In contrast with the iconic skyline shaped by high-rises of Hong Kong, on the vast land of the New Territories stands several old villages......Today, let’s unveil the mystery beyond the wall, and get into a forgotten place to experience the distinctive culture of the walled villages.

The Liu clan, one of the five greatest clans of the New Territories, immigrated from Fujian during the Yuan Dynasty, and settled along the Ng Tung River at the northeastern area of Sheung Shui, naming the core of the Liu clan “Sheung Shiu Heung”. Entering Sheung Shui Heung, walking through the gate, passing the well, every brick and tile inside the village seems to make the time flow backwards and bring us to the day when the big family gathered together and lived around the temple. The Liu family nowadays still conserves their traditional customs, hoping the unique culture of this walled village can continue.

Walking further, there is a corner of Man Kok Village that seems to be distinctive in this quaint village. Three young men from the city centre established a cafe called “ATMA” in 2019, giving a new energy to this time-honored village. As a communal cafe, the owners hope that atma could reconnect the villagers, retrieving the disappearing warmth of people and sharing the characteristics of Sheung Shui Wai with outsiders.