Temple of God of Pottery (Fan Sin Kung)
Introduction
Pottery industry plays a significant role in the local history of Hong Kong. Not much relics can demonstrate the history but you can still interact with history in the village. Pottery Village (Wun Yiu Chuen) was once prosperous with the help of pottery industry. However, the industry shrieked because of fierce competition from mainland China. The industry had to close the business. The pottery place was originally owned by Man Clan. However, Ma Clan bought the land and enjoyed prosperity in some period of time. (credit: Antiquities and Monuments Office & Leisure and Cultural Services Department) Nowadays, most relics cannot be found by us easily. Dragon Klin and Ma Clan Ancestral Hall are private properties and they are not opened to the public. The site of relics are hidden by grasses and the roads access to these relics are hidden by grasses. Some sites are even very dangerous to reach. A China clay pit I discovered is very dangerous to get close. Day time visit is recommended because your journey of discovery may take you an hour to finish. Mozzie are annoying in the hill area coz they make you feel itchy all times! Well, of course, I put some cream on my body parts avoiding 'mozzie attack'!
How to Get There
- Tai Po Market MTR Station Exit A3
- Turn right and going into a covered long alley (Tat Wan Road)
- Turn left on the main road called Nam Wan Road towards the discontinued of Tat Wan Road (the left hand side of Yeung Chong Road)
- Don't go in Yueng Chung Village coz you will definitely get lost and I confess that I tried)
- Locate Tat Wan Road (main road) on your left (opposite direction of Tai Po Hui Market)
- Keep walking on the left hand side of Tat Wan Road
- You will see Law Ting Pong Secondary School on the opposite side of the main road
- Keep walking and you will find a subway under the flyover
- Cross the smelly nullah and look for the stairs on your left after the crossing mission
- You will see Lychee Hill (Lai Chi Shan) ahead
- Ignore Lychee Hill and cross the road to the opposite side coz you won't get any Lychee on the mountain (it is just the name)
- You will see Tat Wan Road Public Toilet and keep walking
- You will see a bridge crossing the nullah which has direction signs for you so you won't get lost
A public transportation is available. The green minibus can get you there is No. 23K. The issue here is that most minibus drivers are local and they rarely speak English. If you hit one, it is your luck! The walk will take you about 30 minutes for one direction. So, this place is not recommended for whom decided to travel in Hong Kong for few days.
The nullah under a flyover
Stairs lead us up to Tat Wan Road (get away from the smelly nullah)
Ignore Village of Lychee Hill (Lai Chi Shan Village) and cross the road
The bridge leading us to Wun Yu discovery! (turn left afterward)
Let's start your expedition!
A deitiy is living in a cracked stone
Temple of God of War (Mo Tai Din)
Walk straight until you can locate the stair (Ma Wo direction)
Ancient Path (Ma Wo direction)
A historical relics on your left
After this cable tower you will see one of the China clay pits on your left (5 min. walk)
That's the reward for you! Don't go in!
What to Expect
My recommendation to prepare your journey is to download a pamphlet before going there. They also provide free published materials inside the temple and exhibition hall.
Temple of God of Pottery
1. Animal-driven Grinder
2. Porcelin wares spreading across the floor of the remains sites
3. Temple of God of Pottery (Fan Sin Kung)
4. Exhibition Hall
5. Abandoned school sites
6. Ma Clan Ancestral Hall (no entry is allowed)
7. A China clay pit
8. An unknown God inside a craked stone
9. Wun Yiu Public School (Ng Sheung Mansion)
10. Temple of God of War (Mo Tai Miu)
Discovery in Wun Yiu
Prior to my expedition of pottery history of Hong Kong, my first visit was a deity accommodates in a cracked stone. It is easily be seen as we walked up to the entrance of all mystery behind the welcoming of two lion statutes. This stone is a representation of local culture and religion. From my understanding, this stone could be God of Earth who is a safeguard of properties behind that point at the doorstep. After passing the lion statutes, I can see Wun Yiu Public School (Ng Sheung Mansion) on the left. The temple at the centre axis and the abandoned school structures on the right. Behind this school buildings, there is a site where debris of pottery scattered on the ground.
A warm welcome for your visit to Wun Yiu pottery world!
My second visit was Temple of God of Pottery. Nice! Have you wondered why do every structures of temples and ancestral halls in villages and towns have an area is open air? Indeed, it is all about Chinese Geomancy (Feng Shui)! The design implies that this area collects water (symbolised as wealth) for the property owners.
Sky Well (Tin Cheng)
My Third visit was Wun Yiu Public School (Ng Sheung Mansion). Not much to see but a very interesting story I wanna share here!
This building was first used as an ancestral hall by Ma Clan to pay tribute to Ma Liang and oother four ancestors. (source: the notice written by Ma Clan or local government placed behind the window of the building) established in Qing Dynasty (A.D. 1821-1850). After some ages, the building was converted into a village school (si sok) for villagers to gain education in order to earn an imperial position. Some of their ancestors had spendid achievements in the imperial age of China and they obtained several imperial positions. Therefore, education was of pivotal importance in Chinese culture.
The School for Five Ancestors of Ma Clan (Ng Sheung Tai)
My fourth visit was Wun Yiu Exhibition. The opening hour (as at 15 May 2019) is from 09:30 - 13:00 / 14:00 - 17:30 all days except Thursday and public holidays. It is the heart of Wun Yiu pottery site which provides a general idea of Wun Yiu and how you plan for your journey. You may grab some freebies in the exhibition as your accompany! The exhibition is air-conditioned which provides a comfy place for you to appreciate history at all your disposal!
Wun Yiu Exhibition
My fifth visit was the school sites. The schools are not opened to the public. They are abandoned for some period of time. They are blocked by the local government so do not risk going in. Just avoid to break the local law and they are dangerous! These schools are pretty obvious. They have signs on top of the door written in Chinese and light orange in colour. One is besides Temple of God of Pottery (Fan Sin Kung). Other two are situated besides the exhibition hall. Beware of dogs around as well!
The school site.
My sixth visit was Temple of God of War (Mo Tai Miu). It is a tiny temple not so much 'visiting value'. It is a temple dedicated to God of War (Guan Yu).
Temple of God of War (Mo Tai Din)
Temple of God of War (Mo Tai Din)
God of Prosperity, Social Status
An incense burner
My seventh visit was a China clay pit. When you walk uphill. Beware of steps and roads coz the path is not easy and a bit dangerous. Alongside with Wilson Trail (New Path) after Ancient Path, take a good look on the left when you are heading uphill. There is a distinction between Ancient Path and Wilson Trail (New Path). If you are unsure, please see the model in the exhibtion hall and you will get what I mean. On your left of New Path, you will soon discover the historical remains. A significant one is the China Clay Pit as shown in the photo below:
China Clay Pit
My eighth visit was an animal driven grinder. Sorry for the digital loss of my photo. This mystery relies on your discovery. When you walk pass the gate of the backbone of the ancestral hall. You will see the animal driven grinder. Please go to the exhibition hall to find out the exact location.
My ninth visit was Klin Remains. You can find heaps broken pottery from ancient time plus a bit new ones scattered around the floor. So, you won't miss out unless they clean it up.
