14th February 2024
We live in a present-day world where the past still exists. This happens when reflecting on the past or visiting historical sites where history is marked on every surface. As if those places allow us to see a glimpse of the past unfolded within every wall. I didn't expect to see one of the oldest remains from the old era when I visited Tung Chung on Lantau Island recently. It is where I spent most of my Chinese New Year holidays. I explored some parts of the island while discovering some historical sites. The Tung Chung Fort happened to be on the list, so I visited it before sunset. It's not just the place that is interesting, but its history.
More than 800 years ago, particularly during the Shun Hei era of the Song Dynasty, the Tung Chung Fort was built by hundreds of soldiers, where they were then stationed to keep peace and order of Tung Chung against smugglers.
Meanwhile, during the Qing Dynasty, pirates occupied the fort until it was recovered and rebuilt by the Right Battalion to defend the coast against pirates. During the WWII, it was occupied by the Japanese army. It was then abandoned in later years before it underwent several restorations until it became a declared monument. (See attached links for references)
Visiting historical sites around Hong Kong is learning history and discovering untold stories. It's like traversing a tunnel and walking back in time to unfold the history of the place. Just like how I felt as I entered through the arched gateway at this fort.
Not many people are aware that this extremely old fort, which has played a vital role in Hong Kong history, is nestled between two villages near Tung Chung. I traveled by bus from the MTR station just to see this fort. It has three arched getaways with engraved Chinese inscriptions.
The fort's architecture shows a military style during the war era with stone walls and a square layout. Although it has been refurbished several times, the original granite rocks and walls surrounding the fort are still intact which stood still in time, and now serves as a testament of a once significant fort that kept peace and order of the place against invaders.
The cement base made of granite rocks can be climbed through stairs by visitors which shows six old muzzle-loading cannons that are still up to date.
Along with the canons, on both corners of the base are watchtowers made of black bricks which now attract visitors. They were maybe the refurbished original watch towers, or mainly made to attract visitors.
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I'm a wanderer who doesn't leave a place without wandering around, whether it is abandoned or not. It is said that in later years, this fort became a police station and then a college school. At the back of the fort are these abandoned rooms and dilapidated buildings. I didn't go further as I might be reprimanded by those in charge, but I've seen intact chairs and tables stacked over one another in one of those rooms.
Located near the entrance are intact buildings which now serve as the office of Rural Committee. This fort isn't just historical significance, it is also a cultural hub for visitors to delve deeper into the rich heritage and culture of HK.
As I walked around Tung Chung Fort, as if I stepped back in time and taken a break from the city's hustle and bustle. Knowing its time of establishment, it has been through a lot and witnessed different chaos and historical events during pirate raids and wars. I could imagine the life of soldiers who fought against enemies. It is a testament to Hong Kong's rich cultural heritage and storied past.
This place allows visitors a unique experience and reflect on the past. Wherever we go, we know the fact that history shapes the place into a vibrant and diverse city, like what Hong Kong is today. So it is always a worthy experience to walk back in time, learn stories unfolded within its walls, and appreciate the city's resilience while preserving its historical roots that will remind people about the past.
Happy Humpday everyone and happy hearts day ☺️.
Thanks for your time.
Jane is a Filipina wanderer in a foreign land who finds comfort in nature and freedom in writing. She loves watching raw picturesque landscapes, listening to the symphony of nature, breathing in drops of sunshine, walking through scenic trails and cityscapes, tasting new culinary flavors, capturing pretty little things, venturing into hidden gems, and dancing with the flow of life.
Her new experiences, adventures, challenges, lessons, small successes, and joys are colorful paints that fill up her canvas of life. She hopes to see it beautifully painted while she can.
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