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Kat O

Kat O island is close to Sha Tau Kok, located between villages in Northeast New Territories, and Yantian and Meisha of Shenzhen. As its other name "Crooked Island" suggests, it has a meandering shoreline, making it a good typhoon shelter and staging point for vessels travelling across Mirs Bay.

The current Kat O village is around 300 years old, set up by Hakka and boat people during the Early Qing Dynasty. Standing at the pier facing the island, on your left would be the fishermen village, while your right would be the Hakka village. Similar to other rural villages in Hong Kong, Kat O welcomed its population peak in the 1950-60s, but faced a sharp decline due to an urban migration and emigration.

In 2011, Kat O was included in the "Hong Kong Global Geopark of China Northeast New Territories Sedimentary Rock Region", followed by the openings of its Geoheritage Centre, Kat O Story Room and Kat O Heritage Trail, showcasing village stories of the old times as well as geoheritage for visitors alike. The Kat O Tin Hau Temple, judging by the writings on a bronze bell, is estimated to be built during the Qianlong era of the Qing Dynasty, then renovated during the Guangxu era. The Tin Hau temple is currently a Grade 3 historic building.

Kat O holds its "Da Jiu Festival" every 10 years, the next to be held in 2026. The Tin Hau Festival is held every year, being the 23rd of the third lunar month.