Chung Ying Street (Sino-British Street, 中英街) is located at the border between Shenzhen, China, and the Northern District of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. It was originally formed by silt deposits from a small river flowing from Wutong Mountain into Mirs Bay and was once known as “Luci Path.” The street is approximately 250 meters long and 3 to 4 meters wide. Before Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997, the eastern side belonged to China and the western side to the United Kingdom, hence the name “Chung Ying Street” (Chung for China and Ying for England).
After Hong Kong’s return in 1997, the eastern side became part of Shenzhen, and the western side remained part of Hong Kong, with the street marked by a boundary stone known as “Jiebei Stone.” The street is lined with numerous shops offering goods from all over the world at duty-free prices, making items very affordable. The Jiebei Stone itself is a minor attraction, with visitors often taking photos beside it, although some of the boundary stones have been worn down by natural weathering, and their inscriptions have faded over time.
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Basic Information
| Estimated Length of Tour | 1 hour |
| Ticket Price | Free |
| Opening Hours | 9.00 – 22.00 |
| Telephone Number | 0086-0755-25354657 0086-0755-25258941 |
Location and Transportation
Chung Ying Street is located in the Sha Tau Kok Town of Yantian District, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, China. To reach it, you can take bus route 78K, N78, or 277A to the Sha Tau Kok Terminus (沙头角总站) and then walk approximately 300 meters to the east.
Highlights of Chung Ying Street
Chung Ying Street History Museum
The Chung Ying Street History Museum opened on May 1, 1999, as a geographic museum reflecting the century-long history of Chung Ying Street. With a total area of 1,688 square meters, the museum features four permanent exhibition halls that primarily focus on the historical narrative of Chung Ying Street. It serves as a patriotic education base, utilizing historical materials and collections from the museum to educate visitors, particularly youth, about significant events such as the March 18 boundary demarcation day at Sha Tau Kok.
The main responsibilities of the museum include the protection, collection, and research of Chung Ying Street artifacts, promoting patriotic and revolutionary education, and overseeing cultural heritage protection, development, and utilization in the region. Each year, the museum welcomes approximately 200,000 visitors from various backgrounds.
Boundary Stones of Chung Ying Street
Chung Ying Street is marked by eight boundary stones. Stones 1 and 2 date back to the 31st year of the Guangxu reign (1905), when the British unilaterally replaced the stones. Stones 3 to 7 were lost during World War II but were reinstated in 1948 by the Kuomintang government in collaboration with the British authorities in Hong Kong. These boundary stones stand as significant historical evidence of China’s poverty, the decline of the Qing Dynasty, and foreign invasions that divided the nation. They also symbolize China’s journey toward reform and opening up, the return of Hong Kong to the motherland, the implementation of “one country, two systems,” and the country’s path to prosperity and strength.
Ancient Well
Upon entering Chung Ying Street, visitors will encounter an ancient well that was constructed by Hakka settlers during the Kangxi period of the Qing Dynasty. This well has a history of over 300 years and has served as a vital water source for local residents. A popular local saying goes, “Sharing the same street, we drink from the same well,” reflecting the deep connection between the people living on both sides of Chung Ying Street. The well symbolizes gratitude for the resources it provides and embodies the nostalgia and familial ties of the community. It stands as a testament to the historical development of Sha Tau Kok and the broader narrative of Chung Ying Street’s formation and growth.
Warning Bell
The Warning Bell is located in the plaza of the Chung Ying Street History Museum, complementing the boundary stones nearby and adding a new feature to the area. This bell recounts the history of Chung Ying Street over the past century, covering its division, struggles, changes, development, and eventual return. Inscribed on the bell are the words “Do not forget history; let the warning bell ring eternally,” serving as a reminder to people of the humiliating past associated with Chung Ying Street. It educates future generations about the crucial historical lesson that a nation that falls behind is vulnerable to suffering and invasion.
