An Echoes of Yim Tin Tsai · 鹽田梓
Echoes of Yim Tin Tsai
鹽田梓 · 客家天主教鹽田小島
A 300-year-old Hakka Catholic island in Sai Kung — saltmaker ancestors, an 1890 chapel that won UNESCO recognition, and the villagers who came home to keep its story alive.
An Echoes of Yim Tin Tsai · 鹽田梓
鹽田梓 · 客家天主教鹽田小島
A 300-year-old Hakka Catholic island in Sai Kung — saltmaker ancestors, an 1890 chapel that won UNESCO recognition, and the villagers who came home to keep its story alive.
Prologue
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt lose its savour, wherewith shall it be salted? You are the light of the world. A city seated on a mountain cannot be hid… So let your light shine before men, that they may see your good works.
Matthew 5:13–16 · Douay-Rheims
瑪竇福音 5:13–16
Your Guide
Hello everyone — a huge welcome to Yim Tin Tsai. I’m Ming Yuet, and I’ll be your guide today. I was born right here in this village back in the 1950s, and these days I help out at the Salt & Light Preservation Centre. You’ve picked a fantastic day to visit. It is our Patron Saint’s Feast — the liveliest day of the year. Villagers who moved away have all come home to celebrate Mass together. Before the festivities begin, follow me. I’d love to show you around and share some of my favourite childhood memories.
各位好！熱烈歡迎大家來到鹽田梓。先自我介紹一下，我叫明月。我是土生土長的鹽田梓村民，50年代在這裡出生，現在也在「鹽光保育中心」擔任導賞員。今天能跟大家分享我的生活故事，真的非常開心！大家來得正是時候，因為今天是我們村一年中最熱鬧的日子——「主保瞻禮」。移居海外的村民都會在今天趕回來參加彌撒。在慶典開始前，就讓我帶大家逛逛，一起感受我們村民的珍貴回憶。事不宜遲，跟我來吧！
Chapters
聖若瑟小堂
澄波學校
廢棄客家祖屋
聖福若瑟神父故居
活泉井
鹽田梓墳場
玉帶橋
鹽田
主保瞻禮
故事守護者
鳴謝
Chapter 01 · Greeting with Villagers
聖若瑟小堂 · 1890
See those friendly faces? Those are my fellow villagers! Some have flown in all the way from the UK just for today. We celebrate this feast every year on the first Sunday of May. The heart of our celebration is this beautiful building, St. Joseph’s Chapel. It was built way back in 1890 — that’s over 130 years of history! Do have a wander around before the festivity and take some photos; it’s a real gem.
大家看，剛才遇到的都是我們的村民。有些人是專程從英國飛回來參加主保瞻禮的。這是我們村每年最重要的盛事，定在每年五月的第一個星期日舉行。待會彌撒就會在這座聖若瑟小堂舉行，它建於1890年，已經有超過130年的歷史了！大家可以先到處參觀拍照，這座小教堂真的很美。
Then · Now
Historic Measured Drawings of St. Joseph’s Chapel
(Source: Catholics Diocese of Hong Kong)
Drag the handle to compare the chapel in archival times against today.
Historic Measured Drawings of St. Joseph’s Chapel
(Source: Catholics Diocese of Hong Kong)
Step inside
The chapel’s simple cream walls, terracotta floor and timber pews are best understood from the inside. Drag to look around, and pinch or scroll to zoom.
Sound of the chapel
The chapel’s bronze bell still calls the villagers to Mass — especially on the first Sunday of May, the day of the Patron Saint’s Feast.
Chapter 02 · Ching Po School
澄波學校
This is Ching Po School, our only village school! It’s a museum now, but when I was little, thirty of us — from ages six to twelve — all squeezed into this one room. Our teacher was also the principal and the caretaker! In the old days, only boys got an education, so I felt very lucky to go to school as a girl. We’d do our lessons while the teacher taught the other grades on the opposite side of the room. Once we finished Primary Six, that was it! We usually left the island at thirteen to find work, otherwise, we’d be stuck in the fields forever.
這裡是我們的第一站：澄波學校。這曾是村裡唯一的學校，現在已經變成了文物室。大家看，這裡空間很小吧？我小時候，一個課室要擠大約30個學生，小一到小六的同學都在這裡一起上課。我們的老師還要兼任校長，甚至連打掃都要親力親為。在我父母那一代，通常只有男孩子能讀書，到了我這一代，女孩子終於也有機會上學了，我覺得自己非常幸運。那時候，老師在這邊教小一，其他年級就自己做功課。等到讀完小六，我們大約十二、三歲就要離開鹽田梓去外面闖蕩，否則就只能留在村裡下田耕種了。
The only classroom
Archival photographs of Ching Po School and village children, displayed at the Salt & Light Preservation Centre, Yim Tin Tsai.
澄波學校與村中孩童之歷史文獻照片，現於鹽田梓「鹽光保育中心」展出。
Chapter 03 · The Abandoned Hakka House
廢棄的客家祖屋
This ruin here was actually my childhood home. It’s a bit crumbly now, but I’m so glad it’s still standing. By 1998, the village was completely empty as everyone moved away for work. For a while, the houses were sadly neglected, but thanks to some wonderful volunteers and returning villagers, we’ve managed to save our history. We’re keeping the story of Yim Tin Tsai alive!
這裡就是我以前的家。雖然現在房子已經變得殘破，我們這把年紀也沒能力修復了，但看到它依然屹立不倒，心裡還是很欣慰。自從我們這代人離開後，村裡的人口越來越少，到了1998年，最後一批村民也搬走了，整座村莊一度變得荒涼。幸好，後來有一群熱心人士和回流的村民一起努力保育，才讓鹽田梓的故事能繼續流傳下去。
Chapter 04 · Father Freinademetz
聖福若瑟神父故居
We’ve reached the old home of Father Joseph Freinademetz. He was a very important priest who lived here in the late 1800s. As children, we didn’t think much about the history — we just thought it was the perfect spot for a game of hide-and-seek!
我們現在來到聖福若瑟神父的故居。雖然現在只剩下斷壁殘垣，但這位神父對我們村的宗教信仰影響深遠。我們小時候最喜歡在這裡玩捉迷藏！
Village legend
The elders told us that long ago, pirates attacked many nearby villages but always left Yim Tin Tsai alone. Whenever they approached, they saw a tall figure with a staff standing on the hill — and turned their boats around. We believed it was St. Joseph watching over us.
長輩告訴我們，很久以前海盜曾襲擊附近不少村落，卻一直沒有侵擾鹽田梓。傳說每當海盜接近， 他們都會看見山上站着一個高大的身影，手持棍杖，守護着整條村。我們相信，那位守護者就是聖若瑟。
Chapter 05 · The Spring of Living Water
活泉井
This well was our “tap water” for 200 people! Fetching water was actually my favourite chore. Because the opening was so narrow, the adults couldn’t reach down, so us kids would shimmy down the walls using our arms and legs to reach the water at the bottom. It sounds a bit scary now, but we were fearless back then!
這口「活泉井」曾是全村200多人最重要的水源。小時候，取水是我最喜歡的活動！因為井口很窄，大人手不夠長，我們這群小孩就會手腳並用，像小猴子一樣撐著井壁爬下去取水。現在回想起來其實挺危險的，但那時候我們膽子大，什麼都不怕！
Chapter 06 · Yim Tin Tsai Cemetery
鹽田梓墳場
This is where we honour our ancestors. Every November, the whole village gathers to pay respects to our Great Ancestor, the very first person to settle here. Even though we are a Catholic village now, we still burn incense for him because he lived before the village converted. We believe it is the way we connect with him.
這裡是我們的墳場。除了五月的主保瞻禮，每年十一月我們也會全村聚在一起，祭祀我們的開村始祖——陳孟德公。雖然我們全村都信奉天主教，但因為先祖在全村歸依前就已經去世，所以直到今天，我們拜祭祖先時還是會保留燒香的傳統，這就是我們對根的堅持。
Remembering our roots
Chapter 07 · Jade-Girdle Bridge
玉帶橋
Take a look at this bridge! It links us to our neighbouring island, Kau Sai Chau. Back in the day, our village got so busy that we ran out of space, so we had to start farming over there instead. Before we had this lovely bridge, the Hakka women used to wade through the sea to get to the fields. It was incredibly brave work, but also full of danger. There’s a famous old saying: “If you want your son to be well looked after, find him a Hakka wife; but if you love your daughter, don’t let her marry into a Hakka family!” That’s because Hakka women were the ultimate multi-taskers — they did absolutely everything!
大家看看這座橋！它連接了我們與鄰近的窖西洲。以前村子裡人口越來越多，耕地不夠用，所以村民們只好到對面島去開墾。在還沒有這座橋之前，客家婦女們都要直接涉水過海去田裡工作，這其實非常勇敢，但也充滿危險。所以我們這有一句老話：「生仔要娶客家婆，生女莫嫁客家佬。」意思就是如果你想兒子被照顧得好，就讓他娶個客家老婆；但如果你疼愛女兒，就別讓她嫁進客家家庭。因為以前的客家女性簡直是「全能戰士」，家裡大小事到田間粗活全都由她們一手包辦！
A village tradition
Because almost everyone in our village shares the Chan surname, our daughters had to marry men from other villages — often without ever meeting them first. So the bride would have a heartfelt cry with her mother and aunties before the big day, sharing the sadness of leaving home for a brand-new life of hard work and responsibility.
因為村裡大部分人都姓陳，女孩通常要嫁到別的村去，而以前的婚約都是父母之命，盲婚啞嫁。 新娘會在婚禮前與母親、姨母一起痛哭一場 — 不是演戲，而是真情流露， 表達她們離開原生家庭、踏入新生活的悲傷與不安。
Chapter 08 · Saltpans
鹽田
Welcome to the saltpans! Our village name, Yim Tin Tsai, actually means “Little Salt Field.” Our ancestors were expert salt-makers before they settled here. However, by the time I was a girl, everyone had switched to farming. But now, I’m delighted to say that we’ve brought the salt-making tradition back recently. Since it’s a festival day, we’re taking a break from work, but please come back another time to try some of our very own salt!
終於來到我們的鹽田了！我們村叫「鹽田梓」，就是因為先祖以前在深圳鹽田港就是靠產鹽維生的。「梓」字代表鄉里，提醒我們不能忘本。雖然我小時候鹽業已經式微，大家改為耕田捕魚，但幸好在村落復興的過程中，熱心人士幫我們找回了造鹽技術。今天是慶典日子，大家都在忙，下次歡迎你們再來試試我們親手製作的鹽！
Chapter 09 · The First Sunday of May
主保瞻禮
Oh, look at the time! My friends and neighbours are heading into the chapel now. You are more than welcome to join us inside for a moment of peace before the service starts. It’s been such a pleasure sharing my story with you — enjoy the rest of your day on our beautiful island!
時間差不多了，我看許多村民已經進教堂了。歡迎大家也進去坐坐，感受一下寧靜的氣氛。彌撒很快就要開始了，希望你們今天在鹽田梓過得愉快！
Closing scripture
He is the living stone rejected by people but chosen by God and precious to him. On drawing close to him, you also became living stones built into a spiritual temple… You are a chosen race, a community of priest-kings, a consecrated nation, a people God has made his own to proclaim his wonders. For he called you from your darkness to his own wonderful light.
1 Peter 2:4–9
你們接近了他，即接近了那為人所擯棄，但為天主所精選、所尊重的活石， 你們也就成了活石，建成一座屬神的殿宇⋯⋯ 你們卻是特選的種族，王家的司祭， 聖潔的國民，屬於主的民族，為叫你們宣揚那由黑暗中召叫你們，進入他奇妙之光者的榮耀。
聖伯多祿前書 2:4–9
Listen · in Hakka
Source: Sai Kung Sacred Heart Church · 來源：西貢聖心堂
Chapter 10 · 故事守護者
陳玫瑰 · Ms. Rose Chan (Ah Kwan)
In May 2026, we sat with Rose Chan — born and raised on the island, baptised at nine days old — in the sacristy of St. Joseph’s Chapel. What follows is her voice, in her words.
Interview transcript
An Echoes of Yim Tin Tsai
願鹽不失味，光不被掩。
Acknowledgements
鳴謝
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this project possible. We are incredibly grateful to Mr. So and the Salt & Light Preservation Centre for their generous support, especially for arranging an insightful interview with Ms Rose Chan (Ah Kwan), whose stories as a local Hakka daughter brought this website to life.
A special thank you goes to the Village Master, Mr. Chan, for his kind guidance and for welcoming us into the community. We were also deeply honoured to be invited to the Patron Saint’s Feast at St. Joseph’s Chapel on 3 May 2026. The first-hand photos and videos featured here were only possible thanks to the Centre’s help with transportation and the warm hospitality shown by all the villagers during the festivities.
Finally, we are sincerely thankful to Dr. Linda Shetabi for her invaluable insights and constant encouragement throughout our studies. We also want to thank our brilliant groupmates for their hard work and collaboration. This website is a tribute to the resilient spirit and rich heritage of Yim Tin Tsai, made possible by the kindness of this wonderful community.
Kin MA / Terence YIU / Tommy TAM
我們衷心感謝每一位協助完成本計畫的人士。特別感謝蘇先生與「鹽光保育中心」的鼎力支持，特別是協助安排採訪村友陳玫瑰女士（群姐），她身為客家女兒的動人故事，為本網站注入了靈魂與生命力。
在此特別感謝村長陳先生的悉心指導，並歡迎我們走進村落社群。我們亦深感榮幸，受邀參加2026年5月3日在聖若瑟小堂舉行的「主保瞻禮」。網站中呈現的第一手影像與影片資料，全賴中心在交通上的支援，以及村民們在慶典期間展現的熱情款待，才得以順利拍攝紀錄。
最後，我們誠摯感謝Linda教授在學習過程中提供的寶貴見解與不斷的鼓勵。同時，也要感謝各位組員的辛勤付出與團隊協作。本網站旨在致敬鹽田梓堅韌的精神與豐富的遺產，這一切的成果，皆源於這個溫暖社群的慷慨與善意。
馬健晉 / 姚卓謙 / 譚湧鍵
Original story by
Kin MA · Terence YIU · Tommy TAM
馬健晉 · 姚卓謙 · 譚湧鍵
Sources and Credits
Disclosure
This website is for educational and non-commercial purposes only. Some imagery is AI-assisted reconstruction (e.g. the abandoned Hakka home, the missionary’s residence) created with project photographs, archival references, oral history, and site research as references. They are intended as storytelling aids rather than archival records. If you are the copyright owner of any material used here, please contact terenceyiu@connect.hku.hk.
