Ping Shan Heritage Trail 屏山文物徑 is little known to most. Moreover, this trail is far from the bustling cities, located at Yuen Long where most tourists may find it too cumbersome or far to travel to. But for those who would like to have a glimpse of history will find it worthwhile. The Ping Shan Heritage Trail will take you as far back to the Yuan dynasty (1271–1368) where you learn about the way of life and admire the architecture of the Tang people.
Our starting point of the Trail, after exiting the MRT station was the Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (聚星樓). After getting down the Escalator, cross the road and look for a stairs.
At the end of the stairs, you will see the pagoda.
Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (聚星樓)
Opening Hours: 0900 to 1300, 1400; Closed on Tuesdays, New Year’s Day, the first three days of the Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Website: http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/ce/Museum/Monument/en/monuments_75.php
The pagoda was built to improve the feng shui and to ensure clan members to succeed in the Imperial Civil Service Examinations. It was built more than 600 years ago by the seventh generation ancestor, Tang Yin-tung.
At the right of the stairs, is the path leading to the next site.
At the end of the path, before the TWG Hs. Kwok Yat Wai College, turn left and soon you spot a pond.
A signage will seen directing visitor to both the Shrine of the Earth God and Sheung Cheung Wai
Shortly after the signage, you will soon see the Shrine of the Earth God (社壇).
Shrine of the Earth God (社壇)
The purpose of this shrine was to protect the villagers.
Now, you need to turn left into Shueng Cheung Wai Village. It is a little confusing here. You will see a big heavy vehicle parking space. Don’t walk towards that area.
Instead, look for the “華嫂冰室” yellow signage and turn into the lane on the left (facing the signage). It will lead you into Sheung Cheung Wai Village (上璋圍).
Shortly, you will meet the Old Well (古井).
Sheung Cheung Wai Village (上璋圍)
Old Well (古井)
The well was the main drinking source back then. The exact date could not be established, probably was built more than 200 years ago.
Continue with the path that was around the well. It will lead you to Yeung Hau Temple (楊侯古廟).
Yeung Hau Temple (楊侯古廟)
One of the six temples in Yuen Long dedicated to the deity of Hau Wong (Emperor Hau). The simple structure is divided into three bays housing the statues of Hau Wong (centre), To Tei (the Earth God) and Kam Fa (patron saint of expectant mothers).
Enter the village, soon you will see Yan Tun Kong Study Hall (仁敦岡書室).
Yan Tun Kong Study Hall (仁敦岡書室)
Hang Tau Tsuen, Ping Shan, Yuen Long
Opening Hours: 0900 to 1300, 1400; Closed on Tuesdays, New Year’s Day, the first three days of the Chinese New Year, Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Its alias “Yin Yik Tong”. The study hall was built to educate the clan youngsters; to prepare them for the Imperial Civil Service Examinations. It was later used as a teaching facilities for the village children.
Navigate through the village and soon you will reach Mrs Tang Cafe (華嫂冰室). It was the recipient of “OpenRice (Hong Kong) Best Restaurant Awards 2015”. A pity it wasn’t open on the we were there.
Han Tau Tsuen (坑頭村)
And now you are at Hang Tau Tsuen Village (坑頭村) where the Tang Ancestral Hall and Yi Kiu Ancestral Hall were located.
Turn left at Mrs Tang Cafe and you should be seeing 2 ancient building side by side. Facing the buildings, left is Tang Ancestral Hall (鄧氏宗祠) while right is Yi Kiu Ancestral Hall (愈喬二公祠).
Tang Ancestral Hall
Opening Hours: Daily 0900 to 1300, 1400 to 1700; Closed on the first three days of the Chinese New Year
This is the main ancestral hall of the Tang clan. Based on Tang clan’s record, it was constructed by the clan’s 5th generation, Tang Fung-shun, about 700 years ago, in the 12th century.
You will be able to spot auspicious Chinese motifs such as the Shiwan dragon-fish and pottery unicorns decorating the main ridges and roofs
It is now used as a meeting place for the Tang clan of Ping Shan
Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall
Opening Hours: Daily 0900 to 1300, 1400 to 1700; Closed on the first three days of the Chinese New Year
Constructed by two 11th generation brothers of the Tang Clan: Tang Sai-yin (alias Yu-sing) and Tang Sai-chiu (alias Kiu-lum) in the 16th century, the Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall has a similar structure to the Tang Ancestral Hall with 3 halls and 2 courtyards.
Beside being an ancestral hall, it is also a teaching hall for educating the children at Ping Shan.
After exiting the ancestral hall, walk towards the food stall and turn left after the last stall.
Hang Mei Tsuen (坑尾村)
Walk straight and soon you will reach Kun Ting Study Hall (觀廷書室) and Ching Shu Hin (清書軒). Both are side by side. And now you are at Hang Mei Tsuen (坑尾村).
Kun Ting Study Hall
Opening Hours: Daily 0900 to 1300, 1400 to 1700; Closed on the first three days of the Chinese New Year
In commemoration of Tang Heung-chuen’s father, Tang Kun-ting, he built the Kun Ting Study Hall in 1870.
The study hall was once used as the police station and the land office by the British when they occupied the New Territories in 1899.
Ching Shu Hin (清書軒)
Opening Hours: 0900 to 1300, 1400 t; Closed on the first three days of the Chinese New Year
Ching Shu Hin was a guesthouse for prominent visitors and scholars. It is a two storey L-shaped building next to Kun Ting Study Hall.
Since it is a guesthouse, you will a kitchen and a bathroom within the premise.
Exit the monument, cross Ping Ha Road for Shut Hing Study Hall (which we missed out) and turn left for Hung Shing Temple (洪聖宫)
Hung Shing Temple (洪聖宫)
The temple is dedicated to worship Hung Hei, governor of Kwong Lee (Guangli), built by the Tang Clan in Dinghai (1767) during the Qianlong reign of the Qing dynasty (1644-1911).
Last stop will be the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre. Walk past a park and turn left at the end. Follow the uphill and soon you will be there.
Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre
Opening Hours: Daily 1000 to 1800 (Mar to Sep); 1000 to 1700 (Oct to Feb); Closed on Mondays (except Public Holidays) and the first two days of the Chinese New Year
The sole colonial building was formerly the Old Ping Shan Police Station constructed in 1899.
Some of the exhibits available are the various ritual, the way of life and its equipment and tools used by the Tang Clan of Ping Shan.
Since it is suited on a hill top, you could have an overview of Yuen Long. A glimpse of the cemetery is possible too.
Ping Shan Heritage Trail
Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre
Hang Tau Tsuen, Ping Shan, Yuen Long, New Territories
Tel: +852 2617 1959
Website: http://www.amo.gov.hk/en/pingshan.php
How to get there?
By MTR: Tai Shui Wai station (Exit E3)
MTR Light Rail: 610, 614, 615, 751, 751P
MTR Bus: K65
KMB: 53, 276
Green Minibus: 33, 34, 35
When to go?
Suitable for all year round
Link to check out before you go:
Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre by Antiquities and Monuments Office