Busy streets and an ocean of people are usually the things you would see in Hong Kong. However, 25 km outside of the city is the Sai Kung district where people would get a glimpse of the so-called "Ghost Island."The mystery and history about this haunted island will be revealed.
According to About Travel, the island of Yim Tin Tsai was once home for northern China migrants called the Hakka. The migrants settled in this island and built salt pans as their source of livelihood which in turn gave the island its name. The name Yim Tin Tsai actually means "Little Salt Pan."
However, as year pass by, Vietnamese and Chinese competitors in the same industry gave the locals of Yim Tin Tsai a hard time which eventually shut down their salt pans. A lot of the residents turned to different sources of livelihood like fishing, farming, and husbandry.
BBC reported that the place is actually a thriving village back in the 1940s and had a population of about 500-1,200 people. But the lack of schools along with the declining livelihood opportunities in the island caused most of the families to leave the island.
One of the last remaining residents of the island started to leave during the 1990s which in turn left the island a desolate and empty place. Homes started to deteriorate while plants and weeds started to flourish turning the island into a ghost town.
But the place still has some historical significance and most people still think that it's part of Hong Kong's history that should be remembered. In fact, it's actually an attraction and it offers some places which tourists can visit.
According to Travel in Sai Kung, St. Joseph's Chapel is one attraction on the island. It's design and architecture is just simple but the historical significance when Christianity was introduced in the island is the attraction.
For adventurous and thrill-seeking travelers, Hong Kong's Ghost Island might be the place to satisfy your travel cravings. It's a unique experience that you'll never forget.
