Beyond the modern high-rises, Tiu Keng Leng Garden holds a secret. It’s a tale of refugees, a Canadian miller, and a ridge with a changing name. We’re standing at Tiu Keng Leng Garden. Can you feel the echoes of a tumultuous past?
This area wasn’t always known as Tiu Keng Leng. Originally, the Tanka boat people called it Ziu3 Geng3 Leng5. That means “Mirror Ridge” in reference to the bay’s calm waters.
But the name changed with the arrival of Alfred Herbert Rennie. He was a Canadian businessman. In 1907, he established the Hong Kong Milling Company. The mill sat right here at Junk Bay. Rennie’s business was not successful. He faced many problems and was in deep despair.
Tragedy struck in 1908. Rennie drowned himself near Lei Yue Mun. Rumors spread that he had hanged himself at the mill. People began calling this area Diu3 Geng2 Leng5. It means “Hangman’s Ridge”. It was a dark twist on the original name.
In 1950, the colonial government established a refugee camp here. They housed former Nationalist soldiers. These soldiers had fled mainland China after the Communist victory. Tiu Keng Leng became a haven for those loyal to Chiang Kai-shek. It was even called “Little Taiwan.” The flag of the Republic of China flew high.
Imagine this garden in the 1950s. It teemed with refugees. They sought solace and a new beginning. They built their own homes. They created a community with its own schools. They held onto their identity.
But as Hong Kong moved towards reunification with China, things changed. The government evicted the original residents in 1996. It was part of a new town development. Many believed it was to appease the Communist government.
The name “Hangman’s Ridge” was deemed too morbid. So, Diu3 Geng2 Leng5 was changed to Tiu4 Ging2 Leng5. It sounds similar but means “Ridge of Adjusting Situation.” It was a deliberate attempt to erase the past.
Today, Tiu Keng Leng is a modern residential area. But as you wander through Tiu Keng Leng Garden remember the hidden history beneath your feet. It is a story of refugees and a Canadian miller. It is a ridge that adjusted its situation. This garden stands as a testament to resilience and change.