Residents of border villages opened up to visitors after six decades of isolation have accused the government of poor planning after their homes were swamped by thousands of curious visitors in the name of ecotourism.
Up to 3,000 people a day have descended on Sha Tau Kok since the government removed restrictions on access to border territory in February. But they have found a lack of proper car parks, signage, public toilets and restaurants.
Sha Tau Kok's reopening was part of the government's plan to release more border land for development, reducing the total prohibited area by 85 per cent.
The restricted zone was established by the colonial government in 1951 amid political tension after the Communist Party seized power on the mainland. Non-residents previously had to apply for a permit to enter the zone.
The South China Morning Post revisited the area during the Easter holiday and found plenty to suggest that Shau Tau Kok is far from ready to become the ecotourism destination the government has earmarked it as.
There are no proper car parks, no information signs for tourists or specific lanes for cyclists, and only one public toilet in each of the six reopened villages. The one conveniently located restaurant is still under construction.