Picture this Tuen Mun Valley nestled between Castle Peak and Tai Lam hill. Before the bustling new town rose from the valley floor it was a different place. A major fishing port thrived here for thousands of years. Its history stretches back 6000 years a testament to the area’s enduring appeal. Imagine the Tanka fishermen their boats bobbing gently on the waters of Castle Peak Bay. They were the original inhabitants of this valley their lives intertwined with the rhythm of the tides.
The Tuen Mun Valley we see today is a product of ambitious planning. In the 1960s faced with a rapidly growing population the Hong Kong government embarked on a project. They transformed this valley into Tuen Mun New Town a satellite city designed to alleviate overcrowding. The transformation wasn’t without its challenges. Land reclamation was extensive. Hillsides were levelled. The government even chose coastal sites partially due to easier land tenure rights. This strategic location offered both space and access to the sea.
Construction began in 1966. The initial plan called Castle Peak was later renamed Tuen Mun New Town. Rumour has it the name change was due to Castle Peak’s association with a psychiatric hospital. The development was phased. The first public housing estate San Fat Estate opened in 1971. By 1974 major infrastructure projects were complete. Roads drainage electricity systems were in place. However the last land leases for the new town weren’t sold until 2019.
The town centre was carefully planned. A public library an education centre a theatre and government buildings were integrated with commercial spaces. This design aimed to create a self-sufficient community. It was envisioned as a centre of gravity for the whole valley. However the valley’s transformation into a service-oriented economy meant that only 30% of residents worked locally. Even today Tuen Mun’s growth continues. The opening of the Tuen Mun-Chek Lap Kok Link in 2020 further connected the valley to Hong Kong International Airport.
Look around you at the Tuen Mun Valley today. It’s a blend of old and new history and progress. The bustling town centre and the vestiges of its fishing heritage coexist side-by-side. The valley’s story is a fascinating tale of adaptation innovation and remarkable growth. It’s a place that balances the serenity of nature with the dynamism of urban life. A testament to the human spirit that has shaped this land over millennia.