Project Plum Grove: Revitalising Mui Tsz Lam with Experimental Restorations

Proponent: School of Architecture of The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Site: Mui Tsz Lam

Project Description

The project aims to revitalise community vitality through architectural experimentation. With a focus on restoring traditional rammed earth walls, it revitalised two village houses in Mui Tsz Lam — the ‘Old House’ and the ‘Mural House’. Through the process, the project encouraged active participation from both the public and villagers while raising awareness of cultural heritage preservation. It also seeks to inspire imagination and discussion around the future of rural living, encouraging villagers to return and promoting the sustainable development of Mui Tsz Lam.

Grant Approved

HK$2,000,000

Project Duration

20/10/2020-19/09/2022

Through the restoration of traditional rammed earth walls, the project revitalised two village houses in Mui Tsz Lam.

How To Get There

1 | Ma Liu Shui Kaito Ferry + Hiking |

• Take Kaito Ferry to Lai Chi Wo, then hike for about half an hour to Mui Tsz Lam

• Every Saturday, Sunday, and Public Holidays

• Departure: Ma Liu Shui No.3 Pier at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：30

2 | Tai Shui Hang Kaito Ferry + Hiking |

• Take Kaito Ferry to Lai Chi Wo, then hike for about half an hour to Mui Tsz Lam

• Every Tuesday and Thursday (excluding Public Holidays)

• Departure: Tai Shui Hang at 09：00

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 15：40

3 | Sha Tau Kok Kaito Ferry + Hiking |

• Closed Area permit needed

• Take Kaito Ferry to Lai Chi Wo, then hike for about half an hour to Mui Tsz Lam

• Daily (No service on Tuesday (except Public Holidays))

• Departure: Sha Tau Kok Pier at 08：30、10：30、12：30、15：15

• Return: Lai Chi Wo Pier at 09：00、11：30、13：00、16：15

4 | Minibus + Hiking |

• Take green minibus No. 20R from Tai Po Market MTR Station to Wu Kau Tang, then hike for about 2 hours to Mui Tsz Lam

• Reference Route: Wu Kau Tang → A Ma Wat → Fan Shui Au → Mui Tsz Lam

➤ Kaito Ferry Service Details

Project Update

The project was completed on 19 September 2022.

Project Outcome

Through engaging the villagers, Friends of Mui Tsz Lam, students and volunteers, the project successfully restored the 2 dilapidated village houses. The project also conducted education and promotion activities such as workshops, guided tours and exhibitions, to enhance the general public's understanding of Hakka villages and the ancillary cultures.

The project has made valuable contributions to countryside conservation and revitalisation with fruitful outcomes, and was awarded by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects (HKIA) with the “President’s Special Prize” and the “HKIA Special Award – Architectural Installation, Curation & Exhibition Design” in 2022/23.