Hidden Hong Kong: A mysterious journey into the walled villages of Kam Tin

A brief history of walled villages

With high brick walls and defence towers, the first indigenous settlers of Hong Kong built and lived in walled villages (圍村; wai4 cyun1) that protected them from roaming bandits, pirates, and wild animals. Within these walls, rural life moves at a decidedly slower and more relaxed pace, where densely packed brick houses with narrow alleys are able to form tight-knit communities like no other.

While most of these settlements have disappeared as a result of rapid urbanisation, the handful of villages that still remain in Hong Kong are scattered throughout the New Territories, with some still retaining their original architecture and traditions, whilst others have been subject to new development or are partially demolished.

In Kam Tin, there are three such villages in close proximity to each other, all built around the same time some five centuries ago. Well off the beaten path for casual tourists (and even local city dwellers), these walled villages in Kam Tin are definitely worth a visit for a taste of Hong Kong’s colourful past.

Kat Hing Wai Village

Kat Hing Wai village is the most well-known and best-preserved walled settlement in the area. Home to around 400 descendants of the Tang clan, one of the original settlers of Hong Kong, the protective 18-inch-thick walls have watchtowers on each corner and completely surround the village. There is a single entrance to the enclave, and the remains of a moat can still be seen. Make a $3 donation to the village fund at the front gate to enter.

Inside, the main path leads directly to the village ancestral shrine, with narrow alleys branching off to further parts of the walled village. Many of the old stone buildings have since been replaced by more modern structures, such as multi-storey houses with balconies and rooftop terraces. Some parts of the surrounding wall have also been built over with housing extensions.

Tai Hong Wai Village

About a five-minute walk from Kat Hing Wai, the village of Tai Hong Wai is another walled settlement that was built around the same time. Except for the front entrance façade—which has been rebuilt and updated—there is no indication of an outer wall or towers. Its original walls have presumably been replaced with an outer row of buildings, so if it were not for the front gate, you probably wouldn’t even know this was a walled village.

Inside, you will find a handful of remaining brickwork from the village’s original houses, while most others have already been replaced by newer buildings. Some have been abandoned and are in very dilapidated condition.

Wing Lung Wai Village

Wing Lung Wai village is the smallest of the three walled villages in the area and hides in plain sight on Kam Tin Road. It’s very easy to miss the main entrance gate, as it is recessed in the back of a mundane parking lot and flanked by modern-looking buildings. There is a sign in front stating that the village is for residents only, but if you are discrete and respectful of the villagers’ privacy, you can probably sneak in for a few quick photos.

Also founded by the Tang clansmen, this village seems to be the most liveable out of the three Kam Tin settlements, as most of the old brick houses have been replaced by updated ones. Open courtyards and wider lanes also contribute to a less claustrophobic feel, and everything seems neat and tidy with few signs of neglect.

If you'd like to venture out to Kam Tin and see these walled villages yourself, then click here to follow a simple map where each village location is indicated, as well as other restaurants and facilities in the area.