“Remember Hung Leng Tau” my grandfather used to say, a wistful look in his eyes. Let me tell you about this village of Hong Kong, nestled in Fanling. It has a story etched in time.
Hung Leng Tau was once a Punti walled village. The Hau clan, its founders, first called it Kuk Fung Leng. Imagine the bustling life within those walls, a community thriving for generations.
But Hung Leng Tau is also tied to the story of the Sha Tau Kok Railway. This railway operated from 1911 to 1928. The Hung Leng station was opened on December 21, 1911. It was a vital stop on the line.
Consider the journey. From Fanling, the train would chug along. It would pass through Hung Leng, Wo Hang, and Shek Chung before reaching Sha Tau Kok. The whole trip took about 55 minutes. This railway was the first mass transit system for the northeastern New Territories.
The Hung Leng station itself was a simple structure. It was built in a Chinese rural style. Minimal decorations adorned the building. Inside were five rooms. There was a ticket office, waiting rooms, and even toilets.
The railway’s lifespan was short. In 1924, the Hong Kong government extended the road to Sha Tau Kok. Suddenly, motor buses offered a faster alternative. The railway closed in 1928. The Hung Leng station was then handed over to the government. It was once used as a store by the Highways Department.
Today, the former Hung Leng station is a Grade III historic building. Its simple design speaks to a bygone era. It serves as a reminder of the early days of transportation in Hong Kong.
But there’s more to Hung Leng than just the station. The Hung Shing Temple stands as another testament to the village’s history. It was likely built in 1763. This temple became the heart of the Four Yeuk. This alliance consisted of Loi Tung, Lung Yeuk Tau, Lin Ma Hang, and Tan Chuk Hang. The Hung Shing Temple of Hung Leng is also listed as a Grade III historic building.
As you stand here at Hung Leng Tau, remember its layers of history. Picture the walled village. Imagine the trains chugging along the tracks. Consider the temple bells ringing. Hung Leng Tau is more than just a place. It is a story waiting to be told.