HKAC Architecture Trip 2022 “Experiencing Lai Chi Wo” will be held from 10 to 11 December 2022, registration is now officially accepted.
Situated in the north east corner of the New Territories, Lai Chi Wo is a Hakka village with over 300 years of history. Since 2013, the village is the centre of a series of revitalisation programme, including the Hakka Life Experience village houses by Hong Kong Countryside Foundation. In 2020, the effort made was accorded with a Special Recognition for Sustainable Development by UNESCO Asia Pacific Award for promoting Cultural Heritage Conservation. It is also the first restoration project to be carried out in a remote rural area, bringing back the old Hakka architecture and related technologies in Hong Kong.
We have invited Architect Humphrey Wong - Architect of Hakka Life Experience Village at Lai Chi Wo and Professor Thomas Chung – in charge of the Project Plum Grove to share the outcomes of some latest architectural interventions by the teams behind.
Itineraries and attractions include｜
Lai Chi Wo Village｜The once thriving Hakka village of Lai Chi Wo was built more than three centuries ago. Its more than 200 houses, laid out in precise horizontal and longitudinal rows according to geomancy rules, and protected by rustic walls. This trip also arranged to stay in the Restored Village House at Lai Chi Wo to experience Hakka life. This accommodation is mainly to explore traditional village life, not a star-rated hotel experience; for example: in order to reduce waste and pollution, single-use disposables will not be provided, there may have different wild creatures or animals in the surrounding area, and the interior design of the rooms has the characteristics of typical Hakka villages.
Mui Tsz Lam Village｜Founded by the Hakka people of the Tsang family, it has a history of more than 400 years. Located in the middle and lower reaches of the river, the unique geography has created an environment with sufficient moisture in the village, which is conducive to rice cultivation, as well as hillside Fengshui forests and river bank ecology, providing very rich biological resources.
Cultural walk in Lai Chi Wo (about 1.5 hours)｜A local tour guide will introduce the people and events of the village's past, allowing city dwellers to gain a better understanding of the village environment and natural scenery.
White-flowered Derris Boardwalk｜In the woods near the coastal mangroves forest you will see giant, python-like vines criss-crossing on the ground. Some hang from trees and form arches. These are White-flowered Derris climbing shrubs, with stems measuring up to 30 cm in diameter, which have taken hundreds of years to grow to this size.
Lai Chi Wo Cultural Hub, Siu Ying Story Room & ChinaChem Lai Chi Wo Story Room｜Lai Chi Wo serves as a model of rural revitalisation in Hong Kong. The achievements of its villagers and volunteers have been recognised by UNESCO, and are recorded at these venues, from a restored village house to a purpose-made exhibition space. The exhibits offer visitors a better understanding of the local ecology and history.
(The itineraries and attractions are for reference only; detailed information will be announced later.)
Package Tour Fare｜
Member*｜HK$1,600; Non-member: HK$2,100 (*Member: HKAC; same price for adults and children)
Package Tour Fare Includes｜
One Ma Liu Shui to Lai Chi Wo round-trip ferry ticket, tour programs, accommodation, tips for the local tour guides and group accident insurance.
Due to limited quota, priority will be given to HKAC members. Please submit the online application form (https://forms.gle/u8StnGiuRveLCn4TA) or send us email to info@archicentre.hk or call our staff at 2805 7146 to confirm your participation by 14 November 2022.
For enquiries, please contact our staff at info@archicentre.hk or call 2805 7146.