Few places in Hong Kong whisper tales quite like Lung Hau Kok. Here at Lung Hau Kok, we stand at a point where history and mystery converge. It is a place whose story is interwoven with legacy.
Lung Hau Kok finds itself connected to the broader narrative of the Tang clan. The Tang clan originated from Jishui. This is in Jiangxi province. They assert the strongest claim to royal lineage. They trace their descent back to a princess of the Song dynasty.
The princess sought refuge in the south. She married Tang Wai-kap of Kam Tin. Their eldest son’s descendants eventually moved to Lung Yeuk Tau. This occurred at the end of the Yuan dynasty. As the clan prospered, they branched out. They established the Five Wais and Six Tsuens.
The Five Wais are Lo Wai, Ma Wat Wai, Wing Ning Wai, Tung Kok Wai also known as Ling Kok Wai, and San Wai also called Kun Lung Wai. The Six Tsuens are Ma Wat Tsuen, Wing Ning Tsuen also called Tai Tang, Tsz Tong Tsuen, San Uk Tsuen, Siu Hang Tsuen, and Kun Lung Tsuen.
Consider Tung Kok Wai. It is also known as the Eastern Walled Village. Tang Lung-kong established it. He was the 13th generation ancestor and lived from 1363 to 1421. The village boasts a history spanning over 600 years. Its name reflects its location east of the Lung Yeuk Tau area.
Tung Kok Wai was strategically built on a raised platform. This was a defense against flooding. Houses within the village are arranged in four rows. They predominantly face northwest. Originally, a moat and grey brick walls enclosed the village. Watchtowers stood at each of the four corners. A shrine marked the end of the main alley. Today, only the entrance tower and sections of the enclosing walls remain. The existing entrance tower underwent reconstruction in 1953.
Inside the tower, you can find four red sandstone column bases. Two large granite square blocks also sit there. Local legend says that these remnants belong to a temple. This temple was supposedly erected around the time the village was constructed.
The Tang clan continues to observe traditional village customs. These include communal worship in spring and autumn. They celebrate the Tin Hau Festival. A lantern-lighting ceremony is held for newborn boys. This occurs on the 15th day of the first lunar month. An ancestral worship ceremony and vegetarian feast take place on the first day of the second lunar month. Every decade, the Jiao Festival is celebrated. This is known as the Purest Sacrifice Celebrated for Great Peace.
The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail links built heritage sites. It situates them within easy walking distance. The trail offers a chance to learn about traditional life in Lung Yeuk Tau. It makes for a convenient half-day excursion.
Lung Hau Kok stands as a testament to Hong Kong’s rich heritage. It reminds us that every corner holds stories waiting to be discovered. The area around Lung Hau Kok offers us a glimpse into the past.