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Sam Tung Uk Museum
The Sam Tung
Uk Museum provides an authentic and fascinating insight into the
lifestyles of villagers in the New Territories before modern
development completely transformed this once entirely rural area.
When the Mass Transit Railway was being constructed in the 1970s,
the Tsuen Wan terminus had to be sited where the Sam Tung Uk Village
stood and there was no choice but to re-locate the villagers. Unlike
other parts of the New Territories, which did not feel the
relentless grip of modernisation until the 70s or 80s, the Tsuen Wan
district began undergoing great change even before the 50s.
In the late 40s, wealthy textiles manufacturers and other factory
owners in Shanghai were desperately looking for a place in Hong Kong
to re-site their businesses, and Tsuen Wan offered the advantages of
cheap land, cheap labour and relative proximity to urban Kowloon.
One after another hurriedly-built factories went up on former
farmland, and soon the cadence of thousands of whirring looms
replaced the grunts of pigs and buffalo, and the cackles of
chickens, and the Tsuen Wan of yesteryear was all but lost forever.
Happily, however, one or two enlightened Government administrators
stepped in to prevent the past disappearing entirely, and the fruit
of their farsightedness is the Museum of Sam Tung Uk. Catch the MTR
Tsuen Wan line to the terminus at Tsuen Wan Station, use the Sam
Tung Uk Museum exit. Opening hours are 9am to 5pm daily. Closed on
Tuesdays, Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day and the first
three days of Chinese New Year.
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Yuen Yuen Institute
For a more
traditional Chinese sight and experience, a visit to the rather
misleadingly named Yuen Yuen Institute promises to provide an
enjoyable surprise. The Institute was founded in 1950 and occupies
10 acres in the tranquil, beautiful environment of Sam Dip Tam. The
Institute is in fact a collection of temples, pavilions, monasteries
and prayer halls dedicated to Confucian, Buddhist and Taoist
beliefs, and its sprawling grounds are dotted with decorative
gardens and ponds. The Institute's purpose is to spread the
principles of these three religions, to uphold the eight virtues
(i.e. filial piety, respect, loyalty, fidelity, propriety, justice,
honesty and honour) and to promote social welfare.
One of its many attractions includes a replica of Beijing's
magnificent Temple of Heaven (Tian Tan). The Hall of Rocks
Collection features rocks with interesting natural shapes, including
those of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac. Every Spring, the
annual Bonsai and Stone Appreciation Show is presented jointly by
the Yuen Yuen Institute and the Hong Kong Tourism Board. This
special celebration offers both residents and visitors a wonderful
opportunity to enjoy this unique art form. Take the Mass Transit
Railway (MTR) to the Tsuen Wan Station; take the exit to Shiu Wo
Street and catch Green Minibus No. 81 to the Yuen Yuen Institute.
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Tai Mo Shan Country
Park
Tai Mo Shan Country Park is one of the most popular picnic, barbecue
and recreation spots in the territory for Hong Kong people. Covering
1,640 hectares, the park stretches from Tai Po Kau in the east along
the southern edge of the Lam Tsuen Valley. The park also includes
Hong Kong's highest mountain, Tai Mo Shan rising almost 1,000 metres.
Know locally as Big Hat or Big Mist Mountain, it provides one of the
most famous hiking trails in the territory. The super-challenging
MacLehose Trail that extends from Tai Lam Chung in the West to Tai
Po in the East. If you have a car, it is possible to drive halfway
up the mountain where you will get spectacular views over Tsuen Wan
and most of Kowloon. Transportation: Take the Shing Mun Tunnel to
Tsuen Wan and get on Route Twisk and that will take you into the
park
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Festival
Lighting
One of the highlights of the Hong Kong holiday season is the Tsuen
Wan District Festival Lighting Programme. Running from December to
Chinese New Year, this kaleidoscopic display of festive lighting
reflects the joyous holiday atmosphere throughout the district. The
stunning light display offers a rainbow of exotically colourful
photo opportunities and is extremely popular with both visiting and
local photographers. Transportation: Take the MTR to Tsuen Wan
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Information provided by
Hong Kong Tourism Board.
