Audio guide introduction: 1 minute 24 seconds
"Tai Po Seven Territories" consists of Tai Heng, Lam Tsuen, Xi Wo, Chi Wo (i.e. Sha Lo Tung), Cheung Shue Tan, Ting Kok and Fanling Seven Territories. "Yue" means community or village, and "Qi Yue" is a non-governmental organization formed by seven small ethnic groups with different surnames to unite and help each other. It is said that it was started because villagers who did not belong to a wealthy family with the same surname were treated unfairly and discriminately when buying and selling in the old market. In 1892, they established "Tai Wo City" on the current Fu Shan Street and established the Qiyue Township Office in the Man Mo Temple to handle township affairs and actively participated in disaster relief, poverty alleviation, troubleshooting and dispute resolution. At the same time, there is also a public scale in the Man Mo Temple, which is a symbol of fair transactions in Taihe City, and the scale fees collected are used for public expenses.
In 1953, the township office received land approval from the government to build an independent clubhouse in Cinema Street. Later, the affairs were transferred to the Tai Po Rural Committee, while the Qi Yue Office continued to engage in various charity activities in the district and was registered as a non-profit charity organization. The old building was demolished in 1986 and rebuilt into a six-storey "Qiyue Building". Currently, only the second floor is used for offices, and the remaining floors are used for rent. The rent earned is used for office expenses and charity activities. .
