Ping Kong

Did the Hau clan ever imagine their Ping Kong village would become a backdrop for a Jackie Chan movie? Ping Kong, nestled in the Sheung Shui area of Hong Kong’s North District, is more than just a location in “Project A.” It’s a living testament to the enduring legacy of the Hau clan, one of the New Territories’ Five Great Clans. Their roots trace back to the Southern Song dynasty, late 12th century. They initially settled in Ho Sheung Heung, later branching out to establish Ping Kong, along with Yin Kong and Kam Tsin. Imagine Ping Kong in 1851, embroiled in a territorial conflict against San Tin. The village walls, once known as “Cheung Lung Wai” or “Lucky Dragon Wall,” have witnessed centuries of history. Within these walls lies a Tin Hau Temple, not just a place of worship but also a cinematic landmark thanks to its appearance in Jackie Chan’s 1983 film. The Hau ancestral hall, rebuilt within the protective embrace of the village walls, holds a story of resilience. It was reconstructed after the original hall, located outside the walls, was burned down during a clash with the Man clan. Every decade, Ping Kong comes alive with the Taiping Qingjiao festival. This vibrant Taoist tradition is a three-day celebration of gratitude for the past decade’s peace and a prayer for future prosperity. The selection process for the ceremony leaders is a unique blend of tradition and chance, with Hau family members tossing “Holy Cups” until the first five men who toss both cups upright are chosen. This festival draws Hau descendants from across the globe, even those who have emigrated to Europe and the Americas. The air fills with the sounds of chanting, the release of animals, and the rhythmic beat of a “horse” circling the village, collecting names to present to the heavens. A “ghost king” procession weaves through the streets, symbolically capturing evil spirits to be burned at the ceremony’s culmination. Amidst these rituals, the aroma of vegetarian poon choi, a traditional dish, wafts from the ancestral hall where Hau family members gather. Once the ceremony concludes, the feast transitions to a classic poon choi, replete with meat and seafood. Each household also receives a share of roasted pork, a symbol of communal celebration. Ping Kong’s story echoes through its walls, temples, and traditions, a captivating blend of history, culture, and cinematic fame.