Deep within the Yuen Long District, a village whispers tales of ancestors and alliances. This is Tung Tau Tsuen. Tung Tau Tsuen was once known as Chan Lok Li Tsuen. Let’s journey back in time to uncover its secrets.
Tung Tau Tsuen’s story begins in the 17th century. Members of the Chan, Lok, and Li clans established it. These clans hailed from Dongguan. They shaped this village into what we see today. Tung Tau Tsuen means “East Head Village”. It earned this name because of its location east of the old Yuen Long Kau Hui market.
Did you know Tung Tau Tsuen isn’t just an isolated village? It’s part of the Tung Tau alliance. This alliance is also known as the “Joint Meeting Group of Seven Villages”. Nam Pin Wai, Choi Uk Tsuen, Ying Lung Wai, Shan Pui Tsuen, Wong Uk Tsuen and Tai Wai Tsuen also belong to this alliance. They work together sharing resources. The Yi Shing Temple in Wong Uk Tsuen serves as their alliance temple.
Once, a church stood here in Tung Tau Tsuen. The Ss. Peter and Paul Church was originally built here in 1925. In 1958, it was moved and rebuilt. Now, it stands on Castle Peak Road in Yuen Long near Shui Pin Tsuen.
Tung Tau Tsuen in Ha Tsuen, Yuen Long District also has a story. During the Hungwu reign of the Ming Dynasty, the Tang clans saw the potential of this place. They wanted to use it as markets and places of producing fish and salt. Tang Hung Wai and Tang Hung Chih built two villages. Those two villages were, Tseung Kong Wai and Tung Tau Tsuen.
The Yeung Hau Temple is in the north-eastern corner of Tung Tau Tsuen in Ha Tsuen. The local Tang clan of Tung Tau Sam Tsuen built it. Tung Tau Sam Tsuen means “three villages in the east”. These villages are Tung Tau Tsuen, Lo Uk Tsuen and Hong Mei Tsuen. The temple honors Marquis Yang Liangjie. He sacrificed himself to protect the last emperors of the Southern Song dynasty. People worshiped him as Yeung Hau.
The Tangs believe the temple is over 200 years old. An inscription says that the temple was built before 1811. Yeung Hau Temple was originally a two-hall structure with a courtyard. Later, they roofed the courtyard and turned it into an incense tower. Red sandstone makes up the drum platforms and stone columns. These features are common in traditional Chinese buildings. Inside, you’ll find altars for Hau Wong, Lady Kam Fa and Earth God. Exquisite woodcarvings and murals with Chinese designs adorn the temple.
An annex was built for Wang Lairen. He was a governor during the Qing dynasty. He pleaded for the repeal of the Evacuation Edict. Yeung Hau Temple was declared a monument in November 1988.
As we conclude our visit to Tung Tau Tsuen, remember the stories woven into its very foundation. From the clans that shaped its identity to the alliances that fortified its strength, Tung Tau Tsuen stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of community and heritage in Hong Kong.