Dragons and crouching tigers adorn Kiu Tau Wai in my imagination. Kiu Tau Wai is a walled village. It sits in Ping Shan, Yuen Long District, Hong Kong.
Kiu Tau Wai stands as one of the three “wais”. These walled villages formed by the Tang Clan of Ping Shan. The others are Sheung Cheung Wai and Fui Sha Wai. The Tang Clan also established six “tsuens” or villages. These include Hang Tau Tsuen and Hang Mei Tsuen. Also Tong Fong Tsuen, San Tsuen, Hung Uk Tsuen and San Hei Tsuen.
Stepping back, imagine Kiu Tau Wai in 1911. The census recorded a population of 152. Seventy-one of them were male.
Kiu Tau Wai holds recognition under the New Territories Small House Policy. It is one of 37 villages. These villages are represented within the Ping Shan Rural Committee.
Consider the legacy of the Tang Clan. They shaped this land. Kiu Tau Wai is more than walls. It embodies history and heritage. It links to the Ping Shan Heritage Trail. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail includes several declared monuments. There are graded buildings. These landmarks enrich the cultural tapestry of the region.
Note that the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre opened in 2007. It is housed in the Old Ping Shan Police Station.
The Tang Ancestral Hall is one of the largest ancestral halls in the territory. Tang Fung-shun built it about 700 years ago. He was the fifth generation ancestor of Tang Clan.
Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall sits adjacent to Tang Ancestral Hall. Two eleventh generation brothers of the Tang clan of Ping Shan built it. They were Tang Sai-yin and Tang Sai-chiu.
See Sheung Cheung Wai near Kiu Tau Wai. It was built about 200 years ago. A line of the Tang Clan branched out from nearby Hang Tau Tsuen.
The Ping Shan Heritage Trail connects these historic sites. It guides us through time. It allows us to understand the area’s rich history.
Kiu Tau Wai stands as a testament to resilience. It is a legacy etched in stone and spirit. It echoes through generations.