Community-based Narratives and Public Experiential Engagement for Cultural and Historical Heritage Conservation and Revitalisation of Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung

Challenges and Objectives

Yim Tin Tsai in Sai Kung is a 300-year-old Hakka hamlet with a Catholic community. On this scenic island is a 300-year-old Hakka hamlet. Over time, many villagers left the island for the city or started new lives abroad, leading to the village becoming deserted by the late 1990s. In January 2022, the Department of Geography and Resource Management of The Chinese University of Hong Kong launched the Community-based Narratives and Public Experiential Engagement for Cultural and Historical Heritage Conservation and Revitalisation of Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung. The project aims to document and preserve the cultural heritage of Yim Tin Tsai and revitalise the local Hakka traditions while promoting countryside conservation values in Hong Kong.

Collaboration Partners and Roles

As the leader of the initiative, the Department of Geography and Resource Management of the Chinese University of Hong Kong applied for funding from the Countryside Conservation Office and coordinated subsequent efforts among collaboration partners. The Division of Humanities of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology participated in the initiative and contributed their research expertise. At the community level, the indigenous villagers of Yim Tin Tsai were pivotal partners who shared their cultural narratives, experiences of village life and livelihoods from the past. Additionally, the Yim Tin Tsai Estate Village Council reviewed audit reports and provided local development input, while the Centre for Catholic Studies contributed previous case study research conducted on the village.

Revitalisation Activities

Farmland restoration has been carried out, and salt-farming activities has been restarted. The major economic goods being promoted are salt farming products. Eco-touring service has been introduced, generating income generated for future revitalisation projects. Villagers and young storytellers were trained to lead tours for visitors to experience the village’s cultural and historical stories. The tour also highlights the environmental features of Yim Tin Tsai, such as the trees planted and the historically significant salt pans.

To preserve the rural cultural heritage and expand awareness of countryside preservation, community monitoring, training, capacity building, and supporting traditional cultural activities have been conducted. The project has been reconnecting villagers and other stakeholders such as the Catholics and the public. It has also been recording information about the culture and history of Yim Tin Tsai and sharing the information with the public via the cultural and historical tours.

Revitalisation Outcome

With some of the traditional buildings of the Hakka village being restored, more villagers are returning to Yim Tin Tsai. There is also an increase in villagers willing to stay and live in the village or start their businesses (such as farming and catering). The promotion of eco-tours has raised public awareness of the village’s eco-value. The sales of agricultural products and income from eco-tours have also improved the economic condition of the village. Overall, the revitalisation efforts have had a positive impact on the social, environmental, and economic aspects of Yim Tin Tsai.

This is the abridged version of a case prepared by AIRI Fellow Wong Kit Man Agnes and Associate Fellows Chiu Chun Yin Ethan and Cheng Ka Ching Kary. For further information, please email The University of Hong Kong’s Centre for Civil Society and Governance at ruralsd@hku.hk.