Tai Wai Tsuen, Walled village in Yuen Long District, Hong Kong
Tai Wai Tsuen is a walled village in Yuen Long District with traditional stone walls, watchtowers, and narrow streets arranged in a rectangular layout within its protective boundaries. The structures are tightly clustered together, reflecting defensive design principles used in older settlements.
The village was founded by the Wong and Choi clans in the early 1500s and served as a defensive shelter against pirate raids during the Ming and Qing periods. The fortified walls were essential to protecting the settlement and its residents from seaborne threats.
The central ancestor hall serves as a gathering space where descendants honor family members and keep traditions alive through regular ceremonies.
The village is reachable by public transportation to Yuen Long station, followed by a short walk through surrounding farmland to reach the main entrance. Wear comfortable shoes since the internal pathways are narrow and uneven in places.
The village entrance features an original stone archway with inscriptions documenting the founding families and establishment date, though the carved characters have faded with time. This historical marker still conveys important information about the settlement's origins to those who visit.
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