History of Sham Shui Po
The history of Sham Shui Po stretches back over two millennia, making it one of Hong Kong's most historically significant districts. Archaeological evidence confirms continuous human settlement for at least 2,000 years, with the area serving as witness to the rise and fall of dynasties, colonial transformations, refugee migrations, and remarkable urban development that continues to this day.
Originally a coastal settlement situated on the fertile alluvial plains before extensive land reclamation pushed the shoreline away, Sham Shui Po was strategically positioned near the important Tak Kok Tsui peninsula with its bustling Cosmopolitan Dock. The district's connection to the sea remained vital until the 1970s, when the Nam Cheong Street nullah (concrete stream) was covered over, leaving only the wide street that now runs past the open green park as a reminder of its maritime heritage.
Ancient Foundations & Archaeological Treasures
220 AD - Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb - This remarkable Grade I historic building represents Hong Kong's most significant archaeological discovery, featuring a cross-chambered burial structure that provides invaluable insight into life during the Han Dynasty. Located at 41 Tonkin Street, this 2,000-year-old tomb remained lost to history until its rediscovery in 1955 during housing development. Today, visitors can explore this extraordinary artifact of ancient Chinese civilization free of charge (open daily 10:00 AM–6:00 PM), making it one of Hong Kong's most accessible archaeological wonders.
Temple Heritage & Religious Significance
Kwan Tai Temple - The District's Spiritual Heart - Standing as the only temple in the Kowloon district specifically built to worship Guan Yu (Guan Di), this magnificent structure is the largest Guan Di Temple in all of Hong Kong. Built during the Qing Dynasty, the temple houses an impressive collection of Qing Dynasty antiquities and serves as a Grade II historic building. Local business owners and residents frequently visit seeking blessings for prosperity and protection from injustice, maintaining traditions that span centuries.
Tin Hau Temple (180–184 Yee Kuk Street) - Dedicated to the beloved Goddess of the Sea, this stunning temple showcases classic Qing Dynasty architecture with its distinctive red brick arches and intricate granite columns. The temple offers free admission and provides a serene escape from the district's bustling commercial energy, making it a spiritual oasis that connects visitors to Hong Kong's maritime heritage.
would not be uncovered again until 1955.1850 - Small Village of Sham Shi Po, situated on the fertile soil of the alluvial plain, was mostly rural farmland.
1898 - Comes under British colonial rule when the Qing Government leases the land from Boundary Street to Shenzhen River. In the same year a temple to Sam Tai Tsz was constructed on what is now Yu Chau Street. Together with the Pak Tai temple built 12 years later beside it this was to become the major Taoist place of worship in the district.
1918 - Ferry services operate between Central and Sham Shui Po Pier bringing customers to the Pei Ho Street Market.
1924 - A major police station was built at junction of Lai Chi Kok Road and Yen Chow Street, today it is a sub station but still in active use. The exterior can be viewed as a good example of colonial government buildings of this period.
1931 - Lui Seng Chun was built, now preserved as a Grade I (one) listed building it is one of the rare examples of this period which can now be seen in original condition. Now used by the Hong Kong Baptist University as a Chinese Medicine and healthcare centre to is an outsanding example of what was at the time common architecture with both Chinese, British and art deco influences.
1937 - Refujees from the Sino Japanese war start to arrive and population expands rapidly.
1942-1945 - Major Prisoner of War camp operated by Japanese Army of occupation housed thousands of Allied soldiers including British, Canadian, and Indian troops. Discover the full story of courage and resistance at our dedicated POW Camp Historical Guide.
1950-1952 - Continuing refugees arrive from the conflicts in China until the area is surrounded by squatter huts.
1955 - Reclamation means the last of the docks is closed and Sham Shui Po can no longer rely upon trade in and out for business. Trade turns to textile manufacture and combined with the continuing boom in population providing a ready supply of manpower the area becomes a small manufacturing centre.
1960s - Boom time for the region as it becomes the most important wholesale and manufacturing district for textiles.
1976 - Wholesale textile market established on the corner of Shek Kip Mei Street and Yu Chau Street.
1979-1981 - Vietnamese refugees held at refugee camp in Sham Shui Po.
Colonial Engineering & Victorian Heritage
Sham Shui Po Service Reservoir (Bishop Hill Water Reservoir) - Completed in 1904, this Grade I historic building stands as Hong Kong's first circular underground water service reservoir, representing a remarkable achievement in early colonial engineering. The structure showcases stunning Roman-inspired architecture with its red brick arches and granite columns, creating an almost cathedral-like atmosphere within its functional design.
After serving the district faithfully for over a century, this magnificent reservoir underwent extensive restoration and reopened for guided tours in October 2022. A major breakthrough occurred on August 1, 2024, when the Water Supplies Department removed the reservation requirement, allowing walk-in visitors to explore this Grade I historic monument freely during operating hours (9AM-12PM and 2PM-5PM daily, closed first Tuesday each month) with completely free admission.
For those seeking deeper insights, optional 90-minute guided tours in Cantonese and English remain available: weekday group sessions (25-38 people) and weekend individual sessions (up to 4 people), bookable through the WSD website. Whether you choose a guided experience or self-exploration, the maximum capacity of 100 visitors ensures an intimate encounter with Hong Kong's engineering heritage. The scenic 15-minute walk up Bishop Hill from Shek Kip Mei Station leads to one of Hong Kong's most unique and photogenic heritage experiences, where visitors can complete a questionnaire to receive complimentary souvenirs.
Mid-20th Century Transformation
Heritage of Mei Ho House - This preserved H-shaped resettlement estate, now transformed into a museum and youth hostel, offers an intimate glimpse into Hong Kong's public housing history from the 1950s-70s. The building serves as a living testament to the experiences of thousands of refugees and local families who shaped the district's character during its rapid urbanization period. Guided tours (Tuesday–Sunday 10:00–18:00) provide compelling insights into daily life during Hong Kong's dramatic post-war transformation.
The area's reputation as a refuge for displaced populations continued through multiple waves of migration, from refugees fleeing the Sino-Japanese War in 1937, through the establishment of temporary camps during various regional conflicts, including the Vietnamese refugee camp operated from 1979-1981. Each wave of newcomers contributed to the district's unique cultural tapestry and resilient community spirit.
Modern Cultural Renaissance
Today, Sham Shui Po stands as a living museum where ancient temples share streets with cutting-edge electronics markets, where colonial architecture houses modern healthcare centers, and where traditional food stalls serve dishes that have remained unchanged for generations. The district's journey from ancient settlement to modern cultural hub exemplifies Hong Kong's remarkable ability to honor its past while embracing continuous innovation and change.