Kap Shui Mun Explained

T:汲水門
J:Kap1 seoi2 mun4
Y:Kāp séui mùhn
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Kap Shui Mun or Throat Gates (historically spelled Capsuimoon) is the channel between Lantau Island and Ma Wan in Hong Kong.[1] It is part of major sea route along the coast of South China, from Victoria Harbour to the Pearl River. It joins north with Urmston Road. Kap Shui Mun Bridge, part of Route 8, spans the channel.

Name

The original Chinese name of Kap Shui Mun is kap shui mun, the gate of fast-moving water. This exactly describes the current of the channel. The name 'fast-moving water' was associated with accidents for ships and boats. To remove this malign influence, it was renamed to a title with similar sound, k'ap shui mun, meaning 'water-fetching gate'. For Chinese, water represents fortune and wealth.

See also

Notes and References

  1. http://www.cedd.gov.hk/eng/publications/sheet/doc/g4_chapter_1.pdf Geology of North Lantau Island and Ma Wan, Chapter 1. 1995