Tai O Fishing Village in Hong Kong

Tai O Fishing Village in Hong Kong

To witness Hong Kong’s rare stilt houses over water, head to Tai O Fishing Village located at the northwestern tip of Lantau Island. Solid ground could not offer the Tanka people a sense of security, so they built homes on wooden stilts over the tidal flats—giving rise to these iconic stilt houses. Since then, generations of Tanka people have lived in these waterborne dwellings, a tradition that continues to this day.

Take a bus from Mui Wo or Tung Chung, about an hour’s ride, to reach Tai O Fishing Village. The village is divided by a river, with stilt houses lining both banks. These homes were built over a century ago by fishermen on wooden pillars erected above the water, with houses connected side by side in neat rows.

Fishermen mostly travel by sampan, preserving the village’s rustic charm—earning Tai O the nickname “Venice of the East.” Most residents are Hakka people who make a living by fishing, leading a peaceful and simple life by the water.

Tai O was once a major fishing port and military garrison town in Hong Kong, as well as a key site for fishing and salt production for centuries. Today, there is no longer a military presence, only a quiet and quaint fishing village remains. Locally cured salted fish and shrimp paste are particularly flavorful.

In the past, villagers used a “punt ferry” (also known as a “rope bridge”), operated by ropes, to cross the river. This punt ferry, which had been in use for over 86 years, has now been replaced by a new suspension bridge spanning the small waterway. Nevertheless, the village retains its charming water town atmosphere, making it a paradise for amateur photographers.

Transportation Guide

Location: Market Street, Northwestern Tip of Lantau Island, Islands District, Hong Kong

Getting There: 1. From Central Pier 6 (Exit E1 of Hong Kong Station on the MTR, walk through IFC Mall), take a ferry directly to Mui Wo, then transfer to Bus 1 to Tai O. 2. From Tung Chung MTR Station, transfer to Bus 11 at Tung Chung Town Centre to Tai O. 3. Enter via Shenzhen Bay Port, take B3 (City Bus) to the final stop at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier, then take a First Ferry service.