Ready to explore a village frozen in time? We are standing before Tsing Chuen Wai. It whispers tales of clan wars and protective walls.
Tsing Chuen Wai means “green bricks walled village”. This name reveals a key part of its history. The village was indeed enclosed by walls made of green bricks.
Let’s journey back about 300 years. The To Clan established Tsing Chuen Wai. They sought a safe haven. They first came from Poyang in Jiangxi. Some say they came from Watlam in Guangxi.
Originally, Tsing Chuen Wai was called Mak Yuen Wai. That means “Walled Village of Barley Farm”. Imagine fields of wheat surrounding this very spot. The name changed to Tsing Chuen Wai. This happened because of the green brick walls.
These walls weren’t just for show. The To Clan had conflicts with the Tang Clan of Ping Shan. Attacks against Tsing Chuen Wai were common. Watchmen stood guard in watchtowers. They risked their lives to protect the village. Legend says watchmen died defending Tsing Chuen Wai. Yet the Tangs never breached its walls.
Sadly, the enclosing walls and watchtowers are gone. They were torn down in the 1960s. Only a portion of the original green-brick wall remains. You can see it at the main entrance.
Even today, Tsing Chuen Wai is a recognised village. It falls under the Small House Policy of the New Territories. It is one of 36 villages in the Tuen Mun Rural Committee.
Inside Tsing Chuen Wai, villagers worship Tin Hau. They also honour Kwan Tai. They even pay respect to a Qing official in the village shrine.
Interestingly, a map from 1866 shows Tsing Chuen Wai. It’s labelled on the “Map of the San-On District” by Simeone Volonteri. This shows how long this village has been here.
Tsing Chuen Wai stands as a reminder of Hong Kong’s past. It reminds us of clan rivalries. It also shows the importance of community. As you leave, remember the green brick walls. They once stood tall protecting the villagers of Tsing Chuen Wai.