Ma Tseuk Leng

Hidden in the Sha Tau Kok area of Hong Kong lies Ma Tseuk Leng. It’s more than just a name on a map. Ma Tseuk Leng is a place where time seems to slow down. It whispers stories of Hakka traditions and echoes with the footsteps of generations past. Ma Tseuk Leng is actually comprised of two villages: Ma Tseuk Leng Sheung (Upper Ma Tseuk Leng) and Ma Tseuk Leng Ha (Lower Ma Tseuk Leng). Within Ma Tseuk Leng Ha, you’ll find Ma Tseuk Leng San Uk Ha, a historic Hakka walled village. Imagine stepping back in time as you explore its fortified walls, a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the Hakka people. Ma Tseuk Leng Sheung holds a unique history. Originally inhabited by nine clans, only five remain: the Tsang, Yeung, Yau, Mo, and Lee. The Tsang and Yeung were the first to settle in the village, arriving in 1655 from Changle in Guangdong province. Their roots intertwine with other Tsang clans in Sam A Tsuen and Lai Chi Wo, creating a web of interconnected history across the region. Ma Tseuk Leng also played a role in coastal defense. In 1668, after the ban on coastal settlement was lifted, a network of fortified mounds was established. Ma Tseuk Leng housed one of these mounds, manned by fifty soldiers, protecting the area between present-day Sha Tau Kok and Fan Ling. The village was also part of a larger alliance called a *yeuk*, a pact of mutual aid and support with neighboring villages like Yim Tso Ha, Wu Shek Kok, and Au Ha. This alliance speaks volumes about the community spirit that thrived in this remote corner of Hong Kong. As you stand in Ma Tseuk Leng, take a moment to appreciate the layers of history beneath your feet. From ancient clans to military fortifications, the stories of Ma Tseuk Leng offer a glimpse into a rich and fascinating past.