Stone terraces above Shau Kei Wan [????- ]

Submitted by David on Wed, 02/10/2010 - 16:19
Current condition
Unknown

I was surprised to see these old stone terraces on Sunday's walk. I've seen similar stone terraces in the New Territories, and along the south side of the island, but can't remember seeing any on the north side before.

I wonder how old they are, and what used to be grown here?

Photos that show this Place

Terraces above Shau Kei Wan
2010

Comments

Hi there,

These might be the remains of previous field terraces or settlements.  Did the old Tai Hang photo showing squatters and field terraces ring any bells?  Shaukiwan was one of the regions having extensive squattered areas.

I remember there are traces of those along Peel Rise at the lower section.  If you go up by Peel Rise after passing the back gate of the Catheloc Church and before reaching the cemetary you should be able to see them by the right hand side.

Best Regards,

T

This is interesting because there are some very similar walls at the bottom of my apartment complex in Tai Po. I originally figured they may have been created during the construction work but now you have mentioned them it looks as though there is more to it.

Hi there,

Actually terraces had been natural a form of natural develoment at least on Hong Kong Island where level ground is extremely rare. 

Next time kindly go up any up-slope long streets on the northern side of Hong Kong Island and observe.  You should be able to see terraces most anywhere and everythere.  Even though many of them had been redeveloped, you should still be seeing traces of them.  Many foundations of the old terraces still exist.

Best Regards,

T

Terraces near Tiger Balm Gardens

T, thanks for mentioning the Tai Hang terraces. I'd forgotten them, and this photo that IDJ sent of the same terraces.

It clearly shows the terraces built from rough stones, similar to the ones above Chai Wan.

Regards, David