A small island, barely covering one square kilometer, was inhabited by Hakka people who migrated from Northern China in the 19th century. The first denizens of the island constructed salt pans to sustain a source of income. The salt pans were closed due to rising competitions from other countries about 100 years ago, which leads to residents resorting to farming and fishing to make a living. Some families began leaving Yim Tin Sai in the 1960s to seek a better life resulting to the village’s decrease of population until there was no one left to live there.
Despite the island’s downfall, a former villager named Colin Chan went back to resurrect the island after being elected as a village representative. Colin was able to raise funds to renovate the island’s historical chapel because of the canonization of Joseph Freinademetz, a missionary who lived in Yim Tin Sai. In 2005, UNESCO Asia-Pasic Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation honored the chapel with an award of merit. The salt pans were also refurbished. Now, a ferry service runs between Sai Kung pier and Yim Tin Tsai for those who want to visit the island.
Vocabulary:
inhabited [verb] – lived in or occupied
migrated [verb] – moved from one region or habitat to another
denizens [noun] – residents
sustain [verb] – strengthen or support physically or mentally
resorted [verb] – turned to and adopted as to resolve a difficult situation
downfall [noun] – a loss of power, prosperity, or status
resurrect [verb] – revive the practice, use, or memory
missionary [noun] – a person sent on a religious mission, especially to promote Christianity
refurbished [verb] – renovated
True or False:
- The salt pans were closed in 2016 because of rising competitions from other countries.
- The Hakka people migrated from northern China to live in the abandoned island.
- Chan Colin was the mayor of the village.
- Yim Tin Sai’s historical chapel was given an award of merit by UNESCO Asia-Pasic Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation in 2005.
Defend your argument:
- Do you think it is a good idea to welcome visitors in Yim Tin Sai?
- Should tourists visit the renovated old houses?
- Must people occupy the island again?
Express your opinion:
- Do you agree that the government should support the maintenance of historic sites?
- Should there be a special organization that handles fund-raising activities to support landmarks?