Chuen Lung Heung Shek

Did Tsang Tai-cheung ever imagine his village would one day be a draw for watercress enthusiasts? Here we are at Chuen Lung Heung Shek, a natural rock formation near the historic Chuen Lung Village. Chuen Lung Village, nestled on the slopes of Tai Mo Shan, is a testament to the resilience of the Hakka people. Founded during the Ming Dynasty by Tsang Tai-cheung, it whispers tales of a bygone era. Originally located in the Tsuen Wan area, the villagers relocated to the hillside, possibly to evade pirates. Imagine their arduous journey up the mountain, seeking refuge amidst the towering trees and rocky terrain. Chuen Lung Heung Shek, this imposing rock we stand before, likely bore witness to their struggles and triumphs. Chuen Lung Village, once known for tea plantations in the late 17th and early 20th centuries, later found prosperity in a more unlikely crop: watercress. In the 1950s, the British Hong Kong government banned watercress farming in urban areas to combat malaria. Some Chuen Lung villagers, seeing an opportunity, began cultivating this aquatic plant. The cool mountain climate and abundant water supply proved ideal. By the 1960s, Chuen Lung watercress had gained renown for its quality. Even today, after the Mid-Autumn Festival around November, the harvest draws diners eager to savor its fresh, peppery taste. Chuen Lung Heung Shek stands as a silent sentinel, watching over this unique agricultural tradition. Sadly, the future of Chuen Lung watercress is uncertain. The aging farmers worry about finding successors to carry on their craft. Let us appreciate this unique legacy while we can. As we gaze at Chuen Lung Heung Shek, let us remember the story of Chuen Lung Village: a tale of resilience, adaptation, and the unexpected bounty of a mountainside.