Overlooking the tranquil bay, Yim Tin Tsai beckons. This small island, just a short ferry ride from Sai Kung, holds centuries of stories. Yim Tin Tsai, meaning “little salt pan,” was settled nearly 300 years ago by the Chan clan. These Hakka people journeyed from Shenzhen, seeking a new life by the sea. They named their new home after their old one, Yantian, a reminder of their salt-making heritage. Yim Tin Tsai flourished, its population reaching over 200 at its peak. The Chan clan fished, farmed, and most importantly, harvested salt. The salt pans of Yim Tin Tsai became the heart of their community, their livelihood tied to the tides.
Yim Tin Tsai was unique not only for its salt production but for its blend of Hakka traditions and Catholicism. In 1875, every villager was baptized. St. Joseph’s Chapel, built in 1890, stands proudly overlooking the village, a testament to their faith. This architectural gem earned a UNESCO Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Merit in 2005. It is also recognized as a Grade II Historic Building in Hong Kong.
Yim Tin Tsai’s story, however, isn’t without its challenges. As urban life drew people away, the island’s population dwindled. By 1998, Yim Tin Tsai was deserted. But the story doesn’t end there. The spirit of Yim Tin Tsai lives on. The villagers, though scattered, return annually for the Feast Day, held on the first Sunday in May. Restoration efforts, beginning with St. Joseph’s Chapel in 2004, have breathed new life into this historic island. The old salt pans, once abandoned, now thrive again, the only ones still operating in Hong Kong. Yim Tin Tsai today is a testament to resilience, a place where history whispers through the rustling leaves and the gentle lapping of the waves. It’s a blend of Hakka heritage, Catholic faith, and the enduring power of community, waiting to be discovered just a short boat ride away.