This 17th-century village founded by the powerful Tangs is a 15-minute walk north of Kam Tin Rd. It's famous for its prow-shaped roofs decorated with dragons and carp.

The Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall and the Tang Ching Lok Ancestral Hall were built in the early 19th century. South of them is the village’s most impressive sight, the 19th-century Yi Tai Study Hall, named after the gods of literature and martial arts. The Tin Hau temple just north of the village was built in 1722.

To reach Shui Tau Tsuen, which is signposted from Kam Tin Rd, walk north, go through 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.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall

0.02 MILES

Located along the western edge of Shui Tau Tsuen, Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall was built in the Qing dynasty. It was turned into shops in the '50s, a metal…

2. Yi Tai Study Hall

0.03 MILES

The 'Two Emperors Study Hall' was erected by the Tang clan in the 19th century as a school and a shrine to the God of Literature and the God of War to…

3. Tang Ching Lok Ancestral Hall

0.03 MILES

A finely decorated 15th-century structure in the southwest corner of Shui Mei Village, Tang Ching Lok Ancestral Hall is a gathering point for descendants…

4. Kat Hing Wai

1.17 MILES

This tiny village is 500 years old and was walled during the early years of the Ming dynasty (1368–1644). It contains just one main street, off which a…

5. Mai Po Nature Reserve

2.99 MILES

The 270-hectare nature reserve includes the Mai Po Visitor Centre at the northeastern end, where you must register; the Mai Po Education Centre to the…

6. Ping Shan Tang Clan Gallery

3.15 MILES

Part of the Ping Shan Heritage Trail, this gallery and visitor centre gives context to what you'll see along the trail. It's housed inside the attractive…

7. Tang Clan Ancestral Hall

3.25 MILES

The sense of dignified grandiosity is unmistakable at Hong Kong's most magnificent ancestral hall (c 1273). The spaces and ornaments are larger than life,…

8. Ping Shan Heritage Trail

3.31 MILES

Hong Kong's first-ever heritage trail features historic buildings belonging to the Tangs, the first and the most powerful of the 'Five Clans'. Highlights…