Under the principle of “one country, two systems”, Hong Kong is defined as a Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China. It borders the neighbouring city of Shenzhen immediately to the north which is physically divided from Hong Kong along the ShenZhen and Sha Tau Kok rivers.

Most of the Sha Tau Kok’s residents are from Hakka farming or Hoklo fishing backgrounds but due to the decline of these industries in the area over the last few decades, younger better educated generations have long moved to live and work in more urban areas of Hong Kong. Some of the remaining older generations live on in the villages, with families returning at festivals and holidays to spend time with them but the area is clearly in serious decline. Many of the traditional houses are empty and abandoned with nature being left to take its course.

On the other side of the border fence, in contrast to the rotting buildings, it is some of Shenzhen’s towering apartment blocks.