Hidden within the bustling cityscape of Chai Wan stands Law Uk Folk Museum. It’s a time capsule, a testament to a bygone era. Law Uk, meaning “House of the Law family,” offers a glimpse into the lives of the Hakka people who once thrived in this area. The Law family, originally rice farmers from Bao’an County in Guangdong province, built this house over 200 years ago. Can you imagine them arriving in a then-barren Chai Wan, part of a group of 300 Hakka individuals establishing a new village? Law Uk is the last remaining vestige of that village, the only Hakka house left intact in Chai Wan. Declared a monument in 1989, Law Uk tells a story of resilience. It survived a Japanese shell during World War II, a testament to its sturdy construction. The house embodies the “three-jian, two-lang” Hakka architectural style, symmetrical and simple. A central main hall forms the heart of the house. A light well, essential for illumination in a house with few windows (built to deter pirates and robbers), sits between the front door and the main hall. Lofted bedrooms, a storeroom, and a kitchen flank the light well, creating a compact and efficient living space. Imagine the family gathered in the forecourt, drying laundry and grain, sharing stories and laughter. Today, Law Uk Folk Museum has been carefully restored and furnished with period furniture and implements. It allows visitors to step back in time and experience a traditional Hakka lifestyle. The museum showcases not only the house itself but also the history of Chai Wan and the Hakka customs through informative displays. Law Uk is a poignant reminder of a vanished community. It is a precious link to Hong Kong’s rich cultural heritage.
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