Legend of Shek Pik: Lantau Stories Under Water

supported by the the Lantau Conservation Fund

The Shek Pik Reservoir was built on the site of a cluster of villages known as Shek Pik Heung, which boasts a rich history of over 600 years and was home to more than 250 residents. Between 1957 and 1963, these villagers were relocated, and their homes were submerged to make way for the reservoir.

This research initiative aims to combine historical exploration with advanced technology to address several key questions: 

• What stories from Lantau are woven into the area's cultural traditions, legends, and history?

• Do the former teenage villagers, now elderly, still recall their experiences of relocation? 

• Are the remnants of their former homes, schools, and temples (such as Hung Shing Temple and Hau Wong Temple) still discernible beneath the water?

As one of the oldest villages on Lantau Island, Shek Pik represents a significant chapter in the history of both Lantau and Hong Kong. By integrating historical research with photogrammetry and Heritage Information Modelling to create 3D computer models, this project aims to deliver a unique outcome that emphasizes the rich cultural heritage of this submerged community.

Visual records derived from the research findings of this project: