rugged, indented coastline as we approached? The island slopes steeply to meet the water.
Siu Tsing Chau Teng is part of the Soko Islands group. These islands sit south of Lantau Island. Siu Tsing Chau itself is the second largest of the group after Tai A Chau.
Siu Tsing Chau was once considered a settlement of early man. In 1937, Walter Schofield described it as having a fishing village with unusual huts. These huts were very different from typical Chinese dwellings.
Look to the south of Siu Tsing Chau. There is a beach there. Another beach sits to the north of Siu Tsing Chau. From up here on Siu Tsing Chau Teng, you can see almost all of Siu Tsing Chau.
Interestingly, Siu Tsing Chau also houses a temple on its south side. For those seeking spiritual solace, it is a serene place of worship.
However, Siu Tsing Chau has a more modern claim to fame. A low-level radioactive waste facility opened here in 2005. It now houses waste relocated from various locations, including disused air-raid tunnels. This facility plays a vital role in managing specific types of waste responsibly. So, Siu Tsing Chau is not only a place of natural beauty but also a site of modern industry.
Siu Tsing Chau is also a recognized village. It falls under the New Territories Small House Policy. This policy acknowledges the rights of indigenous villagers in the New Territories.
As we stand here at Siu Tsing Chau Teng, remember the island’s layered history. From ancient settlements to modern waste management, Siu Tsing Chau encapsulates Hong Kong’s dynamic story. It is a blend of nature, history, and progress.