Ng Uk Tsuen

Hidden amidst the vibrant tapestry of Hong Kong lies Ng Uk Tsuen. This unassuming hamlet whispers tales of resilience and tradition. Ng Uk Tsuen, also known as Tai Tseng Ng Uk Tsuen, rests peacefully in Wang Chau, Yuen Long District. Imagine standing before the weathered entrance gate of Ng Uk Tsuen. This gate, erected in 1862, stands as a silent guardian. It once protected the village from pirates and invaders. Notice the niche on the ground floor. It houses a statue of the Earth God, a testament to the villagers’ reverence for the land. Look up and you’ll find a shrine to Kui Xing, the god of literature and official success. Ng Uk Tsuen was founded in 1556 by Ng Kei-cheong. He journeyed from Nanyuan village in Dongguan, seeking a new beginning. The Ng clan thrived as farmers, cultivating the fertile lands around Yuen Long. They also fished and caught crabs in Deep Bay, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of nature. The Great Clearance of the 17th century forced the villagers to abandon their homes. Upon their return, they rebuilt Ng Uk Tsuen, adding a protective wall that has since vanished. Today, remnants of this history still linger. A 2008 survey identified 37 traditional structures within Ng Uk Tsuen. These houses and shrines stand in various states of repair, each whispering its own story. Just beyond the village stands the Tin Hau Temple, built in 1688 and rebuilt in 1981. Ng Uk Tsuen shares this temple and a gods hall in Tai Tseng Wai with the neighboring villages of Tai Tseng Wai and Shing Uk Tsuen. North of the village rises Tai Tseng Shan. This lush, 62-meter tall hill acts as a feng shui wood, believed to protect Ng Uk Tsuen from negative energies. As you leave Ng Uk Tsuen, carry with you the echoes of its past. Remember the resilience of the Ng clan, their deep connection to the land, and the enduring spirit of this hidden Hong Kong gem.