Photo Guide - Capturing the Charm of Yuen Long's Historic Heritage Houses.
- Derry Ainsworth
- 7 hours ago
- 5 min read
Yuen Long, located in the northwest New Territories of Hong Kong, holds a rich history reflected in its old heritage houses scattered across several villages. These structures tell stories of the past, showcasing traditional architecture and the lifestyle of earlier generations. Photographing these houses offers a unique window into Hong Kong’s rural heritage, especially in villages like Tai Kei Leng, Lung Tin Tsuen, Ma Tin Tsuen, and Shung Ching San. This post explores the history behind these villages and their historic houses, providing insights for photographers and history enthusiasts alike.
Exploring the villages
The Historical Significance of Tai Kei Leng
Tai Kei Leng is one of the oldest villages in Yuen Long, with roots tracing back several centuries. The village is known for its well-preserved ancestral halls and traditional houses built using grey bricks and timber. These houses often feature tiled roofs with curved eaves, a hallmark of southern Chinese architecture. The layout of Tai Kei Leng reflects the clan-based social structure, where families lived close together to maintain strong community ties.
Many houses in Tai Kei Leng have intricate wood carvings and stone decorations, which were crafted by skilled artisans. These details not only served aesthetic purposes but also symbolized protection and prosperity for the residents. Photographers will find the interplay of light and shadow on these textured surfaces particularly captivating, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
Siu Lo (筱廬), located at No. 643 Tai Kei Leng, Shap Pat Heung, Yuen Long, is an abandoned historic house believed to have been built by Chan Mo-ching, a Meixian native who made his fortune in Indonesia and later ran a shop in Yuen Long New Market. This Instagram post provides a glimpse of the house's history. It is recognized as a Grade 3 historic building and is a key feature of the village's heritage.
Lung Tin Tsuen’s Architectural Heritage
Lung Tin Tsuen offers a different perspective on Yuen Long’s heritage. The village is smaller but holds several houses that have survived modernization pressures. The buildings here often combine traditional elements with subtle influences from the colonial era, such as the use of glass windows alongside wooden shutters.
One notable feature in Lung Tin Tsuen is the presence of open courtyards within the houses. These courtyards served as communal spaces for family gatherings and daily chores. Capturing these courtyards from a high angle reveals the spatial organization and how natural light enters the homes, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Ma Tin Tsuen’s Enduring Legacy
Ma Tin Tsuen is famous for its ancestral halls and temples, which stand as cultural landmarks. The village houses are typically built in rows, sharing walls to conserve space and materials. This style, known as “tang lou,” is common in southern China and reflects practical design choices suited to the local climate.
The houses in Ma Tin Tsuen often feature red brick walls and ceramic tile roofs. The red bricks were locally made and have aged beautifully, giving the buildings a rustic charm. Photographers should explore the narrow lanes between the houses, where natural light filters through, highlighting the textures and colors of the bricks and tiles.
The entrance gate of Ma Tin Tsuen, located in Shap Pat Heung, Yuen Long, is a historic, rebuilt in 2009 structure featuring green bricks, a granite-framed doorway, and a tiled, pitched roof. It serves as a, tangible, link to the walled village's history, originally flanked by a study hall and featuring defensive elements like gun holes.
Shung Ching San’s Unique Village Environment
Shung Ching San is less known but equally important for its heritage houses. The village is nestled near natural landscapes, which adds to the appeal of photographing its old houses. The buildings here are simpler but retain traditional features such as wooden beams and clay roof tiles.
A distinctive aspect of Shung Ching San is the use of stone foundations, which protect the houses from flooding during the rainy season. This practical adaptation is a reminder of how villagers harmonized their architecture with the environment. Capturing these stone bases from a close-up angle reveals the craftsmanship and the natural materials used.
Shun Tak Kui is a prominent Grade I historic residence situated at No. 171 Shung Ching San Tsuen within the Shap Pat Heung area of Yuen Long. The building was constructed in 1936 by four Chinese individuals from Meixian, Guangdong, who had achieved financial success while living in Indonesia. Architecturally, the structure is a two-storey rectangular building designed with a central open courtyard and traditional Chinese tiled roofs supported by sturdy China fir rafters. Over the decades, the site has held significant community value, serving as a private residence, a local meeting venue, and the location of a village school until 1960. Due to its preservation and historical importance, it is officially recognized as a Grade I historic building by the Antiquities Advisory Board.
Tips for Photographing Yuen Long’s Heritage Houses
When photographing these historic houses, consider the following tips to capture their essence:
Visit during golden hours: Early morning or late afternoon light enhances textures and colors.
Use different angles: Eye-level shots show details, while high or low angles reveal spatial relationships.
Focus on architectural details: Look for carvings, roof tiles, wooden doors, and stone foundations.
Include natural surroundings: Trees, pathways, and courtyards add context and depth.
Respect privacy and property: Always seek permission if entering private areas and avoid disturbing residents.
Preserving the Past Through Photography
Photographs of Yuen Long’s heritage houses do more than document architecture; they preserve memories of a way of life that is rapidly changing. As urban development encroaches on rural areas, these villages face challenges in maintaining their historical identity. By capturing these houses, photographers contribute to raising awareness about the importance of heritage conservation.
Local organizations and historians often use such images to promote cultural education and tourism. Visitors who explore these villages can experience a slower pace of life and connect with Hong Kong’s rural roots. Sharing photographs with detailed captions and historical context helps keep these stories alive for future generations.
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