PLACES – The Semi-Abandoned Village of Luk Keng Chan Uk

Luk Keng Chan Uk is a small, semi-abandoned village way up near the border in the New Territories.

As the name suggests, it is mainly inhabited by the Chan clan and it remains a mostly Hakka-speaking village.

Historically, livestock farming and crops were the main source of income for the residents, though most now have left.

Today, it is a popular starting point for hikers and those interested in seeing the nearby ghost villages of Fung Hang and Kuk Po – both are within hour-an-hour’s hike.

Monkeys, the rare black-faced spoonbill, the ‘scarlet dwarf’ dragonfly and huge orb-weaver spiders can all be spotted in the area. Perhaps another clue as to why the villagers left in a hurry?…

In the mid-20th century, many villagers left for the UK and other parts of the world after gaining British citizenship.

There was little work available locally, Hong Kong was becoming increasingly chaotic and there was money to be made abroad…

Only a couple of dozen elderly residents remain…

Occasionally, at Chinese New Year, old villagers and their descendants return to pray for their ancestors at the local temple.

Little development has occurred in the village in recent years due to the several layers of environmental protection imposed by the government. Though there are some signs of restoration…

As well as new residents…

Some of the remaining families resent the conservation rezoning as it prevents them from developing new homes.

The village is sandwiched between two country parks – Pat Sin Leng Country Park and the remote Plover Cove Country Park. Beautiful Bride’s Pool waterfalls are also nearby.

The 56K red-top minibus goes directly from Fan Ling MTR to Luk Keng.

A video from Mark Williams…

More from abandoned HK below…

Exploring forgotten corners of HK where nature is winning…

 Places to see off-the-beaten-track and attractions to visit across the city…

This entry was posted in Abandoned HK Blog History Photography & Wallpapers Places & Attractions and tagged Abandoned HK blog History & Abandoned HK Photography & Wallpapers Places & Attractions on by .

7 thoughts on “PLACES – The Semi-Abandoned Village of Luk Keng Chan Uk”

  • smog

    Small correction: the 56K is a green-top minibus, not a red one. It goes from the minibus stops that are to your left as you come out of exit A of Fanling MTR, every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.

  • smog

    Small correction: the 56K is a green-top minibus, not a red one. It goes from the minibus stops that are to your left as you come out of exit A of Fanling MTR, every 30 minutes on the hour and half hour.

  • PD

    Thanks for the beautiful photos. However, I believe the presentation could be considered selective. It is not true to say that there are a couple of dozen inhabitants — the figure is far less. Also, so-called “restoration” is a two-edged sword when it involves dumping rubble on protected wetland of outstanding natural beauty. And finally any discussion of “development” in the country parks should in my view include the information that many people wishing to build the “small” houses are in fact UK permanent residents with little connection to Hong Kong.

  • PD

    Thanks for the beautiful photos. However, I believe the presentation could be considered selective. It is not true to say that there are a couple of dozen inhabitants — the figure is far less. Also, so-called “restoration” is a two-edged sword when it involves dumping rubble on protected wetland of outstanding natural beauty. And finally any discussion of “development” in the country parks should in my view include the information that many people wishing to build the “small” houses are in fact UK permanent residents with little connection to Hong Kong.

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