Right where we are standing now is Tuen Mun Area 40 Landing. It whispers tales of Tuen Mun’s rich past. This district is one of Hong Kong’s eighteen administrative regions. Tuen Mun boasts a history dating back centuries.
Tuen Mun’s story began long before its modern development. Evidence suggests early settlers thrived here as far back as the Neolithic period. Around 4500 to 1500 BC, life revolved around hunting and fishing near Lung Kwu Chau.
Fast forward to the Tang Dynasty from 618 to 907. Guangzhou rose as a vital hub for maritime trade. The Pearl River Estuary became the gateway for merchant ships. Tuen Mun, strategically positioned on the estuary’s east coast, became a key calling port.
Imagine the scene Liu Yu Xi captured. He was a Tang Dynasty poet. He immortalized Tuen Mun’s waters in his Song of Riding the Waves. This poem is a testament to the area’s historical significance.
The Tang Dynasty recognized Tuen Mun’s importance. They deployed troops to safeguard merchant fleets. Military camps were established to ensure border security. This speaks volumes about Tuen Mun’s strategic role.
During the Qing Dynasty from 1644 to 1911, a new wave of settlers arrived. Hakka clans migrated from Jiangxi, Fujian, and Guangdong. They established communities along the coasts. These areas were Castle Peak Bay, Lung Kwu Tan, So Kwun Wat, and Tai Lam Chung. Tuen Mun transformed into a vibrant fishing and farming village. Villagers harvested the sea and produced sea salt. Salt pans dotted the landscape.
The 1970s marked a turning point. A large-scale new town development was launched. Tuen Mun evolved into a major modern new town. Yet, echoes of the past remain. Places like Tsing Chuen Wai and Lung Kwu Tan are preserved.
Today, Tuen Mun offers a blend of old and new. Modern attractions like Hong Kong Gold Coast draw visitors. Thousand Islands Lake offers scenic beauty. Sam Shing Hui showcases local culture. T.PARK promotes environmental awareness.
Tuen Mun New Town adopted the historic name of the region in 1972. The new town rose from reclaimed land. It also includes leveled hillside areas, a project that began in the 1960s. Tuen Mun San Hui, a rural market township, became part of the town center.
In 1974, the Tuen Mun District Office was established. It was part of the New Territories Administration. The Tuen Mun District Council was established in 1982. It was part of the district-level government’s political reform.
As we stand here at Tuen Mun Area 40 Landing, remember the layers of history beneath our feet. This landing has witnessed centuries of change. It has seen Tuen Mun evolve from a strategic port to a modern district. Its story continues to unfold.