F1 Society Studies
Tangible Cultural Heritage Conservation
Introduction
Name: _______________ ( ) Class: _____
I. Protection of Historical Heritage in Hong Kong
Historical heritage is protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance and
historic buildings are assessed by the Antiquities and Monuments Advisory Board.
Grading Description
Declared Monuments (a place, building, site or structure) that are legally
Monuments protected and are prevented from demolitions or unauthorized
alterations
I Buildings of outstanding merit; every effort should be made to
preserve if possible
II Buildings of special merit; efforts should be made to selectively
preserve.
III Buildings of some merit; preservation in some form would be
desirable and alternative means could be considered if preservation
is not practicable.
II. Criteria of Grading Historic Buildings
a. Historic significance
Associated with famous people, important events, places and themes
Reflected the ordinary way of life of people in the past or historical
development of a place
Age of building (at least 30 years)
b. Aesthetic significance
Demonstrates significant technological achievement, innovation and
construction technique
Demonstration of outstanding use of materials, design, forms and
architectural style
c. Social significance
A symbolic or visual landmark recognized by the community
Contributes to the community’s identity (身份認同)
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Represents people’s sense of belonging to the community and
social cohesion (社群的凝聚力)
d. Authenticity
Quality of buildings which have undergone little modifications, hence
retaining their original features
b. Rarity
How rare the building type is
III. A case study on Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda.
Read the following source.
The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda (Pagoda of Gathering
Stars) is located north of Sheung Cheung Wai
opposite of West Rail – Tin Shui Wai Station. It is
the only ancient pagoda in Hong Kong. According to
the genealogy of the Tang Clan in Ping Shan, the
pagoda was built by Tang Yin-tung of the 7th
generation more than 600 years ago. The Tang clan
was one of the five big clans in Hong Kong.
The Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda was originally situated at
the mouth of a river facing Deep Bay and was
intended as a feng shui structure designed to
ward off evil spirits from the north and to prevent flooding (「擋北煞、
鎮洪水」). Its auspicious location, in alignment with Castle Peak, would
ensure success for clan members in the imperial civil service
examinations. This hexagonal-shaped pagoda is a three-storey green-
brick structure about thirteen metres high. A statue of Fui Shing (魁星
, also known as “Champion Star”), a god responsible for official
attainment, is worshipped on the top floor. In fact, the Tang clan has
produced numerous scholars and officials. The Tang clan members
attributed such success to the construction of the pagoda. The Tang
Clan members take pride in these outstanding achievements and share
the glory of being part of the Tang Clan.
Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda was one of the 12 historical spots in the Ping Shan Heritage
Trail, the first of its kind in Hong Kong and was inaugurated in 1993. The Tsui Sing
Lau Pagoda was declared a monument in December 2001.
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Based on the source, what is the significance of Tsui Sing Lau Pagoda?