Nestled amid misty mountains and lush farmlands lies Lai Chi Wo, a stunning 300-year-old village that seems to belong to a different era. Once a thriving settlement with around 1,000 residents, this hidden treasure is undergoing a renaissance as new inhabitants return to its serene landscapes.

Originally built by the Hakka people, one of Hong Kong’s indigenous groups, Lai Chi Wo is not just a historical site but also a living testament to traditional ecological practices. Residents have long adhered to the principles of feng shui, which emphasize harmony between nature and human habitation. Village chief Susan Wong, a 73-year-old grandmother and lifelong resident, is committed to preserving the surrounding feng-shui forest, asserting, "If the trees are cut down, the mountain will be bare and the village exposed." This philosophy not only protects the community from natural disasters but also fosters biodiversity.

The village's population began to dwindle in the 1960s when rapid industrialization made agriculture less viable. Many families, like Wong's, emigrated in search of better opportunities abroad, leaving behind a ghost town shrouded in memories and overgrown vegetation. However, Lai Chi Wo’s charm did not fade entirely. In 2009, Chiu Ying Lam from the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation discovered that many homes remained surprisingly intact, prompting the launch of the Sustainable Lai Chi Wo program.

This ambitious initiative has attracted funding and collaboration from various stakeholders, investing approximately HK$100 million (around $12.8 million) in restoring the village’s infrastructure and biodiversity. Under this program, five hectares of farmland have been revived, and efforts are in place to re-establish sustainable agricultural practices. In a remarkable turn of events, the village now hosts coffee farms, cementing its status as Hong Kong’s largest coffee-producing area.

Ah Him Tsang and his wife were among the first to relocate to Lai Chi Wo after the revitalization began. Seeking a lifestyle that embraces nature, they run a homestay and grow crops for farm-to-table dining experiences. Tsang notes the profound tranquility the village offers, hoping more visitors will come to experience its slow-paced lifestyle.

As new families move in, former residents are also returning. Wong relocated from the UK with her elderly father, reclaiming their ancestral home and cultivating a variety of fruits and vegetables through organic farming methods. The introduction of innovative crops like coffee, along with traditional Hakka agricultural techniques, is not only helping to sustain the village but also enriching its cultural heritage.

However, the journey to revitalization has not been entirely smooth. While the project has received accolades, including recognition from UNESCO for its sustainable practices, challenges persist. Some longtime villagers feel excluded from the decision-making processes regarding the development, creating tensions within the community.

Despite these hurdles, the project serves as an inspiring model for sustainable redevelopment. While most new residents supplement their income through remote work or creative endeavors, the village remains a beacon for those seeking a closer connection to nature amidst the busy urban landscape of Hong Kong.

Further extending the project's impact, the recently launched Forest Village Project aims to apply Lai Chi Wo's successes to two neighboring villages, Mui Tsz Lam and Kop Tong. By fostering eco-tourism and community engagement, the hope is to create a network of revitalized villages that can attract visitors and offer them a glimpse into a harmonious, nature-infused lifestyle.

As Lai Chi Wo continues its journey of revival, it symbolizes the resilience of community and the profound connection between people and their environment—an inspiring story of rebirth in the heart of a bustling city.