Of the Man’s – The Qing Dynasty Mansion of Tai Fu Tai
The Qing Dynasty mansion known as Tai Fu Tai is a site that speaks to the local history in Hong Kong before the colonial times. Originally constructed as home to Man Chung-luen, the brick mansion showcases the honor bestowed on a senior Qing official. A better description of the history of Tai Fu Tai is provided by the Antiquities and Monuments Office:
Tai Fu Tai was built in the 4th year of the Tongzhi reign (1865) of the Qing Dynasty as the residence of Man Chung-luen. According to the genealogy of the Man clan, the Mans originated in Sichuan and migrated to Jiangxi and Guangdong during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279). The Mans began to settle in San Tin, Yuen Long in the 15th century. Man Chung-luen, the 21st generation ancestor of the clan, was bestowed the title of dafu (or tai fu, which means senior official).[i]
I find this mansion to be worthwhile to visit because it stands witness to the history of the indigenous population of Hong Kong. The architecture is elegant. Particularly worthy to note are the figurines on the ridge of the roof depicting aspects of local life then.
The inner courtyard on the east side of the building is a little world of its own, with a small exhibition indoors that explains the history of the site. The kitchen on the west side of the building features stone-cut grinders and a wooden furrow that was used to make peanut oil.
How to Get there
Taxi from Yuen Long might be the easiest transport for visitors to reach the Tai Fu Tai. Otherwise, bus Route 76K runs from Sheung Shui or Yuen Long. Get off at the San Tin stop.
There is no admission fee. The site is closed on Tuesdays except for public holidays. Less than one hour is required for this site.
Further Reading
This is part of the series on the Man clan’s history in San Tin, Yuen Long. See also the entries on Tung Shan Temple and Man Lun Fung Ancestral Hall. Consider doing all these sites in one trip. It is doable within a half day.
[i] Introduction to Tai Fu Tai, the Antiquities and Monuments Office of Hong Kong.