Nestled amid misty forested mountains, vibrant farmlands, and serene mangrove-strewn mudflats, Lai Chi Wo offers a tranquil retreat that seems far removed from bustling Hong Kong. This 300-year-old village, one of the city’s oldest settlements, is a testament to sustainability and biodiversity, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Hakka people.
The Hakka settlers of Lai Chi Wo embraced feng shui principles to harmonize their village with the environment. The “feng shui forest” surrounding the village was preserved for generations, shielding it from typhoons, landslides, and temperature extremes. “We were taught never to cut down these trees,” recalls Susan Wong, a 73-year-old village chief who was born in Lai Chi Wo.
However, the village’s idyllic existence faced challenges. By the 1960s, Hong Kong’s rapid industrialization drove many residents to seek better opportunities abroad. The remote location—accessible only via a three-hour jungle hike or a lengthy boat ride—made farming increasingly unsustainable. By the 1980s, Lai Chi Wo had become a ghost town.
Decades of neglect left the village in disrepair, with crumbling buildings and overgrown farmland. Yet, remnants of the village’s vitality lingered. In 2009, Chiu Ying Lam of the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation noted that some homes remained intact, hinting at the enduring connection of former residents to their ancestral roots.
This discovery catalyzed the Sustainable Lai Chi Wo program—a collaborative effort between NGOs, universities, and government agencies. With an investment of over HK$100 million, the initiative aimed to revitalize the village while protecting its biodiversity. The project restored five hectares of farmland, rebuilt 15 homes, and introduced sustainable farming practices.
In 2015, Lai Chi Wo welcomed its first new residents in decades. Among them were Ah Him Tsang and his wife, who sought a life closer to nature. They embraced sustainable farming and launched initiatives like the “Hakka Experience,” offering visitors authentic glimpses into village life. The influx of new settlers inspired former residents, including Susan Wong, to return.
Today, the village thrives as a hub for sustainable agriculture. Organic farming techniques, such as using discarded oyster shells as plant food, coexist with innovative practices like agroforestry. Lai Chi Wo has even become Hong Kong’s largest coffee-producing region, with 700 coffee plants flourishing under shaded canopies.
Despite its successes, the village faces hurdles. Small-scale farming remains unprofitable, and many residents rely on remote jobs or creative ventures. Some original villagers expressed concerns about redevelopment consultations. However, the project’s ecological benefits, such as improved soil health and water management, underscore its value.
The revitalization of Lai Chi Wo has inspired similar initiatives, including the Forest Village Project, which aims to restore nearby hamlets. These efforts highlight the potential of sustainable development to preserve cultural heritage and foster ecological balance.
Lai Chi Wo’s journey from abandonment to renewal serves as a beacon of hope. While financial sustainability remains a challenge, the village stands as a model for community-driven revitalization. Its story resonates as a reminder of the enduring connection between humanity and nature, proving that even the most remote settlements can thrive in harmony with their environment.
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