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Rural Revitalisation in Hakka villages, Hong Kong

February 4, 2024

Rural Revitalisation in Hakka villages, Hong Kong

In a densely populated region like Hong Kong, it might surprise many to learn about a significant exclusion zone, challenging to access, and requires special permits. Sha Tou Kok, situated in the northeast and bordering Mainland China, presents a striking contrast between the untouched green hills and coastal Hakka villages, set against the backdrop of Shen Zhen and its expansive Yantian Port.

I was fortunate to receive an invitation from Kam Sing Wong, the generous chairman of Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation and former Secretary for the Environment of Hong Kong SAR Government, to explore three Hakka villages alongside local village chiefs, previous residents, and collaborating partners. Some of these villages are reachable only by boat or require a challenging hour-and-a-half trek through the bush from the nearest road.

During the 1970s and 1980s, as Hong Kong underwent rapid transformation into the global city it is today, many villagers abandoned their traditional way of life. Commuting to nearby towns for education and the city center for work became necessary, prompting a mass exodus due to vast distances, lack of roads, and viable transportation. Now, with nostalgic memories of their youth, some villagers are seeking ways to revitalize their communities, aiming to bring back their culture, traditional knowledge, and way of life.

Witnessing the alignment of everyone’s vision was heartening. The exemplary collaboration between villages, NGOs like WZQ, universities, and corporate partners has borne fruit in several successful projects, attracting villagers and local tourists alike.

These initiatives echo our experiences working with traditional landowners in Oceania. Many Indigenous people and traditional landowners we’ve worked with are determined to preserve and revive their culture and traditional way of life either on Country or in their villages. Our focus remains on partnering with them to implement impactful projects in a respectful and low-carbon manner, aligning with their desires and aspirations for the future.

ruralrevitalisation lowcarbon hongkong heritage indigenousarchitecture vernacular hakka

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