The development and revitalization of “rural schools” in the Sha Tau Kok area
Sha Tau Kok is one of the most undeveloped and remote regions in Hong Kong SAR, China. This region preserves traces of the history of local towns and clans; some buildings have even been designated as historic by the Antiquities Advisory Board. Among these structures, rural schools have been left vacant as most younger generations have moved away. Nevertheless, these schools have historically maintained strong connections with rural communities. In recent years, the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) established the Countryside Conservation Office to revitalize certain villages in the Sha Tau Kok area, such as Lai Chi Wo. Some vacant rural schools have also been restored and repurposed as “Story Rooms” or exhibition spaces. With the ongoing implementation of the Northern Metropolis Development Strategy, there are robust discussions surrounding the balance between development and conservation in this region. This article explores how to reconceptualize the social relationship between conservation and development, focusing on the case of rural schools in Sha Tau Kok. Through archival research, oral histories, and field visits, the paper traces the historical significance of these schools. Case studies are also presented to illustrate their historical and connective value. In examining revitalization, the paper categorizes the present status of rural schools as revitalized, awaiting maintenance, or abandoned. It further considers the implications of cultural construction, including the preservation of traditional values, changes in government policies, and contributions to creative transformation. Finally, the study evaluates existing government policy approaches and proposes recommendations for related conservation measures.
Acton, T. A. (1981). Education as a by-product of fish marketing. Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 21:120-143.
Affek, A. N., Wolski, J., Latocha, A., Zachwatowicz, M., & Wieczorek, M. (2022). The use of LiDAR in reconstructing the pre‐world war II landscapes of abandoned mountain villages in southern Poland. Archaeological Prospection, 29, 157–173. https://doi.org/10.1002/arp.1846
Antiquities Advisory Board. (2023). Historic Building Appraisal on Tsing Kun Study Hall. Available from: https://www.aab.gov.hk/filemanager/aab/common/historicbuilding/en/ 437_appraisal_en.pdf [Last accessed on 2023 Feb 26].
Assumption University of Thailand. (2025). UNESCO Launches Thailand Workstation at AU to Lead Rural Innovation in Asia. Available from: https://www.au.edu/unesco/launches/ thailand/workstation/at/au/to/lead/rural/innovation/in/ asia [Last accessed on 2025 May 26].
Australia International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS). (2013). The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance, 2013. Burwood, VIC: Australia ICOMOS Secretariat.
Chan, W. Y. (2023). Ap Chau Story Room. True Jesus Church HK. Available from: https://www.tjchkga.com/eng/testimony_ apchaustoryroom.asp [Last accessed on 2023 Jun 26].
Conserve and Revitalise Hong Kong Heritage. (2021). Lady Ho Tung Welfare Centre. Revitalisation Scheme. Available from: https://www.heritage.gov.hk/en/revitalisation/ scheme/batch/iv/of/revitalisation/scheme/virtual-tour-on-batch-iv-historic-buildings/lady-ho-tung-welfare-centre/index.html [Last accessed on 2023 Feb 28].
Dasgupta, S., Badola, R., Ali, S. Z., Jiju, J. S., & Tariyal, P. (2022). Adaptive capacity and vulnerability of the socio-ecological system of Indian Himalayan villages under present and predicted future scenarios. Journal of Environmental Management, 302(Pt A), 113946-113946. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.113946
Faure, D. (2007). Emperor and Ancestor: State and Lineage in South China. Stanford: Stanford University Press.
Faure, D. (1986). The Structure of Chinese Rural Society: Lineage and Village in the Eastern New Territories, Hong Kong. Hong Kong: Oxford University Press.
Freire-Lista, D. M., Becerra Becerra, J. E., & Simões De Abreu, M. (2022). The historical quarry of pena (vila real, North of Portugal): Associated cultural heritage and reuse as a geotourism resource. Resources Policy, 75, 102528. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.resourpol.2021.102528
Filipe, M., & De Mascarenhas, J. (2011). Abandoned villages and related geographic and landscape context: Guidelines to natural and cultural heritage conservation and multifunctional valorization. European Countryside, 3(1):21-45. https://doi.org/10.2478/v10091-011-0002-3
Fuk Tak Education Society Primary School (FTESPS). (n.d). School Introduction. Available from: https://www.ftesps.edu.hk/%E5%AD%B8%E6%A0%A1%E7%B0%A1%E4%BB%8B/ [Last accessed on 2023 Apr 24].
Garcia, J. D. (1991). Creative Transformation: A Practical Guide for Maximizing Creativity. Eugene: Noetic Press.
Godinho, A. S. (2012). CELE exchange. In: School Closures and Community Revitalisation: The Case of Óbidos, Portugal. France: OECD, p. 6.
Habermas, J. (1991). The public sphere. In: Rethinking Popular Culture. Contemporary Perspectives in Cultural Studies. C Mukerji and M Schudson (eds.). Berkeley, Los Angeles: University of California Press, pp. 398-404.
Hase, P. H. (1990). Sha tau kok in 1853. Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 30:281-297.
Hase, P. H. (1993). Eastern peace- sha tau kok market in 1925. Journal of the Hong Kong Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society, 33:147-202.
Hase, P. H. (2020). Settlement, Life, and Politics: Understanding the Traditional New Territories. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong Press.
Hayes, J. (2006). The Great Difference: Hong Kong’s New Territories and its people, 1898-2004. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
Hing Chun Yeuk Da Jiu Festival Organisation Committee. (2010). Sha Tau Kok Hing Chun Yeuk Shi Nian yi Jie Taiping Qingjiao Jinian Tekan [Sha Tau Kok Hing Chun Yeuk Da Jiu Festival Every 10 Years: Memorial Magazine]. Hong Kong: Hing Chun Yeuk Da Jiu Festival Organisation Committee.
HKU Policy for Sustainability Lab. (2018). Vivifying Lai Chi Wo: Sustainable Lai Chi Wo Programme Four Year Review and Outlook. Hong Kong: HKU Policy for Sustainability Lab.
Ho, P. Y. (2018). Making Hong Kong: A History of its Urban Development. Cheltenham: Edward Elgar.
Lee, W. K. (2018). Sheng xia San Ren De Daoyu: Yazhou Gushiguan Jizai Gudao Lishi, Sanbai Ming Cunmin Guijia qu [An Island with 3 Persons: Ap Chau Story Room Records the History of the Lonely Island and 300 Villagers Return to Their Room]. HK01. Available from: https://www.hk01. com/article/175403?utm_source=01articlecopy&utm_medium=referral [Last accessed on 2025 Mar 01].
HKSAR Government. (2021). Northern Metropolis Development Strategy Report. Policy Address. Available from: https:// www.policyaddress.gov.hk/2021/eng/pdf/publications/ northern/northern/metropolis/development-strategy-report.pdf [Last accessed 2023 Apr 15].
HKSAR Government. (2023a). LCQ7: Implementing Planning Principles for Development of Northern Metropolis. Available from: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/ 202307/12/P2023071200489.htm. [Last accessed on 2025 May 26].
HKSAR Government. (2023b). LCQ18: Scheme of Opening Sha Tau Kok Pier. HKSAR Government Press Release. Available from: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202303/15/ p2023031500320.htm?fontsize=1 [Last accessed on 2024 Feb 06].
HKSAR Government Education Bureau. (2022). Values Education. Available from: https://www.edb.gov.hk/en/ curriculum-development/4-key-tasks/ moral-civic/index.html [Last accessed on 2023 Oct 22].
Hong Kong Government Information Service. (1976). Promotion of Educational Well-Being of Fishermen’s Children. Daily Information Bulletin. Hong Kong: Hong Kong Government Information Service, p. 2.
Hong Kong Public Record Office. (1996). HKRS1075-1-20: Lai Chi Wo Siu Ying School (8.2.1956 - 1.6.1979). Hong Kong: Hong Kong Public Record Office.
Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. (2019). Yazhou de Gushi [The Story of Ap Chau]. Hong Kong: Cosmos Books Ltd.
Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. (2023). Ap Chau: Hidden Paradise. Available from: https://www.geopark.gov.hk/en/ discover/attractions/ap-chau [Last accessed on 2023 Jun 05].
Houfková, P., Bumerl, J., Pospíšil, L., Karlík, P., Beneš, J., Bernardová, A., et al. (2015). Origin and development of long-strip field patterns: A case study of an abandoned medieval village in the czech republic. Catena (Giessen), 135, 83-91. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.catena.2015.06.017
King, A. Y. C. (1975). Administrative Absorption of Politics in Hong Kong: Emphasis on the Grass Roots Level. Asian Survey, 15(5): 422-439. https://doi.org/10.2307/2643255
Lee, C. K. J., Tang, P. Y., Tang, W. Y., (Eds.). (2022). Linyin xia Jiaoyu: Xinjie he Lidao Xuexiao de Gushi [Education Under the Trees: The Story of Hong Kong Schools in the New Territories and Outlying Islands]. Hong Kong: Chung Hwa Book Company (Hong Kong) Limited.
Leung, W. M., Li, D. C. S. (2020). Liangwen Sanyu: Xianggang Yuwen Jiaoyu Zhengce Yanjiu [Biliteracy and Trilingualism: Language Education Policy Research in Hong Kong]. Hong Kong: City University of Hong Kong Press.
Li, Z. (2002). Youyi Zai Lüyouye yu Lishi Guji Zhijian: Zhimintongzhi yu Dongfang Zhuyi xia de Shenfen Jiangou [In-between Tourism and Heritage Conservation: The Construction of Cultural Identity Under Colonialism and Orientalism] [Master’s Thesis, The Chinese University of Hong Kong]. Hong Kong: Division of Sociology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Graduate School.
Lingnan University. (2021). LU Introduces Three Heritage Trails in their Knowledge Transfer of Hong Kong’s Anti-Japanese Wartime History. Available from: https://www.ln.edu.hk/ lingnan/touch/115/lu/introduces/three/heritage/trails/in/their/knowledge-transfer-of-hong-kong-s-anti-japanese- wartime-history [Last accessed on 2025 Jan 05].
Liu, Y., Zang, Y., & Yuanyuan, Y. (2020). China’s rural revitalization and development: Theory, technology and management. Journal of Geographical Sciences, 30(12), 1923-1942. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11442-020-1819-3
Lo, W. Y. (2015). Lantian shu xia: Xinjie xiangcun jiaoyu [Under the Blue Sky and the Tree: The Rural Schools of the New Territories]. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing (Hong Kong) Company Limited.
Lo, W. Y., Wong, P. M., Yu, W. B., Lee, J. W., Tse, H. S. (2008). Xianggang Xiangcun Xuexiao Yanjiu Jihua Baogao [An exploratory survey on village schools in Hong Kong]. Hong Kong: The Hong Kong Museum of History; the Department of Education Policy and Leadership (EPL), the Hong Kong Institute of Education.
Law, L. Y. (2023). The Orient is Hong Kong? Cultural representations of Hong Kong in tourism materials and the missing voices of the tourists. In: CS. Chan and WM. Tsang (Eds.). East Asia Beyond the Archives: Missing Sources and Marginal Voices. Leiden: Leiden University Press, pp. 221-242.
Lu, T. L. D. (2009). Heritage Conservation in post-colonial Hong Kong. International Journal of Heritage Studies, 15(2-3), 258-272. https://doi.org/10.1080/13527250902890969
Luo, J. M., & Lam, C. F. (2020). City Integration and Tourism Development in the Greater Bay Area, China. London: Routledge.
Ma, H. T. W., Lee, J. C. K., & Leung, H. C. W. (1997). Consolidation of rural education in Hong Kong and Australia. Education in Rural Australia, 7(2), 13-19. https://doi.org/10.47381/aijre.v7i2.421
Marwan, A., Sumintono, B., & Mislan, N. (2012). Revitalizing rural schools: A challenge for Malaysia. In: Educational Issues, Research and Policies. Skudai, Johor Bahru: RMC - UTM Press, pp. 172-188.
Mitrašinović, M., & Jachna, T. In: M. Mitrašinović and T. Jachna (eds.). (2021). The emerging public realm of the Greater Bay Area: Approaches to public space in a Chinese megaregion. England: Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429350948
Ming, K. T., Ho, W. Y., Yao C. O. (1996). Jiao Bu Juan: Xinjie Chuantong Jiaoyu de Tuibian [From study hall to village school]. Hong Kong: The Regional Council.
Mingpao. (2021). Lizhiwo Huangxiao Bian Zhanguan: Cunmin Daoshao Jianggu shu Panshan Sheshui Chijiao Shangxue Fangxue Gengtian Fangniu [The Continuity and the Change of Lai Chi Wo]. Available from: https://www.mingpaocanada.com/tor/htm/news/20210404/hk-gga1_r.htm [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 01].
N.S.W Landscape Conservation Committee. (1983). Sydney Region: Conservation of Natural Areas, Rural Landscapes and the Coastal Zone. Sydney: National Trust of Australia.
Ng, L. A. N. H. (1984). Village education in the new territories region under the Ch’ing. In: D Faure, J Hayes and A. Birch (eds.). From Village to City: Studies in the Traditional Roots of Hong Kong society. Hong Kong: Centre of Asian Studies, University of Hong Kong, pp. 106-118.
Orbaşli, A. (2017). Conservation theory in the twenty-first century: Slow evolution or a paradigm shift? Journal of Architectural Conservation, 23(3), 157-170. https://doi.org/10.1080/13556207.2017.1368187
Orme, G. N. (1912). ‘Report on the New Territories, 1899-1912’, Hong Kong Sessional Papers.
Pentz, M., & Albert, N. (2023). Cultural landscapes as potential tools for the conservation of rural landscape heritage values: Using the example of the Passau Abbey cultural site. Modern Geográfia, 18(2), 1-16. https://doi.org/10.15170/MG.2023.18.02.01
Shi Dai She. (1959). Qiming Xuexiao xin she jin luocheng kaimu li [Opening ceremony held today for the new premises of Qiming School]. Wah Kiu Yat Po, p. 12. https://sls.hkpl.gov.hk/digital-collection/tc/contentcoverpage.html?catalogueId=2 c 2 f 2 6 6 c 9 cb711ef9c2&mainKe yword=%E5%95%93%E6%98%8E%E5%AD%B8%E6%A0%A1¤t Position=9&searchId=3e133e5d24534501ba0611 714728f309 [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 20].
Sit, V. F. S., & Kwong, C. M. (2011). Xianggang Heung Yee Kuk shi: Cong Zujie di Dao yi Guo Liang Zhi [A History of Heung Yee Kuk: From Leased Territory to one Country, Two Systems]. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing (Hong Kong) Company Limited.
Sweeting, A. (1993). A Phoenix Transformed: The Reconstruction of Education in Post-War Hong Kong. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Sweeting, A. (2004). Education in Hong Kong 1941 to 2001: Visions and Revisions. Hong Kong: Hong Kong University Press.
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) Library. 1980. Xianggang Bei qu Koushu Lishi [The Oral History of Hong Kong: Northern District]. (The Chinese University of Hong Kong Library Collections). Hong Kong: The Chinese University of Hong Kong.
The Government of Hong Kong. (1900). Report on the New Territory During the First Year of British Administration. Hong Kong Sessional Papers. Hong Kong: Noronha and Co.
The Government of Hong Kong. (1981). White Paper on “Primary Education and Pre-Primary Services. Hong Kong: The Government of Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. (2023). Northern Metropolis Development Strategy Report. Policy Address 2021. [Kuk Po Get Together’s Exhibition] Stillness: The Captures from the 1940s. Available from: https://www.polyu.edu.hk/en/events/2023/3/0316_kuk-po-get-together_s-exhibition---tillness [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 10]. The Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design. (2023). Kuk Po Get Together. https://www.kukpogettogether.com [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 10].
The Great Outdoors. (1976). Yewai Zazhi She [The Great Outdoors Magazine]. Vol. 1. Hong Kong: The Great Outdoors.
Torres, C. (2023). Conservation conditions of school buildings as a modern heritage in the seismic context in Chile. 1937- 1965. Journal of Architectural Conservation, 29(1), 40-62. https://doi.org/10.1080/13556207.2022.2095793
Vogel, E. F. (1991). The Four Little Dragons: The Spread of Industrialization in East Asia. Cambridge: Harvard University Press.
Wah Kiu Yat Po. (1958). Shatoujiao Yumin Zidì Xuexiao [Sha Tau Kok Fishermen’s Children’s School]. Wah Kiu Yat Po, p. 7. Available from: https://sls.hkpl.gov.hk/digital/ collection/tc/contentcoverpage.html?catalogueid=2de6bd1f9cb711ef9c2&mainkeyword=%e6%b2%99%e9%a0%ad%e8%a7%92%e6%bc%81%e6%b0%91%e5%ad%90%e5%bc%9f%e5%ad%b8%e6%a0%a1¤tposition=3&searchid=fafba068d02749f29c4a43361d2d08e2
Wah Kiu Yat Po. (1962). Yuanchu Haiyu Bianqu Xiliujiang Yumin Xuexiao zuo Juxing Kaimu Dianli Hezuo chu Zhuchang Tao Jian Kangli Zhuchi [Opening Ceremony of the Xiliujiang Fishermen’s School Held Yesterday in a Remote Coastal Area, Officiated by Director Tao Jian and his Wife from the Department of Cooperation]. Wah Kiu Yat Po, p. 9. Available from: https://sls.hkpl.gov.hk/digital/collection/tc/contentcoverpage.html?catalogueid=2ca57c429cb711ef9c2&mainkeyword=%e9%99%b6%e5%bb%ba¤tposition=19&searchid=da05afd9a08d4b 6e930 176424561f425 [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 20].
Wah Kiu Yat Po. (1965). Shatoujiao Yumin Zidi Xuexiao Zuo Juxing Zhengshi Qiyong Yishi [Sha Tau Kok Fishermen’s Children’s School Held its Official Opening Ceremony Yesterday]. Wah Kiu Yat Po, p. 8. Available from: https:// sls.hkpl.gov.hk/digital/collection/tc/contentcoverpage. html?catalogueid=1cee9f739cb711ef9c2&mainkeyword=%e6%b2%99%e9%a0%ad%e8%a7%92%e6%bc%81%e6%b0%91%e5%ad%90%e5%bc%9f%e5%ad%b8%e6%a0%a1¤tposition=4&searchid=fafba068d02749f29c4a 43361d2d08e2 [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 21].
Wah Kiu Yat Po. (1969). San Jian Yumin Zidi Xuexiao Fenbie Juxing Biyedianli [Three Fishermen’s Children’s Schools Held Separate Graduation Ceremonies]. Wah Kiu Yat Po, p. 13. Available from: https://sls.hkpl.gov.hk/digital/collection/tc/contentcoverpage.html?catalogueid=1b 10005c9cb711ef9c2&mainkeyword=%e6%b2%99%e9%a0%ad%e8%a7%92%e6%bc%81%e6%b0%91%e5%ad%90%e5%bc%9f%e5%ad%b8%e6%a0%a1¤tposition=1&searchid=fafba0 68d02749f29 c4a43361d2d08e2 [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 25].
Wah Kiu Yat Po. (1984). Shatoujiao qu Shanzui Gongli Xuexiao chuangxiao Ershisi Nian Shouci Kaifang ri Zhuli Zhuchang Li Yueting Zhuli Biao Jiangxu Guan Qitai xie Gefang Juan Shebei ju Chuxing [Shan Tsui Public School in Sha Tau Kok Held its First Open day in 24 Years; Assistant Commissioner Li Yueting Officiated and Presented Commendations; Principal Kwan Qitai Expressed Thanks for Donated Facilities which now Give the School a Full Shape]. Wah Kiu Yat Po, p. 21. Available from: https://sls.hkpl.gov.hk/digital/collection/tc/ contentcoverpage.html? catalogueid=1aeb95869cb711ef9c2&mainkeyword=%e5%b1%b1%e5%92%80¤tposition=1&searched=28662797d5d64d19a1d23cd6f8bfbbab [Last accessed on 2024 Dec 27].
Waterton, E., Staiff, R., Bushell, R., & Burns, E. (2018). Monster mines, dugouts, and abandoned villages: A composite narrative of Burra’s heritage. Journal of Heritage Tourism, 14(2), 85-100. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743873X.2018.1475481
Watson, J. L. (1982). Chinese kinship reconsidered: Anthropological perspectives on historical research. The China Quarterly, 92, 589-622. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0305741000000965
Wong, P. M. (2011). The village school context and the principalship in Hong Kong: What do they contribute to leadership studies? School Leadership and Management, 31(5), 517-543. https://doi.org/10.1080/13632434.2011.587410
Yuen, C. (2014). Ru Jing Wen Jin: Xianggang Bianjing Jinqu shi [“Ru Jing Wen Jin”: A History of the Border Restricted Region of Hong Kong]. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing (Hong Kong) Company Limited.
Yuen, C. (2021). Jin qu: Jiafeng Zhong de Shatoujiao [Restricted Zone: Sha Tau Kok in the Crevice]. Hong Kong: Joint Publishing (Hong Kong) Company Limited.
Zhou, T. (2021). Leveraging liminality: The border town of Bao’an (Shenzhen) and the origins of China’s reform and opening. Journal of Asian Studies, 80(2), 337-361. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0021911821000012