Tai O

Tai O

Tai O is located in the western part of Lantau Island in the New Territories of Hong Kong. It is the most famous existing fishing village in Hong Kong, with parts of the village situated on Tai O Island. The village boasts a distinctive water town charm, earning it the nickname “Venice of Hong Kong.” In 2006, Tai O was ranked seventh in the “Top Ten Scenic Spots of Hong Kong” election, organized by the Friends of Hong Kong Country Parks, the Lions Clubs International District 303 Hong Kong & Macau, and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.

Tai O Fishing Port is the earliest developed fishing village on the island. Divided into two parts by three creeks, its maze of waterways and stilt houses create a unique water town atmosphere, hence the title “Venice of Hong Kong.” The stilt houses built over the water are one of its most distinctive features. With a population of around 2,000, the residents are mainly Hakka people. Tai O was once a major fishing port and military garrison town. For over a hundred years, it served as Hong Kong’s salt production area and remains a tranquil fishing village today. In the past, people relied on ferries to get around, and residents traveled by small boats. The town is dotted with temples, including the Guan Yu Temple, which has stood in the village since the Ming Dynasty. Inside the temple is a bronze bell cast in 1739, and the roof is adorned with delicate ceramic decorations. In addition to the Guan Yu Temple, there are statues of Hua Tuo and the God of Wealth. The Yeung Hau Temple was built in honor of Yeung Hau, and after renovation, it appears even more solemn. Opposite the temple, in the bay, there are two stone tablets erected in 1902 during the boundary survey when the New Territories were leased. Along Tai O Road, you can walk to the 80-year-old Guanyin Temple, which is designed in the architectural style of Beijing’s Summer Palace. Salted fish and shrimp paste are among the most famous seafood products in Tai O.

Near Tai O, the archaeological site — the Salt Field Site — dates back to the Stone Age, but confirmed human settlements only have a history of three centuries. Some unverifiable rumors include: 1) Tai O was a base for pirates and illicit activities; 2) the creek mouths could defend against storms; 3) there is a hidden place here. Nearby, at Fan Lau, a fort was built as early as 1729 to protect shipping on the Pearl River. Activities such as illegal trade of firearms, tobacco, or opium, as well as smuggling people across to and from mainland China, remain common illegal practices to this day.

In the 16th century, the Portuguese arrived on the southern coast of China and occupied the Tai O area to establish a supply base. They were later repelled by the Ming army in the Tuen Mun area in what is known as the Battle of Tuen Mun. The former base was referred to by residents as “Fan Kwai Tong” (“Fan Kwai” being a Cantonese term previously used to refer to Westerners), and it still exists today.

When the British arrived in Hong Kong, Tai O was called “Dan Jia Village.” During and after the Chinese Civil War, Tai O became a primary landing spot for illegal immigrants fleeing from mainland China. Among the immigrants, the Han Chinese generally stayed in Tai O. At the same time, Tai O also attracted other Chinese ethnic groups in Hong Kong, including the Hoklo and Hakka, to settle there.

In recent years, the fishing industry in Tai O has been declining. Relying solely on fishing, villagers found it hard to make a living, so they turned to seafood processing, for which Tai O is also well known. Only one public school remains on the island, and most young people leave Tai O after reaching adulthood.

On July 2, 2000, a large fire destroyed over 90 stilt houses in Sha Tsui Mei, Tai O, dealing a major blow to the fishing community. Efforts have been made to restore the old look of Tai O. Most of what remains today are temporary shelters and dilapidated stilt houses.