Shui Tau Tsuen

Shui Tau Tsuen (simplified Chinese: 水头村; traditional Chinese: 水頭村) is a village in Kam Tin area, Yuen Long District, New Territories, Hong Kong. Kam Tin is the origins of Tang Clan, one of the Great Five Clans of Hong Kong. Shui Tau and Shui Mei Tsuen are famous for their prow-shaped roofs decorated with dragons and carp. The 17th century village is located 15 minutes' walk north of Kam Tin Road.[1]

Chou Wong Yi Kung Study Hall in Shui Tau Tsuen
Cheung Chun Yuen in Shui Tau Tsuen

Historic buildings

The Yi Tai Study Hall, a declared monument, as well as several Grade II and Grade III historic buildings are located in Shui Tau Tsuen. Yi Tai Study Hall used to house two gods by a society organized by 16 renowned members of the local scholar-gentry. It has been used as a venue for educating youths of the villages. The forecourt of Yi Tai Study Hall was paved with white stones, so students who attended the study hall were also known as the "Students of White Stone Lane". White Stone Lane located outside the main entrance. Yi Tai Study Hall was built in a simple but functional style without great ornamental features. It was mainly decorated by leafy and geometric plaster moldings.

Cheung Chun Yuen, one of the Grade I historic buildings in Hong Kong, used to teach the youths about martial arts. Also, it was the only place that taught martial arts in the Kam Tin area in the past. The traditional Chinese education system was imperial examination. Youngsters can attend the examination in order to become Juren. That was the honor to students that passed the imperial examination and serve the Emperor. Successful students can enjoy high social status and gain reputation for themselves. Thus, their family's social position and power can be enhanced. It had become a great concern to the clan that to gain official positions in the government.

The Chou Wong Yi Kung Study Hall is a Grade III historic building. It was erected in 1685 by the Tang Clan, in honour of Chou Yu-te and Wang Lai-jen, two imperial officials whose pleading with the Emperor ended the coastal evacuation, and enabled the inhabitants to return to their homes in 1669.[2]

Transportation

Kowloon Motor Bus (KMB)

  • 54     Yuen Long (West) Bus Terminus - Sheung Tsuen (Circular)
  • 64K   Yuen Long (West) Bus Terminus - Tai Po Market Railway Station
  • 77K   Yuen Long (Fung Cheung Road) Bus Terminus - Sheung Shui Bus Terminus
  • 251B   Pat Heung Road Bus Terminus - Sheung Tsuen (Circular)

Green Minibus (GMB)

  • 601   Yuen Long (Fung Cheung Road) - Pak Wai Tsuen

MTR

  • Kam Sheung Road

References
  1. Lonely Planet - Shui Tau Tsuen
  2. The incredible journey of Yuen Long - Chau Wong Yi Kung Study Hall

Further reading
  • Lee, Ho Yin; DiStefano, Lynne Delehanty (2002). A Tale of Two Villages: The Story of Changing Village Life in the New Territories. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-592859-4. (about Shui Mei Tsuen and Shui Tau Tsuen)

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