Located in Shui Tau Village, Kam Tin, Lik Wing Tong Study Hall is commonly known as “Grand Study Hall”. According to clan elders, the study hall was first built by Tang Lei-yuen of the first branch of the Tang clan, during late Ming to early Qing dynasties. There is a plaque with the inscription “Lik Wing Tong” above the dangzhong screen in the study hall; and in the main bay of the rear hall is a plaque given from government officials to Tang Kwong-dau in the fifteenth year of Daoguang reign of Qing dynasty (1835), with the inscription Chi De Jian You implying abundant offspring and exceptional virtues. Lik Wing Tong Study Hall served as a school for young clansmen and provided accommodation for the teachers. The students were trained to achieve outstanding results in the Imperial Civil Service Examinations, to further strengthen the influence of the Tang clan of Kam Tin in the region.

Lik Wing Tong is a typical example of Lingnan traditional architecture. The two-hall-three-bay structure, constructed with grey bricks, features a tiled pitched roof supported by purlins; the study hall is adorned with Lingnan traditional architectural decorations, epitomised by plaster mouldings, mural paintings and wood carvings. Above the main entrance of the study hall features a mirror writing, which is very rare. As for the plaster mouldings, the Four Gentlemen – plum blossom, orchid, chrysanthemum and bamboo symbolising integrity, high moral standards and elegance – adorn the wall frieze of the side bays; the main ridges are decorated with plaster mouldings featuring scroll grass patterns. On the front façade and gable walls are plaster mouldings depicting auspicious motifs such as animals, plants and natural landscape, which reflect people’s yearning for good fortune and blessings. At the moon gate in the courtyard is a set of plaster couplets with inscriptions that imply that it was common for the descendants to obtain outstanding results in the Imperial Civil Service Examinations and shows the sense of pride of the Tang clan of Kam Tin.

Classes in Lik Wing Tong were discontinued in the 1950s, but clan members continued to use the building as a venue for meetings, discussions and village affairs.

Opening Hours:
Monday and Wednesday to Sunday: 9am - 1pm and 2pm - 5pm
Closed on Tuesdays (except public holidays), Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Day and the first three days of Chinese New Year

Address:
No. 85 Shui Tau Tsuen, Kam Tin, Yuen Long, New Territories.

Enquiry Hotline:
(852) 2208 4488