Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ping Shan Tang Gallery Signage

Ping Shan Heritage Trail – Yuen Long, Hong Kong

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ping Shan Heritage Trail Map

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Stairs leading to Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda

 

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

Websitehttp://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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda 聚星樓

 

At the right of the stairs, is the path leading to the next site.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Turn right to continue the trail

 

At the end of the path, before the TWG Hs. Kwok Yat Wai College, turn left and soon you spot a pond.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - A pond along the trail

 

A signage will seen directing visitor to both the Shrine of the Earth God and Sheung Cheung Wai

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Signage

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Shrine of the Earth God 社壇

 

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Heavy Vehicle Parking Space

 

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).

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yellow Signage

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Old Well

 

 

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).

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yeung Hau Temple (楊侯古廟)

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yeung Hau Temple (楊侯古廟) Hau Wong

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yan Tun Kong Study Hall (仁敦岡書室) Entrance

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yan Tun Kong Study Hall (仁敦岡書室) Behind the Door

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yan Tun Kong Study Hall (仁敦岡書室) Overview

 

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Mrs Tang Cafe (華嫂冰室)

 

 

Han Tau Tsuen (坑村)

 

And now you are at Hang Tau Tsuen Village (坑村) where the Tang Ancestral Hall and Yi Kiu Ancestral Hall were located.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Hang Tau Tsuen Village

 

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 (愈二公祠).

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Tang Ancestral Hall and Yi Kiu Ancestral Hall

 

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - On the side of Tang Ancestral Hall

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Tang Ancestral Hall Interior

 

You will be able to spot auspicious Chinese motifs such as the Shiwan dragon-fish and pottery unicorns decorating the main ridges and roofs

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Tang Ancestral Hall Roof

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall Interior

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall, Behind the door

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall Roof

 

After exiting the ancestral hall, walk towards the food stall and turn left after the last stall.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Food Stall at Hang Tau Tsuen Village

 

 

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). Both are side by side. And now you are at Hang Mei Tsuen (坑尾村).

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Kun Ting Study Hall (觀廷書室) and Ching Shu Hin (清書軒)

 

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Kun Ting Study Hall (觀廷書室) Door Step

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Kun Ting Study Hall (觀廷書室) Interior

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Kun Ting Study Hall (觀廷書室) Behind the door

 

 

Ching Shu Hin (清書)

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ching Shu Hin (清書軒) at the doorstep

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ching Shu Hin (清書軒) by the doorstep

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ching Shu Hin (清書軒) interior

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ching Shu Hin (清書軒) looking at the second storey from a window

 

Since it is a guesthouse, you will a kitchen and a bathroom within the premise.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ching Shu Hin (清書軒) Kitchen

 

 

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).

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Hung Shing Temple (洪聖宫) Facade View

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Hung Shing Temple (洪聖宫) Altar

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Hung Shing Temple (洪聖宫) By the side of the altar

 

 

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 Heritage Trail - On the way to Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre

 

 

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.

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Marriage Exhibits in the Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Ritual Statement Exhibit in Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre

 

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.

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - View at Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery cum Heritage Trail Visitors Centre

 

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

Websitehttp://www.amo.gov.hk/en/pingshan.php

 

How to get there?

 

By MTR: Tai Shui Wai station (Exit E3)

 

Ping Shan Heritage Trail - Tin Shui Wai MTR 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

Ping Shan Heritage Trail by Hong Kong Tourism Board

MTR Map