Originally known as “Black Sand Creek,” Wu Kai Sha now stands as an extension of the vibrant Ma On Shan New Town. Once you arrive at Wu Kai Sha Village Office you are standing at a place brimming with history.
Let me tell you a story about this place. Once, Wu Kai Sha was a collection of small villages. Wu Kai Sha Village was one of them. Back then, life here moved to a slower rhythm.
In 1911, the census recorded a population of only 135 in Wu Kai Sha Village. There were 59 men in total. It was a close-knit community far removed from the bustling city life.
Before modern roads, reaching Wu Kai Sha was an adventure. Most people traveled by kaito boats from Ma Liu Shui. The boats crossed Tolo Harbour. This was the main way to get to Wu Kai Sha.
The transformation of Wu Kai Sha began with the development of the Ma On Shan New Town. Roads were expanded. Sai Sha Road provided an alternative route to Sai Kung. Now, you can easily reach here.
Today, Wu Kai Sha is more than just a village. It is home to high-end housing estates and the Double Cove Place Shopping Arcade. You can even find a wet market here.
Wu Kai Sha is famous for the Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village. The Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong runs it. It started as an orphanage in 1955. It housed up to 1,000 children. In 1971, the orphanage closed. The land was handed over to the YMCA. It became a holiday camp and beach resort.
The Wu Kai Sha Youth Village can accommodate over a thousand campers. It offers various activities. There is a swimming pool, rock climbing wall and archery range. There is also a soccer pitch.
The name Wu Kai Sha translates to “Black Sand Creek”. It comes from the black iron ore. The ore flowed down from the Ma On Shan peak.
Now, as you stand here at Wu Kai Sha Village Office, imagine those early days. Picture the small villages and the boats crossing the harbor. Think about the children at the orphanage. This area has transformed dramatically. It shows how Hong Kong continues to evolve. Wu Kai Sha has grown into a dynamic part of the city. It blends its rich past with modern life.