In Hong Kong, a border town is revitalized thanks to tourism

The seaside village was traditionally inhabited by the Hakkas, a people from southern China, before being gradually abandoned in recent decades as gleaming skyscrapers sprang up in nearby Shenzhen, across the Chinese border.

But now Hong Kong's local government is encouraging visitors to get off the beaten track by easing entry restrictions for the northern district of Sha Tau Kok, hoping to make it easier to get to Kuk Po, which is accessible by speedboat.

On a January weekend, tourists flock to the picturesque village, surrounded on three sides by valleys.

"When we talk about Hong Kong, we talk about skyscrapers, the urban side, the financial hub," Kevin Choy, an exchange student from Singapore, told AFP.

"It is very rare that we talk about the countryside (...) I have never thought about this aspect of Hong Kong."

Lilian Lee, whose family is originally from Kuk Po, says her parents returned there during the Covid pandemic to enjoy the charms of village life.

In 2022, she began welcoming visitors to the two-story family home, built almost a century ago.

"The outside world is really stressful and chaotic, but here you can relax," the 30-year-old told AFP.

"It is a beautiful environment that should be cherished, our family would like to share this place with more people."

The Hakkas, whose name means "guests," transformed Kuk Po into a trading town, before seeing their numbers decline after the urbanization of Hong Kong in the 1960s.

"When the public is interested, it creates a virtuous circle of restoring houses and monuments and reviving cultures," says Paul Chan, a tour operator.

Kuk Po is among the rural townships listed in a draft tourism policy last month.

However, despite the growing interest in Kuk Po, Lee says it is difficult to fund revitalization efforts, such as tours, tastings and workshops.

She hopes the city will invest more in sustainable tourism. "There are many villages in Hong Kong whose past has disappeared," she laments.

"I would like the village not to become just a tourist attraction, but for people to be able to learn about its culture and history."