Research 8: Ruins and Memories in Fu Tei Au Village and Sheung Shui Wai

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

廢墟與回憶

Ruins and Memories in Fu Tei Au Village and Sheung Shui Wai

It is relatively easy to discover ruins in Fu Tei Au Village, being scattered around in the lands and hills of the surrounding area. All ruins contain certain memories of the past or even memories that has gone beyond the scale of human time. Yet, some of these ruins are also part of everyday lives for the locals, physically and spiritually connected to their living space. With all these memory combined, maggled and layered, leads us to uncover these different layers.

It is believed that the collective understanding of these memories informs a certain identity of the village. Although the complexity of ruins and memories and lack of historical records created an interesting rural community, it has also causes the vagueness of their identity. This situation is further worsen due the departure of local population with the pressure of government’s redevelopments. As an non-indigenous village, Fu Tei Au’s villagers has long been struggled to establish their own identity though fighting for the recognition of Liu’s family, government and the fellow citizen of Hong Kong.

In order to re-establish their identity, this research attempt to uncover the lost connection of Fu Tei Au Village and Sheung Shui Wai through examining the location, meaning of their sacred structures (Tombs, Ancestry Halls, Shrines, Temples...). Working not only with historical maps, we also interview few of the locals on their memories of the village in its past glory.

It is expected that a possible site for regeneration can be informed by reconnecting series of connections between different parties in the wider Shueng Shui area. Through the process of research, uncovering the complex history and memories of Fu Tei Au. We have also grown to understand and acknowledge the quality of ‘ambiguilty’ of this land. Although every villagers have a common understanding of some basic history of the village, it is their own interpretation of history (memory) that creates a refreshing experience for us. Moreover, we have also realised the regeneration of this project is not restricted phyically at preservation of structures with historical value. According to ‘Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage’, published by UNESCO, it is also important to acknowledge the living history, such as rituals, skills or ‘Storytelling’...

Left: Drawing of Mr. Chow’s Roof, layered with timber planks, Tar, Zinc coated iron cladding and neon cloth. In a micro scale, domestic scale, we can see the complicated layer of memories/ history of his house.

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

Meaning of Ruins

In this research, we will specifilly explore ‘Where’, ‘Why’, ‘How’ does sacred structures (now ruined) represents identity of a collective community and how Fu Tei Au Village was once and highly influenced by the Liu’s in Sheung Shui Wai.

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

Non-Indigenous Villages in Hong Kong

Non-Indigenous Villages are common type of estabishment in Northern New Territories. Among all Non-Indigenous Villages, why is Fu Tei Au Village so special?

We need to reconnect Fu Tei Au Village historically with the Liu’s (Indigenous villagers) in Sheung Shiu Wai. By examining the sacred spaces in this area, we can understand why Du Tei Au Village is part of the wider Sheung Shui Wai area.

Top: Location of Non-indigenous villages in Hong Kong

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

Non-Indigenous Villages in Hong Kong

Non-Indigenous Villages are common type of establishment in Northern New Territories. Among all Non-Indigenous Villages, why is Fu Tei Au Village so special?

We need to reconnect Fu Tei Au Village historically with the Liu’s (Indigenous villagers) in Sheung Shiu Wai. By examining the sacred spaces in this area, we can understand why Du Tei Au Village is part of the wider Sheung Shui Wai area.

Top: Location of Non-indigenous villages in Hong Kong

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

1964

Water system and isolation of Fu Tei Au Village

The progressive isolation of Fu Tei Au Village from the rest of Shueng Shui is caused by the changes of water system across the years. In 1964, in order to faciltate the need of farming, canals are dug for the ease of watering crops. It is also believed that paths has also been established in between fields. These rice fields are mostly situated between Fu Tei Au Village and Shueng Shui Wai. Governement re-shaped Ng Tung River and the water system around the area disconnected Fu Tei Au Village with the Urban area of Sheung Shui. Once canals, filled to become lands for factory, utilities... This further isolated Fu Tei Au Village from Sheung Shei Wai.

2016

Left: Measuring Sheung Shui: the 30 degree isolation line for Fu Tei Au Village

Top: Analysis of water systems and roads in Sheung Shui Wai (1964 and 2016)

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE

Landscape of Memories

In this research, we will specifilly explore ‘Where’, ‘Why’, ‘How’ does sacred strcutures (now ruined) represents identity of a collective community and how Fu Tei Au Village was once and highly influenced by the Liu’s in Sheung Shui Wai.

Right: Landscape of Memories, a maping of the past in Fu Tei Au Village, interview with ‘Ming Gor’.

Bottom: 1946 Map of Fu Tei Au Village, drawn by ‘Ming Gor’ from his memory of the past. With all information consolidated, it has clearly shown Man Ming Temple, now ruined, as a central point of the wider Fu Tei Au and Sheung Shui Wai area. Man Ming Temple was once the temple of scholars, it was built by the Liu’s during Qing Dynasty and destroyed by the Japanese army during World War II. People in the past will visit the temple to pray for their success on their exams before heading to the capital.

虎地坳 - 再生 REGENERATION OF FU TEI AU VILLAGE