Address | Ha Tsuen Shi, Yuen Long.
Year Built | Tang Ancestral Hall - 1750
Monument Rating | Ancestral Hall Compound -Declared Monument
Photo | Wong Wai Kit, Juno Fok
The Tang clan is one of the five big families of the New Territories. Their clansmen are scattered in many villages, in which a considerable number have settled in Yuen Long Ha Tsuen where a grand Tang Ancestral Hall was built. This ancestral hall, along with adjoining guesthouse and school, was declared as a monument in 2007, and is now restored to its former glory.
During the Hongwu years of the Ming Dynasty, Tang Hung Chi and Tang Hung Wai, the ninth generation ancestors of Kam Tin Tang clan, moved to Ha Tsuen and settled in Tung Tau Lane (now Tung Tau Tsuen) and Sai Tau Lane (now Tseung Kong Wai) respectively. Their descendants joined hands to build an ancestral hall in between the two villages in memory of both ancestors. They named it "Yau Kung Tong”, meaning “the elder brother is admirable while the younger brother respect him”. They proliferated and moved to Shek Kong Wai, Shek Kong Tsuen, Law Uk Tsuen, Hong Mei Tsuen, San Wai and San Uk Tsuen, forming a tremendous township.
The Tang Ancestral Hall by the market
In the past, Ha Tsuen was a thriving village by the sea, facing the channel between Deep Bay (Hau Hoi Wan) and Castle Peak Bay. During Qianlong Reign of the Qing Dynasty, the Tang clansmen setup a bazaar here, named "Ha Tsuen Market”. A pier was built to attract villagers nearby and merchants along the coast of South China to trade there. In the early 20th century, a new market appeared in Yuen Long. Together with the silted up riverbed due to the bund construction in Tin Shui Wai, Ha Tsuen Market could no longer survive. All remaining now is the old gatehouse, a few alleys and the Kwan Tei Temple.
In the 18th century, clansman Tang Chok Tai returned from Jiangxi after finishing his study in geomantic omen (the science of fung shui). He discovered that meandering ridges of Ha Tsuen resemble a rare majestic dragon. The environment carries a lively ambience as the river-mouth lagoons gently join the sea. Hence, he recommended to build an ancestral hall, as it will bring prosperity to future generations of the Tang clan. Subsequently, in the Gengwu year of Qianlong Reign (1750) of the Qing Dynasty, the three-hall style Tang Ancestral Hall was completed, with the centre of the shrine dedicated to the two cousins who first settled in Ha Tsuen, while Wong Koo (a Southern Song Princess) is also venerated here.
Guesthouse and Yau Kung School
On the left side of the Tang Ancestral Hall, there are several buildings which were built in the 1920s, including guest rooms and a lounge (now called the Guesthouse), as well as Yau Kung School. As the number of students increased, a new campus was built in San Sang Tsuen in 1964. Since 1996, it has been closed down due to lack of admission. After the old campus at the rear of the ancestral hall has been restored by the Antiquities and Monuments Office, it is now returned to the Yau Kung School Alumni Association as their site. With the display of old photographs, people can indulge a bit in reminiscing the good old days.
