Pokfulam Village
THE OLDEST LIVING VILLAGE IN HONG KONG ISLAND
Pokfulam Village, built over 200 years ago, is one of the oldest living villages in Hong Kong. The earliest written record is found in San On Gazetteer (1819 version). It is believed that the village was founded by some Hakka Chinese (the Chan, Wong, Kam and Law clans) coming from Po On and Fa Counties. The village has experienced dramatic changes in the colonial era as Hong Kong developed. Many workers at the Dairy Farm had resided in the village since the late 19th century. More residents and shops moved in after the World War II which resulted in the expansion of commercial activities at Pokfulam.
The village is divided into three districts: Choi Yuen, Wai Chai and Lung Tsai Tuk. Currently, there are about 3,000 residents. The village was listed in the New York-based World Monument Fund’s biennial Watch List in 2014, which recognised its value as cultural heritage but also the risk of being demolished. Although the village is facing much challenge, its vivid community keeps much of their indigenous culture and lifestyle, e.g., the religious rituals of Fire Dragon Dance every year.
Reminders:
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It is a residential district; some areas are not open to public. Disturbances to residents should also be avoided.
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As the village is connected with some narrow and improvised pathways, it may be difficult for the physically challenged to access some corners.
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Few watchdogs are around the village. Tourists have to be careful. Stay calm.
Caritas
Caritas began its service at Pokfulam Village in 1991.
Villagers
Unlike some other villages in the New Territories, Pokfulam Village is composed of different clans.
Pokfulam Vegetable Garden
Between Pokfulam Village and University Hall is the original site of the Pokfulam Vegetable Garden managed by the Urban Services Department. The Garden supplied vegetables and flowers to the Government House.
Click on the buttons on the map to access point of interests:
WORKERS' DOMITORIES (BLOCK A & B)
MANURE PIT
DAIRY FARM UNION CORP
GRASS SILO
Discussion
Threat of redevelopment
Being close to the city centre with nice environment, Pokfulam Village is a vulnerable target of redevelopment projects. Some villagers disputed with the government over the status of their land ownership, on the ground that the documents of land ownership were destroyed during WWII. The village was challenged by a land acquisition attempt back in 1998, but it was aborted due to villagers' resistance. Villagers are also burdened with the possibility of government’s land resumption, fearing that their village would be encroached bit by bit. With the recent demolition of several traditional villages, the threat of redevelopment remains vivid.
Recognition and conservation
With its newly gained international recognition as a valuable heritage, the village becomes the spotlight of preservation efforts. In recent years, different parties have contributed effort and resources in making the village a better place. The government has also become more responsive to the needs of the villagers, such as carrying out projects to improve the village’s sewage system and conserving various historically valuable buildings. In collaboration with schools, professional bodies and volunteers, different cultural projects, such as a community archive of the village, are also making good progress.
Caritas and the villagers’ involvement
With the assistance of Caritas Pokfulam Community Development Project, the villagers played a remarkable role in the movement of protecting their lifestyle and promoting their culture. In 2009, Pokfulam Village Cultural Landscape Conservation Group was founded so as to actively promote their village by means of tours and other activities. With their effort, the village was made visible and relevant to Hong Kong society, and attract more visitors. Though some villagers expressed concerns of their life being disrupted by the visitors, they were delighted to share their culture and history, e.g., most community festivals are made open to the public.
The office of Caritas Pokfulam Community Development Project before it is restored to its original form with green brick wall.