Law Uk Folk Museum

“Nice little museum located in Chai Wan. Law Uk was a typical Hakka-style house in the Law Uk Village that was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the Law family. During the 1950s, Chai Wan began to develop and Law Uk Village was torn down, leaving just one house behind. In 1989, the Hong Kong Government took possession of the house and renamed it Law Uk Folk Museum. The house contains a large living room in the center; on the right and left are rooms and mezzanines. In front of the living room are two small rooms used as the kitchen and a storage room. Outside, there is an empty space used as a thrashing ground. Inside, It was decorated with traditional Hakka furniture and other household items.”

“A little gem in the middle of the busy city. Close your eyes and you can imagine the house and land around. The leaflet is full of information and the notice boards have old photos of years gone by.”

“Pleasant showcase of a centuries old traditional Hakka house within a small park. Conveniently located near the Chai Wan MTR station”

“This is restored Hakka village house and declared monument in the Chai Wan area of the Hong Kong Island. Built in the mid-18th century and belonging to the Law Uk family, the property provides glimpse into the architecture and everyday life at what was once a major Hakka settlement. Now the building serves as a minor museum (free entry) for those who visit this area of the city and have interest in local history. The grounds include the restored house which has five indoor rooms, several including displays of historic furnishing, farm equipment, ceremonial and other items from the past. There are information panels outside the museum in the small courtyard providing some history of the Hakka people, their village lives before and then during the British colonial period, customs and festive ceremonies, building architecture and details about the family who owned this particular house in the past. There is also an annex property on the museum grounds as well, it is built in the same manner as the historic Law Uk house. It was closed when we passed by recently. Overall, it is good that the government restores and protects historic properties and puts them to good use like what you will find with the Law Uk Folk Museum in Chai Wan. It makes for a good place to spend 20-30 minutes if you find yourself in the area. However, if you are real history buff, it is better to visit the Hong Kong Museum of History, where you will find similar displays and learning opportunity regarding the Hakka people and other Chinese ethnic groups that have roots here in Hong Kong.”