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This is the Entrance Gate Tower of Fanling Wai (粉嶺圍). 'Wai' means walled village.
Village was originally protected by walls on four sides. In the course of time, only the entrance gate tower and two watertowers on the left and right of the entrance gate tower are left. Other areas in the village have been changed to residential constructions of one to four storeys.
This is the Chung Wai (中圍) of Fanling Wai (粉嶺圍), it was declared a Grade III
Historical Building on 22 January 2010 and 31 August 2010. The original Wai was built in 15th to 16th Century.
In front of the walled village, there is a large fish pond, which should be the largest one we have ever seen in Hong Kong. Its existence is of course for Fung Shui purpose.
Some fish can be found in the pond.
The present entrance gate-tower and two corner watchtowers (one is shown on the left of this picture) were rebuilt in 1986. They therefore look quite good in structure.
The three white spots are also for fung shui purpose.
A couplet '前環鳳水 後擁龍山' is written on the entrance wall. It means Fanling Wai is protected by pond and hill, it is a pattern with financial strength and power.
There are several steps in front of the entrance gate tower. On both sides of the steps, four cylindrical stones can be found.
This is taken inside the walled village.
Under the entrance gate tower, there is a 'God of the Earth', safeguarding the walled village and protecting the people.
This is a part of the door structure.
Two corner watchtowers were rebuilt in 1986.
Three cannons are found in front of the entrance gate tower and behind the pond, i.e. it is in between the entrance gate tower and the pond.
Entrance Gate Tower
Fanling Wai
粉嶺圍圍樓
Islet Relics /2015
