Song-dynasty relics in Kowloon City unlock one Hong Kong family’s past

For Chiu Wai-shing, the discovery of ancient relics in Kowloon City may not just shed more light on Hong Kong’s past but could also open a new chapter in his family’s history.

For decades, members of the Chiu clan in Hong Kong have been researching their past. Many believe they are the descendants of the Song dynasty (960-1279AD) royal family, members of which are thought to have fled to Hong Kong during the dying days of the dynasty, and have been actively attempting to reconstruct the family’s history.

The discovery of traces of a settlement dating to the Song or Yuan (1279-1368) era close to the site of the future To Kwa Wan MTR station have prompted a frisson of excitement.

An archaeological excavation on the 23,000-square-metre site, which started in late 2012 and is expected to be completed by September, has so far found thousands of items of relics dating back to periods ranging from Song to the early 20th century. Among the structures unearthed are wells, house structures and drainage channels dating back to Song or Yuan (1279-1368AD) dynasties.

“This discovery is very encouraging to us,” said Chiu, president of the Chiu Clansmen’s General Association of Hong Kong. “When the Song emperors came to Hong Kong, a large entourage of officials and soldiers followed them. They built houses and settled here.