Yim Tin Tsai's mysterious island : the Catholic-Hakka relationship

Abstract

Yim Tin Tsai is the island in Sai Kung, one of the Catholic-Hakka villages in Hong Kong. It is also the only remaining of the great Salt Field in Hong Kong. The community has mostly left Yim Tin Tsai, and there is less relationship between Catholics and Hakkas. The community of Yim Tin Tsai hopes to revitalise the village by focusing on the salt field and the surrounding area of St. Joseph Chapel. Community-based management and interpretation are especially important in the revitalization project and the direction of the historic village itself. This dissertation stems from the community-based revitalization of Yim Tin Tsai's cultural significance. This paper exams the present community-based revitalization, as well as the interpretation and expectations of Yim Tin Tsai tourists. It is carried out to demonstrate the scarcity of contemporary interpretations, and the reason for this is that all revitalization projects are done on their own, with no relation to others. Several suggestions have been made for the community-based revitalization and interpretation of Yim Tin Tsai. However, the study also highlights several challenges faced by the village, including limited funding and resources, population of the community, and lack volunteer for every facility. Ultimately, Yim Tin Tsai provides hope on the possibilities of community-based revitalization projects in an abandoned historical village can promote positive social and cultural outcomes. By including community members in the planning and execution process, these projects may foster a sense of belonging that will drive the village's long-term sustainability. It also allows travelers to become acquainted with the village's distinctive qualities.