Zhongying Street: one street, two systems

A paramilitary police officer gives a lecture to students in front of the big bell on Zhongying Street. Xinhua

Eight boundary stones demarcate the 4-meter-wide street in Shatoujiao Subdistrict in the middle, telling the history of “one street, two systems.” Before Hong Kong was returned to the motherland in 1997, the east of the street was Chinese territory while the west side was under the jurisdiction of Britain, giving the street its name, which literally means “Sino-British Street.”

The street today remains a tourist destination lined with duty-free shops and small stores selling local specialties. People can visit the Zhongying Street History Museum, capture some snapshots of an ancient water well and a big bell, or simply take a walk along the beautiful coast and enjoy the refreshing sea breeze.

Follow the WeChat official account of Yantian’s government (ID: ytqzwfwzx) or the WeChat Mini Program “沙头角边境特别管理区通行证办理” to make an online reservation before you visit. Then you can scan the QR code received on your smartphone to enter the street. There is also a booth at the entrance of the street where visitors can get a pass after registering with their ID cards or other certificates.

The street opens between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m., while the on-site pass issuing window opens until 5 p.m.

Transport: Take buses M520, 85, 103 or 387 to Sanjiadian stop, and walk around 600 meters to get here. Or take Metro Line 8 to Shatoujiao Station, and walk 1.6 km to the street.