Ma Tau Leng

Overlooking the serene landscape, Ma Tau Leng stands as a silent witness to centuries of history. Ma Tau Leng isn’t just a peak; it’s a time capsule. It whispers tales of a bygone era, from the Hakka villages nestled at its foot to the echoes of ancient fortifications. Ma Tau Leng, sometimes spelled Ma Tseuk Leng, is located in Sha Tau Kok in Hong Kong’s North District. The name encompasses several villages, including Ma Tseuk Leng Sheung (Upper Ma Tseuk Leng) and Ma Tseuk Leng Ha (Lower Ma Tseuk Leng). Within Ma Tseuk Leng Ha lies Ma Tseuk Leng San Uk Ha (New Lower Ma Tseuk Leng), a historic Hakka walled village. Ma Tau Leng Sheung, in particular, holds a rich Hakka heritage. Originally inhabited by nine clans, five remain: the Tsang, Yeung, Yau, Mo, and Lee. The Tsang and Yeung clans, the first settlers, arrived in 1655. A fascinating piece of Ma Tau Leng’s history intertwines with the coastal defense of the region. In 1668, when restrictions on coastal settlements were lifted, a network of fortified mounds was established along the Xin’an County border. One of these, the Ma Tseuk Leng Mound, stood between present-day Sha Tau Kok and Fan Ling, manned by 50 soldiers. This mound played a crucial role in safeguarding the area. In 1682, these defensive units were reorganized and staffed by the Green Standard Army. By 1688, Ma Tseuk Leng, along with Man Uk Pin, were recognized as the established villages in the area. They were primarily small agricultural settlements. These villages, including Ma Tseuk Leng (upper and lower), Yim Tso Ha, Wu Shek Kok, and Au Ha, formed a ‘yeuk’, a mutual-aid alliance. This alliance ensured the communities supported each other, a testament to their resilience. The Tsang clan’s presence is marked by two ancestral halls in Ma Tseuk Leng Sheung. One, built in the 19th century, stands as a testament to their enduring heritage, having been rebuilt in 1929 and renovated in 1951. The other, sadly, collapsed before the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong. As you stand upon Ma Tau Leng, imagine the lives lived here, the families who toiled the land, and the soldiers who stood guard. From a strategic military point to a thriving community, Ma Tau Leng’s story is woven into the very fabric of Hong Kong’s history.