How about a village that turned bad luck into good fortune? That’s the story of Fung Kat Heung. It is a Hakka village near Au Tau in Yuen Long. This isn’t just any village. It’s a place where history and hope intertwine.
Fung Kat Heung is known for a Grade II historic building. Here, Chinese General Shen Hongying sought refuge. He escaped Hong Kong after a defeat in the early Republic of China. He lived in seclusion with his family. To change his fortune, Shen Hongying renamed the village Fung Kat. It means every bit of bad luck turns into good luck.
Step closer to the General’s House. It has stood for nearly 90 years. The house includes three connecting houses. They are the Shum Ancestral Hall, the General’s House, and Hip Wai House. Together, they form a two-story complex rich in history.
Look up at the living room in the General’s House. You can still see four Chinese characters. Li Yuanhong, a Chinese politician, wrote them. They are a testament to the past.
The Shum family still lives in Fung Kat Heung. If you are lucky, you might meet them. They share real stories about these historical figures. Imagine hearing firsthand accounts of the General’s life. These tales bring history to life.
The Shum Residence, also known as Chun Nam Tong, blends Hakka and Western designs. It features a row of three houses separated by courtyards. The General House stands in the middle. The Shum Ancestral Hall is on the right. Hip Wai House is on the left.
Notice the main building. It is a two-story structure. A U-shaped unit of living rooms surrounds a rectangular hall. A courtyard separates it. A staircase in the hall leads to the upper story. A bridge connects it to the rear unit. Verandas adorn both stories of the U-shaped unit.
Green bricks form the walls. They support the pitched roofs of timber and clay tiles. Some roofs are flat concrete. Minimal decoration keeps the focus on the architecture. A name board sits above the entrance. Simple fascia boards and black wall friezes add character.
The General House served as the dining and living area. Shum met friends here. He shared meals with his family. Hip Wai House was Shum’s living quarters. The Shum Ancestral Hall houses soul tablets. The family worships their ancestors here. They make special offerings during festivals. The Dim Dang ritual is still held on the first day of the first lunar month.
Fung Kat Heung offers more than just the General’s House. Miu Kok Yuen, a Buddhist nunnery, is also here. It commemorates those who fought against British colonial rule. The communal grave is the largest in the New Territories. It bears the inscription “Six days of outstanding bravery.”
Fung Kat Heung is a place of transformation. It is a testament to resilience and hope. As you leave, remember the story of General Shen Hongying. Remember how he turned bad luck into good fortune. Carry that spirit with you.