Mui Wo - History

History

The history of Mui Wo dates back to the last days of the Southern Song Dynasty. Fleeing south from the invading Mongols, in 1277 the imperial court sought refuge in Silvermine Bay (at that time known as Mei Yu). In March 1278, whilst attempting a further escape from the Mongols, the penultimate Song Dynasty Emperor Duanzong fell from a boat and almost drowned. After his rescue, he became ill and died a few months later at Mui Wo. Duanzong's successor, Emperor Huizong of Song was enthroned at Mui Wo on May 10, 1278.

Mui Wo is located on Silvermine Bay, so named for the silver mines that were once worked along the Silver River which flows though the village. The nearby Silvermine Cave was mined for silver during the second half of the 19th century. It has since been sealed off for safety.

Prior to the Airport Core Programme and the subsequent development of Tung Chung and North Lantau into a new town, Mui Wo was the principal point for day-trippers setting out to explore Lantau Island. Today, it is still the principal way of reaching South Lantau - from the beaches in Cheung Sha to the fishing village of Tai O and the Tian Tan Buddha. With the opening of Ngong Ping 360 and the new, smoother Tung Chung Road, this may change.

The plan for Christian Zheng Sheng College, a school helping students overcome drug problems, to move to a vacant campus in Mui Wo has led to opposition and widespread discussion in 2009.