The Bronze Age in Hong Kong is equivalent to a period spanning from the middle of the Shang Dynasty to the Qin Dynasty. Archaeological remains of this period have been excavated at Sham Wan, Tai Wan, Yung Shu Wan and Lo So Shing on Lamma Island, Hai Dei Wan, Tung Wan, Man Kok Tsui and Sha Lo Wan on Lantau Island, Tung Wan Tsai on Ma Wan and Kwo Lo Wan in Chek Lap Kok, etc.
Although only a small number of bronze artifacts such as axes, spearheads, hooks, and knives have been found at these sites, several stone molds for casting bronze tools have also been found, proving that the indigenous people had already mastered this technology. In addition, advances in kiln firing techniques also led to the production of high-level hard ceramics that were decorated with geometric patterns such as double F’s, spirals, and rhombuses. Stone jewelry making skills were also refined, as perfectly illustrated by the sets of polished quartz rings found at Hai Dai Wan on Lantau Island.
Historical documents indicate that South China was inhabited by the Bai Yue tribes about 3000 years ago, and it is believed that the Bronze Age artifacts found in Hong Kong were made by the ancient Yue people. Almost 1000 Bronze Age burials have been excavated in South China, and pottery kilns for the production of geometric hard pottery have also been discovered in Boluo County in Guangdong Province. Some of the geometric hard wares found in Hong Kong are believed to be products of Boluo kilns and indicate the existence of trade and exchange networks in the Zhujiang Delta.