title: Pak Sha O
text: # Pak Sha O
  
  Pak Sha O (Chinese: 白沙澳) is an area and a village of Sai Kung North, in Tai Po District, Hong Kong.
  
  ## Administration
  
  Pak Sha O and Pak Sha O Ha Yeung (白沙澳下洋) are recognized villages under the New Territories Small House Policy.
  
  ## History
  
  It has been reported that the villages of Sham Chung, Lai Chi Chong and Pak Sha O had historically close social ties.
  
  At the time of the 1911 census, the population of Pak Sha O was 117. The number of males was 52.
  
  ## Chapel
  
  Pak Sha O is the site of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel (聖母無玷之心小堂). A first chapel was built in Pak Sha O in 1880 on another site. The conversion of Pak Sha O into a Catholic village partly resulted from the desire of the villagers to combat the harassment of the tax-lords of Sheung Shui. The current chapel was built between 1915 and 1923. The site is now used as a training campsite by the Catholic Scout Guild.
  
  ## Other features
  
  * Several buildings of the former Ho Residence and the Ho Ancestral Hall, as well as the King Siu Sai Kui and Hau Fuk Mun in Pak Sha O are Grade I historic buildings.
  * Pak Sha O Youth Hostel (白沙澳青年旅舍)
  * King Siu Sai Kui and Hau Fuk Mun in nearby Pak Sha O Ha Yeung (白沙澳下洋) are Grade I historic buildings.
  