Here in Wang Chau, the past whispers through the villages. Wang Chau is an area of Yuen Long District. It sits in the northwestern part of Hong Kong.
Wang Chau comprises several villages. These include Tung Tau Wai and Chung Sum Wai. Sai Tau Wai and Fuk Hing Tsuen are also here. You will also find Yeung Uk Tsuen and Lam Uk Tsuen. Other villages include Ng Uk Tsuen and Tai Tseng Wai. Shing Uk Tsuen and the Waterside area are part of Wang Chau too. The Waterside area includes Shui Pin Wai, Shui Pin Tsuen, Shui Tin Tsuen, Fung Chi Tsuen and Ha Mei San Tsuen. Finally, you have Wing Ning Tsuen and Fung Ka Wai.
Let’s talk about the “Six Villages of Wang Chau”. These are Tung Tau Wai, Chung Sum Wai, Sai Tau Wai, Fuk Hing Tsuen, Yeung Uk Tsuen and Lam Uk Tsuen. Chung Sum Wai and Tai Tseng Wai are walled villages.
Do you see those hills? Wang Chau has two main hills. They are Kai Shan and Chu Wong Ling. Chu Wong Ling even has a shrub-covered hillock.
Look around and you will see how Wang Chau blends the old and the new. Long Ping Estate is a mixed public housing here.
Now, let me tell you about a controversy. In 2016, there were allegations about public housing development. It was claimed that the government was colluding with business interests and rural leaders. The plan for 13000 housing units was scaled down to 4000. This decision involved razing a greenfield site.
Let’s step back in time to 1718. In Tung Tau Wai, we find the I Shing Temple. It is dedicated to Hung Shing and Che Kung. In 1996, it was declared a monument. Nearby stands Yu Yuen. This was built in 1927 as a summer villa. Today, it is listed as a Grade I Historic Building. Also, don’t miss the Tin Hau Temple in Ng Uk Village. It was rebuilt in 1981.
For those of you with children, Wang Chau falls within Primary One Admission School Net 73. This net includes South Yuen Long Government Primary School.
Getting around Wang Chau is quite easy. It is located between the Tin Shui Wai and Long Ping stations of the MTR.
As our visit to Wang Chau concludes, consider how this area encapsulates Hong Kong’s story. It is a blend of ancient villages, modern housing and intriguing controversies. Wang Chau offers a glimpse into the past. It also shows the ever-evolving present of Hong Kong.