Ramble on Hakka Ancient Village – Lai Chi Wo
A traditional Hakka-walled village with a history of nearly 400 years is rich in cultural and historical values, with Fung Shui Wood and Mangrove providing abundant ecological resources.
The permanent population in Lai Chi Wo has decreased in the past few decades because of large-scale immigration. With the support of the Countryside Conservation Office and non-profit organisations, various revitalisation projects have been carried out. At present, the Countryside Conservation Office supports seven Countryside Conservation Funding Schemes in Lai Chi Wo. Through these projects, the environment, transportation, livelihoods of people, culture, and hygiene of Lai Chi Wo Village will be improved. Lai Chi Wo will then gradually transform into a paradise where urban-rural symbiosis is achieved.
Management Agreement Scheme at Lai Chi Wo Enclave
The Hong Kong Countryside Foundation is executing a Management Agreement Scheme at Lai Chi Wo with the implementation of nature-friendly farming and ecological conservation measures in collaboration with local stakeholders to improve productivity and ecological potential of revitalised farmland; deliver diverse activities to strengthen the resident community; develop variety in farm produce derivatives to enable diversified downstream economic activities and livelihood possibilities so as to sustain the rural community.
Prevention of Deterioration of Built Environment & Landscape Improvement in Lai Chi Wo Village
Lai Chi Wo Village is one of Hong Kong’s traditional Hakka historic building clusters, however, the absence of regular maintenance has bought about unstable structures. With the support of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, HakkaHome-LCW Limited implements enhancement project by identifying potentially dangerous structures and improving the rural landscape. All venues will be opened to the public after enhancement is completed by following conservation principles.
Lai Chi Wo Children Play Theatre
This is a children play theatre activity with interactive elements, such as singing and playing, puppet and Art Tech. Zuni Icosahedron intended to introduce Lai Chi Wo’s history, ecology and Hakka culture by means of art and performance. Bringing laughers to Lai Chi Wo and attracting younger participants. With the use of eco-friendly material – bamboo and new design elements, the traditional “Bamboo Scaffolding” is designed as a playground for kids to explore. Through interacting with Lai Chi Wo’s environment, participants can experience the unique rural culture.
Traditional Craftsmanship and Cultural Inheritance in Lai Chi Wo
Under the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, the “Traditional Craftsmanship and Cultural Inheritance in Lai Chi Wo”, organised by the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation, aimed to promote traditional construction of Hakka style village as cultural revitalisation. By introducing the history of Lai Chi Wo building clusters and construction revitalisation craftsmanship in multiple ways, the project aimed to enhance public’s awareness on the importance of traditional craftsmanship and cultural property.
Villagers’ Management Agreement Project with Hygiene Theme
With the return of villagers and the efforts of NPOs to carry out revitalisation projects in Lai Chi Wo, the core population in the village increased and hygiene issues become a top priority. The project aims to re-establish a village-based management and maintenance system and to solve village hygienic and drainage problems.
Water Bus Makes Us Closer
Feasibility Study and Pilot Scheme of Water Bus for Inter-village and Coastal Eco-tour Service for Lai Chi Wo and Nearby Villages. With the support of the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, the pilot project of Water Bus between the city to Lai Chi Wo and nearby villages has been launched in early July 2022. Such service improved the transportation system and accessibility for both the villagers and the public, encouraged villagers to return, and attract the general public to visit. Hence, to promote local cultural conservation and sustainable development.
Feasibility Study of Licensed Food Business in Remote Old Villages
Catering is an inevitable part of village life. Many hikers consider local catering services as important cultural experiences. Properly licensed food businesses will ensure food safety and environmental hygiene to protect customers’ health safety. Under the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme, the Hong Kong Countryside Foundation conducted related feasibility studies, planning to launch a pioneer project to provide a good reference for future operations in other rural areas’ food business licenses.