Although it’s only 1.6 miles/2.6km long and takes just one hour or so to explore, this is a great trail for those hankering for a look at rural life and interested in traditional Chinese architecture. The Lung Yeuk Tau Heritage Trail passes by more than a dozen historic structures, most of them built by the Tang clan, one of Five Great Clans to settle in the New Territories beginning in the 12th century.

Royal descendants of the eldest son of the princess of the Southern Song dynasty (1127-1279), the Tangs settled in an area known as Luk Yeuk Tau, which derives its name from a nearby mountain range called Mountain of the Leaping Tiger. They eventually spread out into five wais (walled villages to keep out bandits) and six tsuen (villages), some of which are still occupied by the Tang clan. The trail also passes by a study hall, a Tin Hau temple, and an ancestral hall.