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With the full support of the Tang clan in Ping Shan, the Tang Ancestral Hall, Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall and Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda in Ping Shan, Yuen Long are gazetted as historical buildings under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance (Chapter 53) today (December 14).
The three buildings situated along the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, which was the first of its kind in Hong Kong inaugurated on December 12, 1993, are elegant historical buildings of the Tang clan in Ping Shan.
The Tang Ancestral Hall is the main ancestral hall of the Tang clan of Ping Shan where it is embraced by three Wais (walled villages) and six Tsuens (villages), which include Sheung Cheung Wai, Kiu Tau Wai, Fui Sha Wai, Hang Tau Tsuen, Hang Mei Tsuen, Tong Fong Tsuen, Ping Shan San Tsuen, Hung Uk Tsuen and San Hei Tsuen. According to clan records, the Ancestral Hall was constructed by Tang Fung-shun, the fifth generation ancestor of the Tang clan, about 700 years ago.
The Tang Ancestral Hall, a magnificent three-hall structure with two internal courtyards, is one of the finest examples of traditional Chinese ancestral halls in Hong Kong. It is fronted by two drum terraces. On each terrace, there are two columns made of granite and sandstone respectively to support the roof. One of the unusual features of the Ancestral Hall is that it has no threshold at the main entrance. The elevated red pathway in the front courtyard indicates that the clan had held some high-ranking positions in the Imperial Government in the past.
The wooden brackets and beams of the three halls are elegantly carved with auspicious Chinese motifs. The main ridges and roofs are decorated with fine Shiwan dragon-fish and pottery unicorn. Ancestral tablets are placed at the altar at the rear hall.
The Tang Ancestral Hall underwent a major restoration between 1990 and 1991 with funds from the Tang clan. It is still used regularly for worshipping purposes and celebrations of traditional festivals and ceremonies, as well as being a meeting place of the clan.
The Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall is situated immediately to the south of the Tang Ancestral Hall, between Hang Tau Tsuen and Hang Mei Tsuen. It was constructed in the early sixteenth century by two eleventh generation brothers: Tang Sai-yin (alias Yu-sing) and Tang Sai-chiu (alias Kiu-lum).
Apart from serving as an ancestral hall, the building was used as a teaching hall for youngsters of Ping Shan. From 1931 to 1961, it was occupied by the Tat Tak Primary School.
The layout and design of the Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall is identical to the adjacent Tang Ancestral Hall. It comprises three halls and two internal courtyards. The last major renovation of the building probably took place during the Guangxu reign (1875-1908) of Qing dynasty as indicated by the engraved characters on the stone tablet above the main entrance. Most of the original structure and features of the building remain intact. After that, several repairs have been undertaken to the Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall, including a repair carried out in 1995 by the clan.
The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (Pagoda of Gathering Stars), situated at the north of Sheung Cheung Wai, is the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong. According to the genealogy of the Tang clan of Ping Shan, the pagoda was built by Tang Yin-tung, the seventh generation ancestor, more than 600 years ago.
Pagodas were traditionally Buddhist structures to honour respectful Buddhist monks although they were later used to improve the fung shui of a particular locality. According to the Tang clan of Ping Shan, the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda was originally situated at the mouth of a river facing Deep Bay. It was intended as a fung shui structure designed to ward off evil spirits from the north and to prevent flooding disasters. The pagoda and the pond in front symbolize an ink brush and ink respectively denoting scholarship. Furthermore, it was believed that its auspicious location, which is in alignment with Castle Peak, would ensure success for clan members in the Imperial Civil Service Examination. In fact, the Tang clan has produced numerous scholars and officials.
The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda, a hexagon-shaped pagoda, is a three-storeyed green-brick structure of about thirteen metres high. A statue of Fui Shing (Champion Star), believed to be a deity in control of success and failure in examinations, is worshipped on the top floor. Auspicious titles were inscribed on each storey outside the pagoda. They are, in descending order from the top floor, "Over the Milky Way", "Pagoda of Gathering Stars" and "Light Shines Straight Onto the Dippers and the Enclosures".
Visitors are welcome to these three historical buildings. The opening hours of the Tang Ancestral Hall and the Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall are from 9 am to 5 pm daily except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the first three days of Lunar New Year when the buildings are closed. The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda opens from 9 am to 1 pm and 2 pm to 5 pm daily except Tuesdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and the first three days of Lunar New Year when the building is closed.
End/Friday, December 14, 2001
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