Hong Kong Photo Gallery - Cha Kwo Ling

Originally a Hakka settlement, many of Cha Kwo Ling's residents worked at the granite quarry from the mid 19th century to the 1940s. The stone was used to build local landmarks, such as the Court of Final Appeal in Central. It was one of 4 old villages in Kowloon, of which only 2 have survived.
The local quarry's appeal declined in the 1950s as they could no longer compete against foreign companies to build Kai Tak airport. The village was still quite isolated at the time, and the waves of newcomers coming from mainland China in the 50s and 60s built squatter homes using metal sheets and stones. Much of the population left in the 90s for public housing, and the village is slated for redevelopment.

The original Tin Hau Temple was built in the first half of the 19th century and a bit further away. It was destroyed by a storm in the 1910s and was relocated to the present site in 1947. Tin Hau is the goddess of the Sea and is an important deity to fishermen.

2 huge rocks in front of the temple that look like testicles are believed to bless those who want to have sons.

Construction of a new tunnel to Tseung Kwan O continues next door.

The temple marks the end of the old town. I returned back the way I came to explore the inside streets more closely.


Originally a Hakka settlement, many of Cha Kwo Ling's residents worked at the granite quarry from the mid 19th century to the 1940s. The stone was used to build local landmarks, such as the Court of Final Appeal in Central. It was one of 4 old villages in Kowloon, of which only 2 have survived. The local quarry's appeal declined in the 1950s as they could no longer compete against foreign companies to build Kai Tak airport. The village was still quite isolated at the time, and the waves of newcomers coming from mainland China in the 50s and 60s built squatter homes using metal sheets and stones. Much of the population left in the 90s for public housing, and the village is slated for redevelopment. The original Tin Hau Temple was built in the first half of the 19th century and a bit further away. It was destroyed by a storm in the 1910s and was relocated to the present site in 1947. Tin Hau is the goddess of the Sea and is an important deity to fishermen. 2 huge rocks in front of the temple that look like testicles are believed to bless those who want to have sons. Construction of a new tunnel to Tseung Kwan O continues next door. The temple marks the end of the old town. I returned back the way I came to explore the inside streets more closely.

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