Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall

The Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall, also known as Loi Shing Tong, is situated in Shui Tau, Kam Tin. It was built in the 40th year of the Kangxi reign (1701) during the Qing dynasty by Tang Tseung Luk (alias Tang Chik Kin), the 21st generation ancestor of the Tang clan, in commemoration of the 17th generation ancestor of the clan, Tang Kwong-u, also known as Tang Chung-fung. According to a stone tablet in the ancestral hall, it underwent renovations with donations from Tang clansmen in the 47th year of the Qianlong reign (1782) during the Qing dynasty.

The hall is an example of Qing vernacular architecture with a two-hall, one-courtyard layout of three bays. There is a side chamber on both sides of the open courtyard. In the main bay of the rear hall is an ancestral altar for the worship of the Tang ancestors. The walls of the building are built of grey bricks, and the tiled pitched roof is a traditional timber structure. The unique plaster mouldings on the facade and the elaborate woodcarvings inside the building are still preserved.

In the past, the Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall was converted into a shop and later a factory. Full restoration of the ancestral hall was completed in 1996 under the supervision of the Antiquities and Monuments Office and the Architectural Services Department.

Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall was declared a monument in 2010.