Thursday, November 22, 2012

Letter from Hong Kong - #23

"The Land Between"! That is how the local tour companies tout their tours of the New Territories. It is a part of Hong Kong that if you do not see, you have missed a lot. Hong Kong isn't just tall buildings and unique shopping areas, it is also a very rural scenic areas that has many parks and hiking trails.

The family took a trip to Shueng Tam Shui Hang Shuen in the Shau Tau Kok area of Hong Kong. This village is so far north of Hong Kong that it is almost in Mainland China. In fact for years one would have to have a pass just to get into this area.
This is the sign one would see if they wandered to far into the Closed Area. Since 2006 much of the Closed Area has been opened but still their is about eight square kilometers still closed to everyone except those living in the area.(Picture borrowed from internet!)
Today Sheung Tan Hang Shuen is opened so it is one of the most popular tours taken by locals. 
A couple of old houses no longer in use!
This is the gate to the closed area; unfortunately since I couldn't read Chinese I am in the wrong sector when I took this picture. Of course I got yelled at so I quickly made my way back to the legal side while I could!
An enterprising shopkeeper who is selling rice and other goodies to all the tourist who come to visit the area. But can you believe it: she is on Facebook also!
The home in the foreground is part of the village; the buildings in the background is part of Mainland China.
A shot of the countryside outside of the village.
Family enjoying the trip!
Another shot of the village with a group of tourist!
Entrance into the village; did I say it was a popular tour?

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