Owing to the furious opium smuggling, the Viceroy of Guangdong and Guangxi ordered the establishment of likin (taxation) barriers at several locations on both eastern and western boundaries of Kowloon and in Macao to levy opium likin in 1868. In 1871, customs stations were established by the Canton authorities at Kowloon City, Fat Tau Chau, Cheung Chau and Kap Shui Mun (Ma Wan). These stations were taken over by the new Kowloon Customs in 1887. After the New Territories was forcibly leased to Britain, all stations within Hong Kong territory ceased operations in 1899.
Fat Tau Chau Old Chinese Customs Station was discovered in 1962. The ruin is so regarded as a customs station after the discovery of a stone slab broken into four pieces with inscriptions: “By the Grace (of the Emperor), tributes are accepted from and customs exchange with Annam, which is far away (from China)” and “Renovated by the Manager of the Customs Station”.
Site of Chinese Customs Station, Fat Tau Chau (also known as Old Chinese Customs Station on Fat Tau Chau (Junk Island)) was declared a monument in 1983.
The site is currently inaccessible. Visits are not recommended for safety reason.