SAI KUNG SECRETS

A Ho Chung history

Nicole Slater takes a look back at one of Sai Kung’s original villages

Located at the entrance of Sai Kung district, Ho Chung is one of the town's original villages, dating back to the middle of the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644).

There is much dispute over who resided in the area first, the Lai family currently hold the Genealogical Record, with documents dating back to the late Ming Dynasty. Followed by the Wan and Cheung family.

But elders of the Cheung clan, who were born in 1920 and still reside in Ho Chung today, claim to be of the 47th generation and believe to have settled in Ho Chung at the end of the sixteenth century. Other members of the Cheung family state that they are only the 30th generation.

As of today the Lai family still holds the Genealogical Record in Ho Chung. While they were the first to settle in the area, the clan faced difficulties expanding, with only 10 adult males. The Lai’s were convinced that there was something wrong with their Fung Shui and hired experts to investigate in 1869. The investigation resulted in moving each of the ancestors' graves. While this was an expensive

operation the Lai family began to grow well into the 19th and early 20th centuries.

While a lot smaller in numbers these days, the three families still reside in the area keeping their spirit and traditions alive.

At the heart of the village stands Che Kung Temple, which was built in honor of Che Kung, a general from the late Sung period. As it stands today the temple's first recorded existence is 1878, but many believe the temple dates back as far as 1555, making it one of the oldest temples in Hong Kong. Che Kung Temple was listed as a Grade I historic building in 2009.

Now run by the Wan clan, the temple hosts regular celebrations during Che Kung’s birthday, which falls on the second day of the first lunar month. Many people flock to the temple from far and wide to worship Che Kung. Turning the fan-bladed wheels of fortune and beating the drum to ensure good luck for the coming year.

While many of the area's original structures have been replaced, there is still a traditional feeling about Ho Chung, with 40 generations worth of tales and traditions.

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