Hidden amongst the hills of Yuen Long, Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen whispers tales of resilience. Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen is a historic walled village. It stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Hu clan. They, along with the Yeung and Yip families, call this village home. Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen’s history stretches back to the Ming Dynasty. The Hu ancestors, originally from Guangdong, journeyed through Sam Shui and Lau Fau Shan before finally settling here.
The village itself is a fascinating blend of old and new. Four rows of tightly packed houses, facing north, form the heart of Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen. The village gate, a sturdy structure bearing the inscription “Wooden Bridge Forever Solid, Bridge Wood Long Spring,” stands as a guardian. Two circular gun ports hint at a time when defense was paramount. At the center of Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen lie the ancestral hall and the Fuk Tak Shrine, where villagers gather for ceremonies and festivals. Interestingly, the village once boasted a feng shui pond. This pond was filled in 1996, replaced by a playground and basketball court. These now serve as the new social hub of Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen.
Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen’s story isn’t without its share of drama. The village has witnessed disputes, feuds, and even police investigations. In 1960, a clash with the neighboring Tin Sam Village erupted over feng shui and village boundaries. This resulted in a brawl involving hundreds of villagers, leading to injuries and a police intervention. More recently, in 2018, a case of animal cruelty shook the community. A dog owner, overwhelmed by work, neglected his two dogs. This resulted in their severe injuries and his subsequent arrest.
Despite these challenges, Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen remains a vibrant community, deeply rooted in tradition. Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen continues to participate in the Tin Hau Festival. They even faced the potential disruption of their pig farm due to government development plans. This resilience is a defining characteristic of Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen. It’s a village that has faced adversity and emerged stronger, its stories etched into the very stones of its buildings.