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A day trip to Sha Tau Kok:
discover the past of the Frontier Closed Area
Located in Hong Kong’s North District and right next to Shenzhen’s Yantian District, Sha Tau Kok was designated as part of the Frontier Closed Area in 1951. Since then, Sha Tau Kok has been accessible only to individuals with a closed area permit. Back in the days when Sha Tau Kok was closed to non-residents, visiting the border town also required a guarantee from a local resident. As it begins to open gradually, Sha Tau Kok has become a great choice for weekend getaways.
The first phase of the opening of Sha Tau Kok began in June 2022, followed by the second phase starting January 2024. Visitors can now join local tours to discover the area’s beautiful scenery, unique attractions and local delicacies; or take a ferry to explore nearby islands and areas, such as Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, Ap Chau and Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark.
The second phase of the opening of Sha Tau Kok
- The second phase opening commenced on 1 January 2024. Starting from 1 July, the daily quota of visitors with the Tourism Closed Area Permit is increased to 2,300 individuals, and 700 group visitors on weekends and public holidays. There is no quota limit for groups on weekdays.
- Individual travellers must enter Sha Tau Kok by public transport, with the addition of ferry services to Sha Tau Kok from Lai Chi Wo/Ap Chau/Kat O. Private cars are NOT allowed.
- Area: Sha Tau Kok (excluding Chung Ying Street)
- Opening hours: Every day from 7am to 9pm
Image courtesy of the Security Bureau
Application for the Sha Tau Kok travel permit
Starting from 1 December 2023, Hong Kong residents and overseas visitors can apply for a Tourism Closed Area Permit through Hong Kong Police Force’s online applications platform. All applications must be submitted three working days prior to the day of visit in a first-come, first-served basis.
The online applications platform will open on the first day of each month for applications of the following month. Applications are free of charge. You may also join local Sha Tau Kok tours operated by authorised licensed travel agents, who can handle the relevant application procedures on your behalf.
Must-visit attractions for your day trip
Word has it that Sha Tau Kok’s name came from a beautiful poem: ‘the sun rises from the beach (Sha Tau), / the moon hangs above the cape (Kok).’ Be sure to visit these attractions when you are in Sha Tau Kok and see for yourself the beauty of this border town.
Top 10 attractions in Sha Tau Kok
See with your own eyes the beauty of Sha Tau Kok as depicted in the poem. Enjoy the morning sun at the Sun and Moon Pavilion, marvel at the picturesque coastal scenery at the Cape of Sha Tau Kok, take a stroll along Sha Tau Kok Pier, the longest pier in Hong Kong... It’s a journey full of unique sceneries and tales of local history and culture.
Top 10 Sha Tau Kok delicacies
Deep-fried shredded radish cake, Hakka-style pork bowl, fried oyster cake, marinated chicken with rice... Treat your taste buds to mouthwatering Hakka dishes and authentic local treats.
Top 10 cultural experiences
Step into the streets and alleys of Sha Tau Kok, and you’ll discover a neighbourhood that blends traditional Chinese culture with the old days of Hong Kong. Explore century-old temples, visit shophouses with distinct architectural features, all while taking a deep look at the local culture.
Director of Sha Tau Kok Story House recounts tales of Hong Kong’s border town
Discover the natural and cultural treasures of Hong Kong’s border town with Charles Lee, director of the Sha Tau Kok Story House.
Fun fact
Sha Tau Kok made an appearance in the Hong Kong film, Far Far Away. The film revolves around the male protagonist’s romantic entanglement with five females residing in different remote corners of the city, including Sha Tau Kok.
4 not-to-be-missed activities
in Sha Tau Kok
Join the ‘Sha Tau Kok Stamp Hunt’
Collect stamps while exploring Sha Tau Kok and redeem a special gift! Download the Security Bureau’s ‘Safeguard HK’ mobile app and select the limited-time ‘Sha Tau Kok Stamp Hunt’ stamp collection game. Visit designated attractions, where you can scan the QR codes on the information boards and answer some questions to earn a stamp for each correct answer. Collect all 10 stamps to redeem a free gift, which is available on a first-come, first-served basis, while stocks last.
Take fun AR photos
Take your travel photos to the next level with fun AR filters by scanning specific QR codes via the ‘Safeguard HK’ mobile app. These filters feature local elements such as Sha Tau Kok landmarks, Hakka fish lanterns and fishing hats — your photos will surely be one of a kind!
Make a wish at the viewing deck
The Chung Ying Street Garden boasts a new viewing deck, which offers a panoramic view of Chung Ying Street. But that’s not all; you can also hang wishing plaques on dedicated railings to make a wish.
Send a postcard as a unique souvenir
Before ending your trip, don’t forget to visit the Sha Tau Kok Post Office to send a limited-edition postcard (or two) to your friends, family, or even yourself! Have it stamped with the post office’s exclusive cachets and make it a special memento of your Sha Tau Kok trip.
Nearby islands and areas
Departing from Sha Tau Kok Pier, explore nearby islands and areas where you can go for a hike and experience local Hakka culture.
LAI CHI WO: A HAKKA VILLAGE WITH OVER 300 YEARS OF HISTORY
The Lai Chi Wo village was built more than 300 years ago and is one of Hong Kong’s oldest and best-preserved Hakka settlements. Take in the stunning beauty of the village’s ‘fung shui’ woods and mangroves and enjoy the natural landscapes along the nature trail. You may also join a guided tour at the Lai Chi Wo Story Room to learn more about Hakka culture and the village’s history while interacting with local villagers.
AP CHAU: A HIDDEN GEM
Ap Chau, or ‘Duck Island’ in Cantonese, got its name from its duck-resembling shape. The island falls within the Double Haven Special Area and is part of the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark. Known for its spectacular geological features, Ap Chau offers a variety of quirky rock formations, including the rare ochre breccia and a sea arch dubbed as the ‘duck’s eye’.
KAT O: EXPLORE FISHERMEN’S CULTURE
Kat O, or ‘Lucky Bay’ in Cantonese, provides good shelter for fishing boats with its unique, crooked shape. Enjoy an easy stroll on the Kat O Heritage Trail with your family and friends and take in the breathtaking beauty of Double Haven. Or visit the Lovers’ Tree on your way to the Kat O Story Room, and catch a falling leaf for blessings.
HING CHUN ALLIANCE HERITAGE TRAIL: THE PATHWAY TOWARDS THE RURAL HISTORY
The Hing Chun Alliance Heritage Trail (Section 1), with a total length of about 3.7 kilometres connects Lai Chi Wo, Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong. Enjoy the history, culture and interesting stories presented by this heritage trail, and through the interpretation plates along the trail, you can learn fun facts about the Hing Chun Alliance and get a glimpse of the prosperous villages in the 1950s.
ROBIN’S NEST COUNTRY PARK: RICH BIODIVERSITY
Part of the Robin's Nest Country Park falls within the former Frontier Closed Area with Shenzhen Wutong Mountain to the north and Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the south. Its unique geographical location showcases the protection of the natural environment, biodiversity, culture and wartime heritage resources. When visiting the Robin's Nest Country Trail and Lin Ma Hang Country Trail, you can get close to nature, as well as appreciate historic sites such as Lin Ma Hang Lead Mine and the Grade II historic buildings, MacIntosh Forts, etc.
FAQ
Which areas are included during the opening of the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area? Can I visit Chung Ying Street?
The second phase of the opening of Sha Tau Kok began on 1 January 2024. The area includes all of Sha Tau Kok (except Chung Ying Street). The daily quota for individual visitors is 2,300, and for travel groups, it is 700 on weekends and public holidays. There is no quota limit for groups on weekdays.
Visitors can travel around Sha Tau Kok after applying for a Tourism Closed Area Permit.
Chung Ying Street is still a restricted area, but you may see it via the Chung Ying Street Garden.
Is it necessary to join a local tour in order to visit the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area?
You can either join a local tour or travel on your own with a valid Tourism Closed Area Permit.
After the opening of the Sha Tau Kok Frontier Closed Area, do visitors need to apply for a Tourism Closed Area Permit?
Yes. During the second phase of the opening, visitors are required to apply for a Tourism Closed Area Permit. Travel agencies will assist their clients in the application procedures, while individual travellers must apply online. Please visit the Hong Kong Police Force’s online application platform for more details
How do I get to Sha Tau Kok?
After applying for a Tourism Closed Area Permit, individual travellers must use public transportation to enter Sha Tau Kok and are NOT allowed to drive there on their own. You may:
- take bus 78S (Express departures) from MTR Sheung Shui Station, or 78K from MTR Sheung Shui/Fanling Station; or
- take minibus 55K from MTR Sheung Shui Station; or
- take bus 277A from MTR Lam Tin Station; or
- take the kaito ferry from either Lai Chi Wo Pier, Ap Chau Pier or Kat O Pier.
(Some of the above bus and ferry routes only run at specific times. Click here to learn more about the latest information on bus services travelling to and from Sha Tau Kok. Click here to learn more about the latest information on kaito ferry services.
How can I get to Lai Chi Wo, Kat O, and Ap Chau from the Sha Tau Kok Pier?
There is a kaito service that runs between the Sha Tau Kok Pier and Lai Chi Wo, Ap Chau and Kat O. There is no service on Tuesday (except public holidays). A single journey will take about 30 – 45 mins. For more information on ferry services, please visit the website of the Transport Department.