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Tourism breathes new life into Hong Kong fishing village Tai O

Plans are under way to turn the HK fishing village into a sustainable tourism hub, with its history and heritage intact

Situated along the north-west coast of Lantau Island, Tai O used to be a sleepy fishing village. Now, growing tourism is injecting a new vibrancy.
Left: Tai O's temple, rural committee office and school are located in the same area, a reflection of the community's close-knit ties. Below: The name Tai O refers to water channels and the once-bustling village that was one of Hong Kong's most vital
Tai O's temple, rural committee office and school are located in the same area, a reflection of the community's close-knit ties. Below: The name Tai O refers to water channels and the once-bustling village that was one of Hong Kong's most vital fishing ports for over 200 years. ST PHOTO: CLAIRE HUANG
Claire Huang
Hong Kong Correspondent
Updated
Dec 17, 2018, 01:43 PM
Published
Oct 20, 2018, 05:00 AM
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The once-sleepy fishing village of Tai O, located on the western edge of Lantau Island which lies at the mouth of the Pearl River Delta, may be waking up to new beginnings, if plans by the Hong Kong government pan out.

Nicknamed the "Venice of Hong Kong", Tai O is home to the Tanka, or boat people, who live in stilt houses dating as far back as the 19th century.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on October 20, 2018, with the headline Tourism breathes new life into Hong Kong fishing village Tai O. Subscribe

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