It is split into two uneven portions, one under SAR control, the other belonging to mainland China juristiction. The border between the two dates back to the 1897 treaty forced upon the weak Qing Dynasty government of China by the Britain, running along the course of the Shenzhen river.

Today, SAR controlled Sha Tau Kok is a rural and quiet town. It has a post office, a bank, and a few shops and small population. The main populous consist of Hakka farming backgrounds, although farming has stopped being the main way of life, and Hoklo mostly from fishing backgrounds, though most younger generation being well educated and working in the major cities.

PRC mainland Shatoujiao is a bustling metropolis in comparison, being in the Yantian Qu (Yantian district) of Shenzhen Special Economic Zone. The cosmopolitan Chinese population is formed mainly from migrants workers of almost all ethnic backgrounds in China. There can also be found a few Russian caucasians in Shatoujiao.

Attractions in PRC Shatoujiao include Minsk World and the battleship moored in the bay.