Feng Shui Woods

This is Sha Lo Tung, an abandoned Feng Shui village in one of the few remaining areas of conservation in Hong Kong. There were immense battles over protecting this area years ago which, I am told, helped birth the conservation movement in Hong Kong.

This village is a prime example of Feng Shui Woods, which means that there is a 'spirituality' and practicality to its locationvillage. The 'spiritual' aspect arrises from the belief that there is protection from bad luck. The practicality comes from having woods behind the village and water in front; the village thus has a view over the landscape and protection from marauders. The woods are also a source of resources and protection from the elements. And they are the closest Hong Kong has to a primal forest, although it is highly anthropomorphic.

While the village is abandoned, it still belongs to native Hong Kong people in the New Territories. It is overun with Mikania micrantha, also known as the mile-a-minute weed, and frequented illegally by people playing paint ball.