Hong Kong is popular for its vibrant city life, boasting an iconic skyline, bustling streets, and well-loved attractions including Disneyland and Victoria Peak. But Hong Kong is also home to serene and relaxed spots that offer noteworthy experiences away from the typical tourist paths. Outside the city are reserved islands and small villages that showcase the country’s rich cultural tapestry and natural surroundings.
In this three-part series, GMA News Online will delve into underrated gems perfect for those seeking to uncover the more intimate side of Hong Kong. SECOND OF THREE PARTS Tucked away in the Sai Kung District of Hong Kong is the tiny island of Yim Tin Tsai, which literally means Little Salt Pan in Cantonese. It is the only place in the country where salt is produced today.
The charming island, once home to a thriving Hakka clan, now serves as a moving reminder of a bygone era. Entering Yim Tin Tsai, you will be greeted by narrow paths that wind between ghostly residences and different abandoned houses with crumbling walls and overgrown gardens. They were left vacant when the number of residents started dwindling before the 1980s as they moved to urban areas in search of better opportunities.
There was also a time when only four residents were left in the village, earning its nickname, “Ghost Island.” But in the 2000s, a group of descendants of the original villagers returned and started to revitalize the island. In 2011, the Salt and Light Preservation Centr.
