On 4 October 20024, all Secondary 4 students had the privilege of visiting the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area. Over the course of an afternoon, students found themselves immersed in the beauty of this once-isolated village.
Nestled between Hong Kong’s North District and Shenzhen’s Yantian District, Sha Tau Kok has been designated as a Frontier Closed Area since 1951. This designation meant that Hong Kong residents could only enter with a Closed Area Permit, while visitors required a guarantee from a local resident. However, thanks to the government's consistent efforts towards boosting local tourism, Sha Tau Kok has begun to open its doors to a broader audience, reintroducing itself as a captivating tourist destination.
As we strolled along the streets of Sha Tau Kok, we marvelled at the unique architecture and serene surroundings. Historical tenement houses lined Sun Lau Street, where the Sha Tau Kok Story House stands proudly. Established in 2018, the Story House offers a glimpse into the rich history of the area through artefacts and records that document the community’s storied past. The exhibits on display included cooking utensils and signboards from Chung Ying Street, demonstrating the wisdom of our ancestors and Sha Tau Kok’s former glory. Witnessing the border stone that separates Hong Kong and China, established after the signing of The Convention for the Extension of Hong Kong Territory, truly took us on a journey back in time and allowed us to be wholeheartedly engrossed in the history of Hong Kong. With the tour guide’s insightful exploration, we were able to unearth the history deeply embedded in the soil of Sha Tau Kok, gaining a newfound appreciation for the area and its citizens.
As the Chinese saying goes, “Travelling brings about far greater benefits than mere book learning.” The Citizenship and Social Development outing served as an amazing opportunity to broaden our horizons and deepen our understanding of Hong Kong’s history. It is through hands-on experiences like this that we can truly connect with our roots, fostering a stronger sense of patriotism among students.
4B Jacarri Chan and Crystal Yau