Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda
The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (Pagoda of Gathering Stars) is the only surviving ancient pagoda in Hong Kong was declared a monument in 2001.According to the genealogy of the Tang clan of Ping Shan, the pagoda was built by Tang Yin-tung, the 7th generation ancestor, around the Hongwu reign (1368-1398) of the Ming dynasty. This hexagonal-shaped pagoda is a three-storey, grey-brick structure about 13 metres high. According to the Tangs, the pagoda was originally seven storeys, but lost the four upper storeys in two separate incidents, presumably typhoons. The pagoda, enclosed by a grey-brick parapet wall, stands on a terrace platform, which follows the hexagonal shape of the pagoda. Each storey is decorated with zigzag-shaped brick eaves and auspicious titles. The pagoda houses a statue of Fui Shing, who is believed to be the deity in control of success in examinations, on the upper floor.
Shang Zhang Wei
Shangzhangwei was established by a branch of the Deng clan who lived in Hangtou Village. It is located to the west of Hangtou Village. It has a history of more than 200 years and is the only enclosed village along the Pingshan Heritage Trail. Shangzhangwei is a typical local fenced village. It was surrounded by the original blue brick wall in the past. The houses inside the enclosure were built in rows, and the gate tower and the hall were located on the central axis. The layout was neat and unique, and the buildings and halls were located in the middle of the scene. The map is full of walls. Outside the wall, the river is protected; now the river protection has been filled and the gate tower and halls have been demolished, but some walls and some ancient houses inside the enclosure are still standing. The layout, structure and style of the traditional village can still be seen vaguely.
Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall
Yu Kiu Ancestral Hall, a 16th century building located next to Tang Ancestral Hall. It is in the middle of the trail and is convenient to find and explore.It was constructed in the early 16th century by two 11th generation brothers of the Tang Clan: Tang Sai-yin (alias Yu-sing) and Tang Sai-chiu (alias Kiu-lum). In addition to serving as an ancestral hall, the building housed the Tat Tak School from 1931 to 1961. The last major renovation of the building probably took place during the Guangxu (1875-1908) of Qing, as indicated by the engraved characters on the stone tablet above the main entrance.The building includes three main halls with two inner courtyards, it is identical to the Tang Ancestral Hall next door. The exterior facade is grey brick and typical of other heritage buildings in the area, with symmetric entrance, basic columns and subtle roof and ridge motif ornamentation.
Tang Ancestral Hall
The Tang Ancestral Hall, which is the main ancestral hall of the Tang clan of Ping Shan, was constructed by Tang Fung-shun of the clan’s 5th generation about 700 years ago. This ancestral hall is used regularly for ancestral worship, celebrations of traditional festivals, ceremonies, and meeting by the Tang clan of Ping Shan.The Tang Ancestral Hall show the influence of the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong on local culture. In the past The Tang Ancestral Hall was a place for people to have rituals, like all tang’s families in the village needed to worship their ancestors for everything they did for the family in spring and autumn, also will hold a celebration in every lantern festival. But after the war also thoughts ceremony is gone. The Tang Ancestral Hall also show the special architectural style in the past in Hong Kong. It’s a magnificent three-hall structure with two internal courtyards, the Tang Ancestral Hall is one of the finest examples of its kind in Hong Kong.By visiting The Tang Ancestral Hall is very valuable for student, not only can know more about the special architectural style in the past , but also know more about the special festival in Hong kong. Furthermore, can arouse their interest to know more about the history of Hong Kong, such as history about the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong and the changes of hong kong architectural style.
