Stanley and Shau Kei Wan two hidden ancient roads expose a century-old stone arch bridge or witness the early history of Hong Kong as a port

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Written by: Kong Fanxu

2021-02-21 00:01

Last update date: 2021-02-21 00:01

The Bishop's Hill Reservoir in Sham Shui Po, which has a history of more than 100 years, was nearly demolished last year, reflecting the fact that there are many hidden secrets in Hong Kong.

Earlier, some hikers discovered old ruined roads in Stanley and Shau Kei Wan, both of which had large stone arch bridges.

Looking through old records, it is estimated that the Stanley Trail has a history of 170 years and was the main road from Stanley to Hong Kong Island in the early days of Hong Kong's opening as a port.

The Shau Kei Wan Ancient Road may have been developed when the Tai Tan Reservoir was built in the 19th century.

Some groups hope that the government can repair the ancient road and build a heritage trail.

"Hong Kong 01" has been inquired with a number of government departments, and there is no relevant information on stone arch bridges. The Antiquities Office will conduct preliminary research and consider including them in the list of "new projects to be graded" and "Hong Kong with archaeological research value. The feasibility in the “site list” ensures that items with cultural relic value are properly protected.

Reporter: Kong Fanxu Photography: Zhang Haowei, Yang Kaili

Map recorded in 1845

The Stanley Trail is located on Carmel Road, Stanley, next to the Correctional Services Department Sports Club. Hong Kong was opened as a port in 1841. In 1845, there is a map record. This is the main road connecting Stanley to Repulse Bay until 1881. The road was fully developed and connected to the Central Ring Road as far as it is today. However, with the completion of Stanley Gap Road and Repulse Bay Road, some sections of the ancient road were abandoned and the map is no longer displayed.

The "Lion Pit" is about 3 meters deep. The stone arch bridge is very well preserved. The pit is inlaid with screws, which is believed to be a trace of flood control works.

(Photo by Zhang Haowei)

There was a flood control project in the pit with screws

The road from the Stanley Trail to the Stone Arch Bridge is not easy. You may not have enough courage and physical strength. There are a lot of gravel and short trees along the way, and you have to climb steep slopes and fall into the gully. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the first place. The stone arch bridge "Lion Pit".

The "Lion Pit" is about 3 meters deep. The stone arch bridge is very well preserved. The pit is inlaid with screws, which is believed to be a trace of flood control works.

"Tiger Pit" stands another giant stone arch bridge, and the ravine is at least three stories high from the bridge.

(Photo by Zhang Haowei)

"Laohu Pit" stands another giant stone arch bridge. The ravine is at least three stories high from the bridge deck, but there are some thrills when going down the ravine. Remember to measure the risk according to your ability. Don't force it.

Looking up from the bottom of the bridge, you will see that the corner material is obviously different. It is estimated that it is processed after completion to widen the road to facilitate the turning of rickshaws and carriages.

Founder of "Living in Stanley": Stanley was the first capital after opening

Hou Zhihui, the founder and teacher of the Facebook page "Living in Stanley", believes that the government may think it is just a bridge, but it has something to do with the history of the opening of Hong Kong as a port. "Because Stanley was the first capital after the port was opened. When I was in Victoria City, some cultural heritage conservation friends said that the first site I chose was Stanley, but later I chose Central."

There are also stone bridges on the Shau Kei Wan Ancient Road

In addition to the magnificent stone arch bridge on the Stanley Trail, there is another ancient trail from Shek O to Shau Kei Wan, but the Shau Kei Wan Trail is even more difficult. The trail is covered by woods and you have to cross one puddle after another, and then walk a little longer. The water pipes and the rope handrails left by the mountain hikers along the roads are a test of balance.

In addition to the magnificent stone arch bridge on the Stanley Ancient Road, there is another old road from Shek O to Shau Kei Wan with a stone arch bridge.

(Photo by Zhang Haowei)

History teacher: Developed when the Datan Reservoir is built

Although the stone arch bridge on the Shau Kei Wan Trail is not as large as the Stanley Trail, it has a similar architectural form and is made of multiple stone bricks.

Liu Sir, a history teacher, said: "I feel a lot of traces of ancient people. I suspect that it is an old road in Tai Tan. There is an English-style stone arch bridge along the way, and the slopes are obviously cut off. It is estimated that when the Tai Tan Reservoir was built in the 19th century. The road of development."

Sir Liu also believes that the government has neglected the conservation of ancient roads. It feels a pity. Watching the ancient roads gradually become barren and destroyed little by little every time the wind blows, "This is the history of Hong Kong people, the history of the residents of Chai Wan, Stanley, and Tai Tam." .

The two ancient roads were the main roads in the early days of the British rule and contributed to the development of Hong Kong to a certain extent. However, with the changes of the times, the history has faded. Some groups hope to develop the ancient roads into cultural relic trails, gather private forces to clear the roads, and let the public learn about Hong Kong history during outing .

Antiquities Office: There is no data yet to study the value

The Lands and Highways Department replied to the "Hong Kong 01" enquiry that the stone arch bridge is not managed and maintained by relevant departments. The Antiquities Office stated that it will conduct a preliminary study on the stone arch bridge and the alleged "old road" and consider including them separately in the "required" The feasibility of the “Rated New Projects” list and the “List of Hong Kong Archaeological Research Sites” is to ensure that projects with cultural relics value are properly protected.

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