Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall

The Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall (鄧松嶺祠堂) is the main ancestral hall of the Tang Clan of Lung Yeuk Tau. It is one of the largest ancestral halls in Hong Kong. It is located in Lung Yeuk Tau, Fanling, North District, in the New Territories of Hong Kong.

The ancestral hall was built in the early 16th century in memory of the founding ancestor, Tang Chung Ling (鄧松嶺) (1303-1387), the sixth generation descendant of the clan. It is situated on a site in between Lo Wai and Tsz Tong Tsuen. It is a three-hall building with the "dong chung" placed at the central hall. The rear hall is divided into three chambers. The central chamber houses the soul tablets of the ancestors of the clan including the soul tablets of the Song princess and her husband Wai-Kap whose posthumous title was Fu Ma (Chinese: 附馬) Tang Wai-Kap (husband of a princess). Their soul tablets were elaborately carved with dragon head, which distinguished them from the others. The chamber to the left is dedicated to the ancestors who had made significant contributions to the clan or those who achieved high ranks in the imperial court. The chamber to the right, on the other hand, is for the righteous members of the clan, one of whom is Tang Si-meng, a brave servant who saved the life of his master. In the late 16th century, he was kidnapped with his master. Claiming to be the son of his master, he volunteered to be detained by the kidnappers in exchange for the release of his master to raise ransom. After the departure of his master, he jumped into the sea and sacrificed himself. He was awarded the posthumous title of "Loyal Servant" and worshiped in this hall.

The whole building is decorated with fine wood carvings, polychrome plaster mouldings, and murals of auspicious motifs. The Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall was declared a monument in November 1997. It is located along the Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail.

External links

* Entries on the Antiquities and Monuments Office website [http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Monument/en/monuments_65.php] , [http://www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/Museum/Monument/en/trails_lung1.php?tid=6]