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Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail, the second heritage trail in the New Territories set up by the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) of the Home Affairs Bureau, is officially opened today (Saturday) to facilitate the appreciation of local traditions, folk culture and historical developments.

Situated northeast of Luen Wo Market in Fanling, Lung Yeuk Tau has been the settlement of the Tang clan since the Southern Song dynasty more than seven hundred years ago. The Trail links up 12 historical buildings, structures and sites that fully reflect the early history and way of life of the earliest inhabitants in the New Territories.

The idea for setting up a heritage trail in this region was initiated by the Antiquities Advisory Board. It was brought to fruition with the support of local residents, particularly members of the Tang clan, the North Provisional District Board, and various government departments, including the Architectural Services Department and North District Office.

The monuments along the trail include Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, Tin Hau Kung, Lo Wai, Ma Wat Wai, San Wai (also known as Kun Lung Wai), Tung Kok Wai, Wing Ning Tsuen, Siu Hang Tseun, Sin Sut Study Hall, Shek Lo, Shung Him Church and some stone tablets.

To tie in with the opening of the trail, a rehabilitation ceremony of Lo Wai is also held today at Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall, Lung Yeuk Tau. Constructed with green bricks with its entrance originally facing north and later re-positioned towards east to benefit from better fung shui, Lo Wai is the first and oldest walled village with a recorded history dating more than seven centuries. Its narrow entrance and gun embrasures were designed to strengthen its defence against aggressors.

Lo Wai is also distinguished from other walled villages by having four raised platforms as part of its enclosing walls to serve as watch towers.

Lo Wai's restoration was funded by a $4 million donation from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust in 1997, undertaken by the Architectural Services Department and supervised by the AMO.

The official opening of Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail and the rehabilitation ceremony for Lo Wai were jointly organised by AMO and the Tang clan, and officiated by the Convenor of the Executive Council, Mr Leung Chun-ying; and the Secretary for Home Affairs, Mr David Lan.

Other officiating guests include Chairman of the Antiquities Advisory Board, Professor David Lung; Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, Mr Vincent Cheng Hoi-chuen; Chairman of the Council of the Lord Wilson Heritage Trust, Mr Edward Ho Sing-tin; Director of Architectural Services, Mr Pau Siu-hung; Director of the Charities and Corporate Secretariat of Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr David P W Yau; Deputy Executive Director of the Hong Kong Tourist Association, Mr Douglas Gautier; Chairman of North Provisional District Board, Mr Tang Kwok-yung; Chairman of Fanling District Rural Committee, Mr Li Kwok-fung; and Head of the Tang clan of Lung Yeuk Tau, Mr Tang Pak-shing.

The trail is expected to lure more visitors to the New Territories from among local residents as well as tourists.

End/Saturday, December 4, 1999

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