The Tang Ancestral Hall 1994/2000 and the Tai Tau Shan(“Big Head Hill” @ Ling To Monastry), where our ancestors are buried.

I don't know who took this first small black&white picture of my grandfather, I like the picture very much.In 1994 I planned to visit my grandfather, but he died two months before I could visit him..(on my birthday, 2nd of May)...

1. 
   

• 
  
• 
  
• 
  

----------see for more information about the Ancestral Hall:http://heritage.gov.hk/en/buildings/monuments_83.htm

The Tang Ancestral Hall, alias Yau Kung Tong, was constructed by the Ha Tsuen Tang clan to commemorate their two ancestors, Tang Hung Chi and Tang Hung Wai, for establishing the village settlements in Ha Tsuen. According to a stone inscription named "Dingjian Zhehui Ergongci Peixiangbei" placed in the middle hall, construction of the Tang Ancestral Hall began in the "jisi" year of the Qianlong reign (1749) and was completed in the "gengwu" year of the Qianlong reign (1750). The ancestral hall came into use in 1751. The Tang Ancestral Hall underwent two major renovations in the 17th year of the Daoguang reign (1837) and the ninth year of the Guangxu reign(1883) respectively. Most of the historic building fabric and relics are still preserved in the hall. There are a number of honorary plaques hanging in the middle hall, indicating the glorious history of the Tangs in the Qing imperial government.

The magnificent ancestral hall is an example of three-hall-two-courtyard Qing vernacular architecture, having two side chambers built in the second courtyard. The ancestral tablets of the Tangs are placed in a dignified timber altar in the main bay of the rear hall. The building structure was built with green brick walls and stone columns supporting the timber-framed and tiled roof. Fine and delicate brackets are fixed onto the truss system. Exquisite fascia boards with floral patterns are found in the three halls and the side chambers, while some of the beams are elaborately carved with traditional Chinese propitious motifs.

The Tang Ancestral Hall has played an important role in religious and ceremonial events of the Tang clan in Ha Tsuen. Traditional clan activities, such as the ancestor worship of the Spring and Autumn Equinox and the Ceremony of Lighting Lanterns, still take place in the hall every year. Moreover, the hall is also an essential venue for holding the rituals of the decennial Dajiao festival at Ha Tsuen.