“Locked compass.” Does that sound eerie to you? We are standing in So Lo Pun. This village has a name that sparks curiosity. So Lo Pun in Chinese literally means “a locked compass”.
Urban legends swirl around So Lo Pun. Some say compasses stop working here. It is said that this is the reason for the village’s name. But don’t worry, your compass will probably be fine. The real issue is the lack of phone signal. Forget relying on GPS here.
So Lo Pun is located in the northeastern New Territories. It is within the Plover Cove Country Park. This remote location adds to its mystique. Many believe So Lo Pun is a ghost village. Tales of disappearing inhabitants abound. One story claims everyone vanished overnight. But former residents have attended meetings. They discussed the village’s redevelopment. So, the truth is likely less dramatic than the myths suggest.
The Wong family once called So Lo Pun home. They migrated from Mainland China. Wong Wai Hing founded the village around 872 AD. Other early settlers included Tsu Kim Gong, Sing Lueng Gong, Yuk Chung Gong, and Si Yuen Gong.
So Lo Pun is one of seven Hakka villages. They formed the Hing Chun Alliance. The village now stands derelict and uninhabited. Its descendants have moved away. They chose urban areas of Hong Kong or even emigrated.
Hikers come to explore So Lo Pun. The shortest route starts at Luk Keng. Minibus 56K from Fanling takes you there. From Luk Keng, hike through several villages. Kai Kuk Shue Ha, Fung Kai Village, and Kuk Po Village are en route. Yung Shue Au leads to So Lo Pun. The hike takes about six hours. Start early and bring supplies.
Another route leads to Wu Kau Tang. It passes through Lai Chi Wo Village. You can take minibus 23K back to Tai Po Market from there. This route offers varied landscapes.
The most famous myth claims all inhabitants vanished in one night. However, some former inhabitants showed up. They attended a recent meeting with the government. They spoke about the village’s redevelopment plan. So, not everyone vanished.
Whether the myths are true or not, safety comes first. When in the wilderness, be prepared. Plan your trip well. Bring enough food and water. Avoid stepping into long grass. Snakes and other animals might be there.
So Lo Pun offers great landscapes. It blends with nature. It is a perfect place for photo and ruin lovers. Remember the stories. Respect the environment. Enjoy your visit to this unique village.