The deserted houses in one of the world's most congested cities

The abandoned villages reveal an interesting look into the past, and while some are almost totally overgrown, people have returned to others and are holding on tightly to the homes their families left years ago.

According to South China Morning Post the homes in the New Territories of Hong Kong were abandoned in the 50s and 60s when residents left their small villages in search for better paying work in the city, or overseas to work in Chinese restaurants. 

The people continued to leave in the 60s when fishing and farming failed to pay the bills.

The home are often reclaimed by the elements in the same way. 

First the tiles begin to fall off exposing the wooden beams to the elements then as the roof begins to rot it falls in and the walls come with it. The climate in Hong Kong ensures the speedy growth of native plants which are quick to grow over the crumbling ruins. 

The front door is usually the last reminder of civilization. 

Some families have returned to their settlements, decades after abandoning them to the elements in search for prosperity.

Sha Lo Tung chief Cheung Wai-kok is the only inhabitant of Cheung Uk village, in Sha Lo Tung, Tai Po. 

He returned eight years ago with his wife to open a private kitchen.

‘We have lots of customers on weekends who are hikers and others who drive here to enjoy dining among ponds and farms,’ he said.

‘Sha Lo Tung is a protected ecological area with butterflies, fireflies and dragonflies, but developers want the land, and there have been many plans mentioned over the years, such as the construction of a golf course and a columbarium.

‘I enjoyed living here as a child and some of the clan members are considering moving back here, to revive the village.’ 

Other occupied, yet abandoned villages include Fan Lau, southern Lantau, where just two elderly couples remain.

In Yim Tin Tsai, off Sai Kung Town was completely abandoned in 1998, but in 2004 work on the local Catholic chapel inspired conservationists to revive the settlement.

An old School was turned into a heritage centre for visitors, guided tours were made available and last year a road connected the once lost town to the rest of the world.

Abandoned villages in Hong Kong include, but are not limited to Fan Lau, Yim Tim Tsai, Sham Chung, Wang Shan Keuk, and Sha Lo Tung.

Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated metropolises in the world with more than 7 million inhabitants. 

For more photos of abandoned villages visit www.petespurrier.com 

(www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3491577/The-abandoned-villages-Hong-Kong.html?ito=social-facebook)