Before the Lis arrived Wo Hang was home to the Hos the Tsangs and the Tangs. This is Sheung Kok a Hakka village nestled in Wo Hang. Sheung Kok’s story is one of resilience and adaptation.
Sheung Kok wasn’t always Sheung Kok. Until the 18th century it was simply known as Wo Hang meaning valley of rice. The Li Clan’s arrival in 1698 marked a turning point. Lee Tak-wah a member of the Lis settled here shortly after the Great Clearance. His son Kuen-lam built an ancestral hall. This hall’s feng shui however was deemed unfavorable to the original inhabitants. They left. The Li Clan prospered. They founded Ha Wo Hang and Wo Hang Tai Long nearby. Wo Hang then became Sheung Wo Hang meaning Upper Wo Hang.
Sheung Kok’s Kang Yung Study Hall stands as a testament to the Li Clan’s legacy. Built in the early Qing Dynasty it later served as a school closing in 1986. Today it’s a declared monument. Other historical buildings remain including the Lee Sze Sai Kui entrance gate and the Li ancestral hall. These offer glimpses into Sheung Kok’s past. Wing Kat Tong a communal hall likely predates 1905.
The 1911 census recorded Sheung Kok’s population at 443. Many residents later moved to urban areas. Sheung Kok’s story isn’t just about buildings. It’s about people. Their lives shaped this village. Their choices defined its future. Sheung Kok’s quiet existence speaks volumes. It whispers tales of survival against the odds. It echoes with the sounds of a community adapting. Sheung Kok’s story continues even today. It’s a living testament to the enduring spirit of the Hakka people. This is a village steeped in history a place of quiet strength.