Listen closely. A story unfolds on Yim Tin Tsai. This small island holds centuries of Hakka heritage. It also holds a unique tale of faith.
Yim Tin Tsai means “Little Salt Field”. The Chan family settled here three centuries ago. They came from Shenzhen. They built a village. They made their living by salt-making and fishing.
At its peak, over 200 people called Yim Tin Tsai home. Life was simple. Men fished. Women farmed. Children attended Ching Po School. The school fostered strong bonds. Teachers helped the villagers. However, some children skipped school. They needed to work.
Then came Fathers Volonteri and Origo in 1864. They spread the Gospel. By 1874, all islanders were baptized. The villagers donated land. They built a church and school. St. Joseph became the island’s patron saint. St. Joseph’s Chapel was built in 1890. It replaced an older chapel.
Urbanization took its toll. Villagers moved away. By 1998, Yim Tin Tsai was deserted. Yet, they returned each year. They celebrated the Feast Day. It was held on the first Sunday in May.
In 2004, the church supported conservation work. St. Joseph’s Chapel was restored. This led to cultural and eco-tourism. In 2005, the chapel won a UNESCO award. It was recognized for its cultural heritage conservation. In 2011, it became a Grade 2 Heritage Building.
Imagine the Hakka women working hard. They started at sunrise. They cooked after work. Think of the children at Ching Po School. Teachers cared for them. They advocated for the village.
Consider the villagers’ faith. They embraced Catholicism. They built St. Joseph’s Chapel. It stands as a testament to their beliefs. Also consider the revitalization of the saltpans of Yim Tin Tsai. It received an Honourable Mention in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2015.
Today, Yim Tin Tsai welcomes visitors. Ferries arrive from Sai Kung Town. They bring people to explore this historic island. Here you can discover the story of the Hakka people. You can see their faith. You can witness their resilience. Yim Tin Tsai is a living museum. It showcases the heritage of Hong Kong.