The Chinese festival of Qingming was marked on Sunday. For many people, it's a time to remember those who have passed away - A tradition upheld by Chinese people around the world.
In a solemn act of worship, over 200 people of the Tang clan have gathered at the Tuen Mun in Hong Kong to honor their ancestors.
The Tang clan first arrived in Hong Kong from the Chinese mainland 700 years ago, and they've kept alive their ancestor's traditions and values.
They would take turns to light incense and pay respect to the ancestors' grave.
"It's an important tradition to honor our ancestors during the Qingming festival. And a precious moment for the whole family to get together," said an interviewee.
Most of the clans in Hongkong would host ancestor-worshipping ceremony two times a year, one during the Qingming festival in spring and one in autumn.
It's been over 700 years since the Tangs settled in the New Territories area in Hongkong from the Chinese mainland.
And an important place to pay respect to the ancestors and discover family history is the Tang ancestral hall.
The ancestral hall is the biggest of its kind in Hongkong and was recognized as historic site by local authorities in 2001.
"Here in our family tree we can see that the Tang family started with Tang Yu. He is a general from the Han dynasty who helped Emperor Wudi secure his throne," a man said.
Apart from hosting worshipping ceremonies, the Tang ancestral hall was even once a frontline for fighting the British during the First Opium War.
"During the First Opium War in 1840, the Tang clan were very active in fighting the British army. They used to gather in the Tang ancestral hall to plan attacks against the invaders. We still have the two cannons from that period."
While honoring their ancestors, the Tang clan also honors the ancestors' values.
They often come back to their ancestors' home town in the mainland, making donations for local education and infrastructures.
