Tuk Shek

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What secrets does Tuk Shek hold? Here in the shimmering waters of Victoria Harbour, this small islet, Tuk Shek, whispers stories of Hong Kong’s past. Tuk Shek is nestled near Shek Tong Tsui, a district whose name, meaning “Stone Pond Mouth”, originates from a historical stone pond used by Hakka people. This pond, located near present-day Hill Road and The Belcher’s, was a vital resource in the 17th century. Shek Tong Tsui itself was first settled in 1880 by granite miners. Later, it transformed into a vibrant entertainment hub. Affluent Chinese flocked to Shek Tong Tsui, earning it the nickname “tong sai fung yuet”, meaning “good times west of the pond”. Cantonese opera theaters and restaurants sprang up, catering to the crowds. Tuk Shek, silently observing from the harbor, witnessed this transformation. The area’s history even inspired films like the 1987 movie “Rouge”. This golden age ended when the Hong Kong government banned prostitution in 1935. However, Tuk Shek also saw the resurgence of this trade during the Japanese occupation. The occupying forces renamed Shek Tong Tsui “Kuramae”, and it once again became a red-light district, this time exclusively serving the Japanese military. After the war, Tuk Shek watched as Shek Tong Tsui returned to its Chinese name and underwent decades of urbanization. The islet remains, a small, silent witness to the ebb and flow of Hong Kong’s history.

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