Tai Po Local Customs

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Visit Lam Tsuen (Village of Lam's), where earliest settlement can be traced back as far as over 700 years ago, to get a glimpse into the old rural life.

The wishing tree is a famous attraction of the village. Previously it was easy to recognize the tree, as it's all laden with people's prayers-legend goes that you can have your prayer comes true by writing it on a band of red cloth, tie it to an orange and toss it onto the tree.

On 12 Feb 2005, a major branch of the wishing tree broke and fell, injuring two people unfortunately. Convervation work was then started, and it is prohibited to throw paper offerings to the tree. That is why the tree is "clear" now.

When I arrive Lam Tsuen, a lady selling paper offering approached me and started her "sales work". I'm a Christian that I won't do any wish at the tree. The lady was "too helpful" and did not leave me alone.

I paid for the offerings in order to get rid of her. However, she was very enthusiastic to teach me how to write on the offerings. Oh no! Then I told her that I went taking pictures first and came back to wish. Of course I didn't. I had to leave at another exit to prevent from seeing her again.

Directions:
Take bus 64K or 65K or the green minibus 25K at Tai Po Market KCR station (please ask the driver where to get off ).