Shui Tau Tsuen

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Lonely Planet review

This 17th-century village, 15 minutes' walk north of Kam Tin Rd and signposted, is famous for its prow-shaped roofs decorated with dragons and fish along the ridges. Tiny traditional houses huddle inside Shui Tau Tsuen's walls. The Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall (; - , - Wed, Sat & Sun) and, just north of it, the Tang Ching Lok Ancestral Hall in the middle of the village, were built in the early 19th century for ancestor worship.

The ancestors' names are listed on the altar in the inner hall and on the long boards down the side. The sculpted fish, on the roof of the entrance hall, symbolise luck. Between these two buildings is the small Hung Shing Temple. South of them is Shui Tau Tsuen's most impressive sight, the renovated Yi Tai Study Hall, built in the first half of the 19th century and named after the gods of literature and martial arts. The Tin Hau temple on the outskirts of the village to the north was built in 1722 and contains an iron bell weighing 106kg.

To reach Shui Tau Tsuen, which is signposted from Kam Tin Rd, walk north, go under the subway below the Kam Tin Bypass, pass Kam Tai Rd and cross over the river to Chi Ho Rd. Go over the small bridge spanning a stream, turn right and then left to enter the village from the east. The first thing you'll pass is the Yi Tai Study Hall.