Sai Kung Peninsula - History

History

From about the 14th century, fishing folks lived on boats in sheltered inlets in the Peninsula. They later founded small coastal villages, building temples in honour of Tin Hau and Hung Shing in places of permanent anchorage. In addition to coastal fishing, there were small supporting industries of salt-making and boat building.

Agricultural settlements began later and several villages already existed by the year 1660. Economic development began in the middle of the 19th century when Hong Kong was opened as a port. There was especially a prosperous kiln industry producing lime, bricks and tiles for supply Hong Kong during the early days. Sheung Yiu Village, once opened as a Folk Museum, was a good example of a fortified settlement well known for lime-making in those days.

Until 1970, the part of Sai Kung beyond Tai Mong Tsai was still remote, reachable only on foot or by kai-tos (local ferry). However work started in 1971 to create the High Island Reservoir, with a capacity of 273 million cubic metres, by closing off both ends of the Kwun Mun Channel which separated the High Island from the main peninsula. IN 1979, the project was completed,providing also two new roads to the area. The city people can now reach a new and relatively unspoilt area for recreation.

Read more about this topic:  Sai Kung Peninsula

Famous quotes containing the word history:

    My good friends, this is the second time in our history that there has come back from Germany to Downing Street peace with honour. I believe it is peace for our time. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts. And now I recommend you to go home and sleep quietly in your beds.
    Neville Chamberlain (1869–1940)

    Psychology keeps trying to vindicate human nature. History keeps undermining the effort.
    Mason Cooley (b. 1927)

    The history of the world is the record of the weakness, frailty and death of public opinion.
    Samuel Butler (1835–1902)