ENG-2000 — Page 459

RECREATION, SPORT AND THE ARTS

Tsui, Lo Wai, Tai Fu Tai, Kang Yung Study Hall and the Kun Lung Wai. The restoration of the Hung Shing Temple on Kau Sai Island, a project funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, won the Outstanding Project Award in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award 2000.

A cartographic survey and conservation study project in respect of the Hau Mei Fung Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui was carried out with assistance from the Tsinghua University in Beijing. The drawings and findings of the survey provided useful information in facilitating the conservation of the historical building. The Hong Kong-wide historical building and structure survey was completed. About 9 500 pre-1950 buildings and structures of historical interest were recorded. The data collected were being studied and computerised to facilitate future research.

Following the enforcement of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Ordinance in April 1998, the AMO continued to be heavily involved in heritage impact assessments associated with EIA studies. Archaeological investigations were undertaken at Nim Wan, Tuen Mun and along the Shenzhen River. Moreover, the AMO also conducted marine archaeological investigations in connection with the sheltered boat anchorage project in Tai O and the Road P2 project in Tseung Kwan O. These surveys and investigations provided valuable data on the archaeological potential of the various project areas. Appropriate mitigation measures would be arranged to safeguard the archaeological remains.

The AMO also conducted heritage surveys of development and works projects on Lantau and in Sai Kung and Tuen Mun. The field surveys yielded valuable data on the cultural heritage sites within the various project areas and appropriate mitigation measures were subsequently arranged to redress the impact of the development on the affected sites.

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The most rewarding archaeological operation was the large-scale rescue excavation at So Kwun Wat, in Tuen Mun, from March to November. The project was jointly conducted by the AMO and the Beijing University's Department of Archaeology, with some 20 archaeologists participating. The excavation, which covered an area of more than 1 500 square metres, yielded remains of three cultural phases the Late Neolithic (circa 2000 BC), Han Dynasty (206 BC-220 AD) and Ming Dynasty (AD 1368-1644). The most spectacular findings were the discovery of more than 60 bronze wuzhu coins and fragments of hemp and bamboo mat inside a pit within the Han cultural layer. On the Late Neolithic activity floor, there were a number of firing hearths supported by the circular arrangement of burnt stones and the distribution of ash-darkened sand. Scattered on the activity floor was a quantity of pottery such as cauldrons, pots, basins and spindle whorls, as well as stone tools such as arrowheads, net sinkers, adzes and polishing stones. Extending to the Ming Dynasty, the site was used as a burial ground in which over 30 burials were discovered. All burials had burial pits with traces of wooden coffins and iron coffin nails. The burial objects included an iron dagger, scissors and a sickle; a bronze ring, cash coins and pottery jars with porcelain bowls as covers.

The AMO also conducted rescue excavations at Tai O, on Lantau Island, in July and August, at Nai Wai in Tuen Mun in November and at Ho Chung from November. A large quantity of Qing Dynasty artefacts was found in Tai O and remains of a Qing dynasty kiln structure were discovered at Nai Wai, providing more research materials to facilitate the study of Hong Kong's past.

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