Sha Tau Kok

Sha Tau Kok, a remote frontier town in Hong Kong's New Territories, offers a rare glimpse into a bygone era. Long closed to outsiders due to its proximity to the Shenzhen border, this former pearl-farming village is now partially accessible via a permit system, rewarding intrepid travellers with untouched countryside, colonial relics, and a palpable sense of isolation. It's a place where time slows, and the only sounds are birdsong and the gentle lapping of water against fishing boats.

Highlights & What to See

• Sha Tau Kok Pier – A long wooden jetty stretching into Starling Inlet, offering panoramic views of Shenzhen's skyline and the lush hills of the New Territories. It's a prime spot for photography and quiet contemplation.
• Chung Ying Street – Once a bustling market street straddling the Hong Kong–China border, now a quiet lane lined with empty shops and historical markers. The street's name means 'Chinese and English', reflecting its unique past.
• Luk Keng Village – A nearby Hakka walled village with traditional houses, ancestral halls, and a serene pond. Walk the surrounding wetlands, a haven for migratory birds.
• Plover Cove Country Trail – Part of the larger Plover Cove Country Park, this trail offers stunning coastal views, rugged terrain, and a chance to spot rare flora and fauna.
• Starling Inlet Geopark – Explore the dramatic sedimentary rock formations and sea caves along the inlet, best seen by boat or on foot during low tide.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate a full day to Sha Tau Kok – half a day to explore the town and pier, and the other half for a hike in Plover Cove or a boat trip to the geopark. Start early to make the most of the permit window (typically 7am–7pm) and avoid the midday heat. Combine with a morning visit to Luk Keng for a complete cultural-nature experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Plover Cove Country Park – A vast protected area with hiking trails, reservoirs, and the iconic Bride's Pool waterfall.
• Tai Mei Tuk – A lakeside village with cycling paths, barbecue pits, and water sports on the Plover Cove Reservoir.
• Fanling – A historic market town with the impressive Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, featuring ancient walled villages and temples.
• Lai Chi Wo – One of Hong Kong's best-preserved Hakka villages, with rustic houses, a feng shui woodland, and a scenic boardwalk through mangroves.
• Kat O (Crooked Island) – A peaceful island with a fishing village, a temple, and a fascinating rock formation known as the 'Buddha's Palm'.

Please check official sources for current details.