Consider Ha Pang Teng a stage. Here, the drama of family history in Hong Kong played out. We stand on what is known as Ha Pang Teng. It is a place shaped by the Pang Clan. These were one of the Five Great Clans of the New Territories.
Let’s journey back to the late Yuan dynasty. The Pang Clan lived in Lung Yeuk Tau of Fanling. The Tangs, another powerful clan, forced them out. The Pangs then relocated to Fan Leng Lau.
The Pang Clan’s story is one of resilience. They adapted to changing circumstances. They even leased land from the Liu Clan. They resided in Tsiu Keng, Ting Kok and So Kwun Po.
In the late 1940s, the Pang Clan took a stand. They formed Luen Wo Hui. Other nearby villages joined them. Together, they challenged the Tang’s dominance in Shek Wu Hui.
The Five Great Clans shaped the New Territories. They included the Tang, Man, Hau, Pang and Liu families. They settled here before the 17th century. They grew into sizable communities.
The Tangs were the first to arrive. They migrated from Jiangxi province in the 11th century. The Mans came from Jiangxi as well. The Lius traced their roots to Fujian. The Haus arrived in the late 12th century. The Pangs also originated from Jiangxi.
Each clan left its mark. The Tangs built ancestral halls and markets. The Mans owned vast amounts of land. The Lius established Shek Wu Hui. The Haus negotiated for the Fanling Golf Course. The Pangs formed alliances to challenge rivals.
Consider the markets of Yuen Long and Tai Po. These were built by the Tangs. They greatly contributed to the development of the New Territories. The Man Clan, at its peak, owned 40 million square feet of land in Lok Ma Chau. The Liu Clan dressed as ghosts to spook the Kans. This forced them to relocate. The Hau Clan secured compensation for ancestral land lost to the Fanling Golf Course.
Ha Pang Teng reminds us of these clans. It illustrates their struggles. It embodies their triumphs. It allows us to reflect on their lasting impact. It is a testament to their enduring legacy.
The story of the Pang Clan is just one chapter. It is a chapter in the larger story of Hong Kong’s New Territories. It is a region shaped by powerful families. It is a region rich in history.