The opportunity to experience Hong Kong through casual observation and formal structured introduction has provided me insight into meaningful aspects of Chinese heritage. With limited knowledge about China before arriving in Hong Kong, while here I have sought to confirm those admirable perceptions of the Chinese by western people. During my visit to the walled village of the Tang Clan in Ping Shan and the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in Sha Tin I acknowledged important aspects contributing to Chinese heritage for which I would like to discuss: family, education, aesthetics and pride.
The structural and social design of the Ping Shan walled village is conducive to family relations. Observing the structural design indicated that family strongly is integrated into the Chinese way of life, as descendants stay in the same community in order to contributed to the responsibilities of village life and success of future generations. The social structure of respect for one’s ancestors and providing land for males born into the clan also emphasizes a sense of family. Combined, the structural and social design permits adequate care for each generation and enduring success of the Tang Clan.
Facilitated through the joint efforts of the village ancestral hall and those successful members contributing monetarily to the village study hall, confirms a sincere emphasis on education and shared prosperity. In order to dedicate one’s time to academic studies suggest the support and consensus on the importance of education. Rigorous studies required significant time of each student that might otherwise be used in contributing to domestic or agricultural operations. It required the support of everyone so that through education, qualifying them for government positions, they might further the clan’s success and name.
Aesthetic value of Chinese heritage is simply awe inspiring in its authenticity, craftsmanship and history. Observing what might otherwise appear to be a simple wood, stone and tile structure upon closer observation becomes full of detail, hundreds of years of history and strong ties to the ever important feng shui. Adornments to these structures characterized by full vivid color are carried out through other aspects of heritage including the Cantonese Opera, performing arts and religious worship.
Above all the tactful and mysteriously humble tradition of pride is evident throughout Chinese heritage supported by the above mentioned. Further it is conveyed through restoration works, documentation of the past, concern for protecting the future of Chinese heritage that pride is a strong part of Chinese life. It speaks highly of the Chinese to manage the delicate balance of respect and pride.
