๐๏ธ ใTai Po Tau (ๅคงๅ้ ญ)ใis located north of Tai Wo Estate and right next to the Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong. It sits close to Tai Po Road and the MTR East Rail Line. As one of the five major Tang clan settlements in the New Territories, it boasts a history spanning over 700 years. The Tai Po Tau village cluster is made up of two main areas: Tai Po Tau Village and Tai Po Tau Shui Wai, the latter of which is colloquially known as “Lo Wai” (Old Walled Village).
๐ Basic Information
Category Details ๐ Location Name Tai Po Tau (also known as Tai Po Tau Heung) ๐บ Geographical Location Tai Po District, New Territories, Hong Kong; located north of Tai Wo Estate, northwest of Tai Wo Market, west of Tai Po Old Market, and north of Shek Kwu Lung ๐ Village Structure Split into two sections: Tai Po Tau Village to the north, and Shui Wai (also known as Tai Po Tau Wai) to the south ๐งฌ Clan Background A settlement of the Tang clan, originally tracing back to Kam Tin in Yuen Long as a branch of the Tang Yuen-leung lineage ๐ฅ Population & Community Around 600 residents, belonging to different ancestral trusts (Tang Wai Yeung Tso and Tang Lau Kwong Tong) ๐ฎ Traditional Activities The two villages gather together for the annual autumn ancestral worship and the once-in-a-decade Da Chiu Festival (Tai Ping Ching Chiu) —
๐ Transport
It is highly accessible, sitting close to the Tolo Harbour Highway and Tai Wo Road, and is just a short distance from MTR Tai Wo Station. The area has experienced flooding during heavy rainstorms in the past, highlighting its low-lying terrain and its close connection to the Lam Tsuen River. —
๐บ๏ธ Geographical Location & Evolution
Tai Po Tau is located in Tai Po District, New Territories, situated:
- North of Tai Wo Estate
- West of Tai Po Old Market
- Close to the Lam Tsuen River, Tai Po Road, and the East Rail Line (formerly the Kowloon-Canton Railway)
Originally a stretch of farmland, the area saw massive transformation with the development of the new town. High-rise residential blocks have shot up, and the waterfront area was reclaimed to shape what is now Tai Po New Town. —
๐จโ๐ฉโ๐งโ๐ฆ Tang Clan Culture
The Tang clan of Tai Po Tau established the original Tai Po Market during the Kangxi reign, making it one of the three major market towns in Hong Kong during the early Qing dynasty. Later on, with the development of Tai Wo Town, the original market was gradually superseded. Despite its relatively small population size today, the clan has played a pivotal role in the historical development of the Tai Po area. —
๐ก Village Distribution
Village Name Ancestral Trust Highlights Tai Po Tau Shui Wai / Lo Wai Tang Wai Yeung Tso Formerly known as “Lo Wai”, located near the Lam Tsuen River, and historically featured a protective moat Tai Po Tau Village Tang Lau Kwong Tong Located closer to the hillside, established later as a branch village —
๐ฏ Historical Buildings & Cultural Heritage
- King Law Ka Shuk: A declared monument built in the 13th century, serving as an ancestral hall, a study hall, and a meeting place for clan members.
- Lantern Lighting & Poon Choi Feast: Held annually during the first lunar month, the celebration of newborn boys and the traditional big bowl feast are major festive highlights.
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๐จ๐ปโ๐ซ King Law Ka Shuk
King Law Ka Shuk is an ancestral hall built to honor the Tang clan ancestor, Tang King-law, doubling up as an educational venue and community platform.
- Functions: Ancestral hall, study hall, and clan meeting place
- Activities: Newborn celebratory rituals and Poon Choi feasts are held from the 9th to the 19th day of the first lunar month
- Cultural Significance: Strengthens community bonds and passes down the clan spirit
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๐งฑ Architectural Features & Village Life
- Protective Moat: The village was originally surrounded by a moat. Although it has since been filled in, a small pond is kept as a nod to its history.
- Village Vibe: Villagers used to sell local treats like agar jelly, gelatin desserts, and rice noodle rolls (chee cheong fun). They also worship the Earth God (Tee Hak) and “Tai Wong Yeh,” with annual sacrificial rituals held on the 19th and 20th days of the first lunar month.
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๐ Recommended Exploring Route
- Hong Kong Railway Museum
- Man Mo Temple in Tai Wo Market
- King Law Ka Shuk
- Tai Po Tau Shui Wai
- Island House (Former Residence of the District Commissioner for the New Territories)
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