Ho Chung Valley

Did the five tiger spirits of Ho Chung Valley ever truly roam these lands? Here in Ho Chung Valley, nestled in the Sai Kung Peninsula, whispers of this legend still echo. Ho Chung Valley, a place steeped in over 400 years of history, boasts a rich tapestry of traditions and tales. The village, divided by the Ho Chung River into old and new settlements, faces modern challenges, yet its vibrant past remains palpable. One of Hong Kong’s oldest temples, the Che Kung Temple, stands proudly here. This temple, predating the Sha Tin Che Kung Temple by roughly 200 years, is intertwined with the legend of the “Five Tigers from the Mountains”. Local lore describes five mountains surrounding Ho Chung, resembling crouching tigers. These tigers, embodying fierce energy, threatened the village’s harmony. The protective Pig Hill, or Chu Shan, stood as a barrier, shielding Ho Chung from their malevolent influence. Marshal Che Kung, arriving during the waning years of the Southern Sung Dynasty, brought healing to the ailing villagers. After his passing, the Che Kung Temple was erected in his honor. It also served as a spiritual bulwark against the menacing tiger spirits. A curious tale follows the temple’s completion. Villagers, feeling the Marshal needed a steed, placed a white stone horse outside. Strange occurrences followed. Prosperous harvests turned meager. Crops were mysteriously trampled, marked by unexplained hoof prints. This continued for three years, baffling the villagers. A feng shui master was summoned. He declared the white horse’s spirit to be the source of the troubles. The villagers buried the horse. Then they placed a large incense burner atop the burial site to suppress the spirit’s restless energy. Peace and bountiful harvests returned to Ho Chung Valley. The truth of the white horse remains buried, both literally and figuratively. A scholar’s attempt to excavate the site was met with fierce resistance. The legend endures, adding a layer of mystique to this historic valley. As you stand here, in Ho Chung Valley, can you feel the echoes of the past? Can you sense the watchful eyes of the five tigers, held at bay by the enduring spirit of Marshal Che Kung?