Lo Wai

　　Lo Wai is situated in Lung Yeuk Tau, Fanling, New Territories, Hong Kong. It is a walled village where the Tang Clan of Lung Yeuk Tau resides. The gatehouse and walls of Lo Wai were listed as a declared monument of Hong Kong on January 31, 1997. Since then, it has gradually attracted an increasing number of visitors. The Tang Clan of Lung Yeuk Tau migrated from Kam Tin to Lung Yeuk Tau in the 14th century and successively established “Five Wais and Six Tsuens” (five walled villages and six villages). The exact date of Lo Wai’s construction is unknown, but it is believed to be the earliest among the Five Wais.

　　Lo Wai is built on a small hill and surrounded by walls. The houses inside are neatly and orderly arranged. Its unique defensive feature is the raised platforms built at the midpoint of each of the four walls, used for keeping watch and preventing theft. The village gate is narrow, and there is a well inside. In case of bandit attacks, the gate could be closed for firm defense while still ensuring sufficient water supply. The original gate faced north, but for feng shui reasons, it was reconstructed to face east. However, the foundation is elevated above ground level, and there are stone steps in front of the gate for easy access. The couplet on the gate reads, “A grand gate welcomes auspicious air; an age-old wai preserves simple virtue.” Although Lo Wai has undergone multiple renovations, its wall structure and village layout remain largely intact.

　　Lo Wai, Lung Yeuk Tau Must-visit reason: The earliest of the Five Wais in the New Territories of Hong Kong