Today, only four houses remain in Siu Tan. In the pre-1960s era, there was a population of twenty to thirty people in Siu Tan, all descendants of the Tsang Clan in Lai Chi Wo. Villagers made a livelihood by cultivating brackish rice. However, due to the harsh conditions of agrarian life, many sought opportunities abroad or worked in the city.
In the 1970s, the rice paddies were converted into rental fish ponds. The tides regularly ebbed and flowed through small drainage outlets, turning the ponds closer to the sea brackish, while those inland became freshwater ponds.
By the 1980s, the fish farming industry declined, leaving ten ponds abandoned. As the villagers relocated, the houses were also left empty. The neglected ponds became overgrown with reeds, yet the neat grid pattern was still visible. In recent years, with the establishment of the Sustainable Fisheries Development Fund, some non-profit organisations have rented the ponds for fish farming. [1]
(Excerpted from “An Overview of the Northeast Region” Chapter Four: http://www.hkfca.org.hk/ne/ (1976-1977, 2002)
Siu Tan (小灘, also known as “兆灘”) is a small and quaint village. One of the ‘satellite villages’ of Lai Chi Wo, the vast stretches of fields paint its picturesque scenery. To reach Sam A Village, one can pass through the Shan Mei Au (山尾坳) from Siu Tan. Following the trail along the coastline, one will first arrive at Motto Pit (磨刀坑), then Ngau Shi Wu (牛池湖) and Sai Lau Kong (西流江).
[1] Sha Tou Kok Hing Chun Yeuk Taai Ping Ching Jiu: Commemorative Special Edition. (2019). Sha Tou Kok Hing Chun Yeuk Taai Ping Ching Jiu Joint Committee.