Lau’s Ancestral Hall

Whispers of history echo around us here at Lau’s Ancestral Hall. This isn’t just a building. It’s a living testament to the Lau clan’s journey, their roots stretching back to the bustling energy of 18th-century Huizhou. Lau’s Ancestral Hall stands as a symbol of their perseverance and adaptation in the face of change. The Lau family, Hakka people originally from Huizhou, first settled in Au Pui Wan Tsuen near Grassy Hill. They were farmers, cultivating the land and building a life for themselves. As the family grew, so did their need for land. In the late 1890s, they purchased land from the Kak Tin and Tin Sam villages. This new land became their “San Tin,” meaning “new field,” and the heart of their new village. Here, they built Lau’s Ancestral Hall, a place to honor their ancestors and solidify their presence in this new land. The hall embodies the traditional values of filial piety, a cornerstone of Chinese culture. It served as a gathering place, a center for community events, and a tangible link to their past. In the late 19th century, at the time the Hall was built, San Tin village, including Lau’s Ancestral Hall, pulsed with the energy of 109 residents. Imagine the vibrant life within these walls. The laughter of children, the discussions of elders, and the shared meals celebrating their heritage. Lau’s Ancestral Hall isn’t just a structure of brick and mortar. It’s a vessel filled with the spirit of the Lau clan, a story of migration, growth, and unwavering connection to their roots. It whispers stories of a time when this “new field” was truly new, brimming with the promise of a future built on hard work and reverence for their past.