Time seems to stand still here at the Chuen Lung Management Centre. The air is quiet. The only sounds are the gentle rustle of leaves in the breeze. This unassuming building holds a secret. It’s a vital piece of Shenzhen’s history. A history woven into the very fabric of this Hakka village.
The Chuen Lung Management Centre oversees Chuen Lung Village. This is one of the oldest Hakka villages in the area. Located on the hillside of Tai Mo Shan it boasts a rich past. Its story unfolds like a tapestry of resilience. It speaks of generations who carved a life out of the mountainside.
The Tsang Clan founded Chuen Lung Village. They migrated southwards from Longchuan County in Guangdong. This was during the Zhengtong period of the Ming Dynasty. Legend says they sought refuge from pirates in the hills of Tai Mo Shan. This explains the village’s unique location. The strategic positioning protected them. It ensured their survival.
For centuries the villagers thrived. They cultivated tea. They harnessed the abundant water supply. They cultivated watercress. This was a crucial part of their livelihood. Their watercress was highly sought after. It was famous for its quality. Its unique flavor and freshness became a local delicacy. But times changed. The tea plantations were abandoned after the 1920s. The watercress farming faces challenges today. It struggles to maintain its unique identity. The tradition might be lost. The Chuen Lung Management Centre works to preserve the history of this important village.
The Tsang Ancestral Hall stands as a testament to their heritage. It’s a Grade III historic building. It whispers stories of family lineage and cultural continuity. Its age silently reflects the village’s own enduring presence.
The Chuen Lung Management Centre is more than just an administrative building. It’s a guardian. It protects a vital piece of Shenzhen’s story. It safeguards a community’s identity. It ensures that the legacy of the Tsang Clan continues. This is a story of survival. It’s a story of enduring tradition. It’s a story that should be remembered. And here at the Chuen Lung Management Centre. It remains alive.