Picture this. You stand before Chuen Lung Village. A tranquil haven nestled against the hillside of Tai Mo Shan. This isn’t just any village. It’s a living testament to Hakka heritage. Its history stretches back centuries.
Chuen Lung Village meaning Dragon Stream Village is famous for its tea houses. Choi Lung Restaurant stands out. Enjoy self-serve dim sum there. Sip tea on the roof patio. The village is quiet and peaceful. Trees shade traditional ancestral halls. Explore. Relax. Learn about the local culture.
The Tsang Clan founded Chuen Lung Village. Their ancestors hailed from Longchuan County in Guangdong Province. They migrated south settling in Tsuen Wan. Tsang Tai-cheung led the move to Chuen Lung during the Ming Dynasty. Legend says they sought refuge from pirates on Tai Mo Shan’s slopes.
For years Chuen Lung thrived. Villagers cultivated tea. Hong Kong’s climate favored Camellia sinensis. Tea plantations flourished in the early years. But by the 1920s they were abandoned. Later in the post-war era villagers tried growing watercress. Chuen Lung’s water supply and hilltop temperatures proved ideal. High quality watercress became a local specialty. Even today some villagers grow this crop. It’s harvested around November. But the tradition faces challenges. It is in danger of being lost.
The Tsang Ancestral Hall is a significant structure. Built around the 17th century it’s a Grade III historic building. It stands as a silent observer of Chuen Lung’s history. A reminder of enduring family ties and cultural resilience. Chuen Lung Village is a recognized village under the New Territories Small House Policy. It continues to thrive even as the world around it changes.
Soak up the atmosphere of Chuen Lung Village. Let its quiet charm and rich history captivate you. This little village holds so much more than meets the eye. A hidden treasure waiting to be discovered.