Time lasting fishing village
History
Tai O was and still is a small fishing village located on main Lantau Island. This historically and culturally alive village is also host to many precious sites dating back to the stone age. Nowadays, the village is a tourist attraction for those in love with street photography and those who want to take a glimpse into what Hong Kong may have looked like a few decades ago before it was the cosmopolitan city it is renowned for today.
The ancestry of the local villagers are mostly refugees from after the Chinese civil war. Ranging from Hoklo and Hakka regions. As well as fishing, the old Tai O used to be a famous place for salt plantations with remnants still seen today near the marshes at the bus stand. Descendants today rarely take on the role as fisherman. Instead, they work in the city urbanization is beginning to spread here as more local facilities such as schools are built.
Sites and Activities
Exploring by feet
The village is best explored by foot. Spend some time exploring around and enjoying the daily lives of the local people. As you walk through the village, small streets lead to the main river which gives good views of the traditional stilt houses built by local inhabitants and fisherman. Some say Tai O is the Venice of Hong Kong, if you do manage to ignore the muddy water, the architecture and local culture is worth the time.
The Venice of Hong Kong
Walking slowly, you can find small streets that lead to the water for great shots!
Tai O Main Street
Exploration of temples
With around 5 old Chinese temples in Tai O, if you are a religious architech seeker, Tai O is the place for you. As soon as you reach Tai O, quickly snap a shot of the island map on your phone or camera. With this map, you will have some idea of the temples you want to reach. The oldest temple is the Yeung Hau Temple (“Prince Marquis” or “Holy Marquis”). Hau Wong was a loyal and courageous general who protected the southern song dynasty despite his failing health.
Dolphin Watching
As soon as you enter Tai O, some old men will approach you to sell you tickets to see the Chinese White Dolphin. They are commonly found in that area and are pink dolphins. Boat tours can also be arranged by these ‘local tour guides’ Despite the attractiveness of the price (20HKD) I did not take part in those tours, however if you do have a chance please drop a comment below.
Food
Tai O is famous for its seafood and more importantly, its dried seafood products which can be seen all around the island. Have a higher end lunch in any of the sit down restaurants and try local seafood. But do save your stomach for some local street snacks which will leave your tongues cringing for more.
Barbequed Squid
“You’ve never been to Tai O if you have not eaten the Barbeque Squid”. At first, this phrase may seem like an overpraise over something so simple such as squid. However, one highly tasty and aromatic snack is born in these streets. Dried squid are heat over hot charcoal. For the average price of 10HKD for 3 squid, this chewy snack along with barbequed dried shrimp is a local invention that is generating quite some buzz (many shops are selling them now). Definitely worth the try and money.
A delicious snack to savor on whilst you explore Tai o
Barbecued Scallops
It may look delicious raw, but after roasting and the addition of spices, this becomes a delicacy. At a whopping 25$ for two, this scallop may seem overpriced. But it does prove its worth when it enters your mouth. The juicy fresh meat instantly lets you realize the reason why Tai O is a seafood paradise (Despite the fact of course these scallops may be imported). Either way, it adds on to the fishing village reputation of Tai O.
Tofu Fa (To Fu Desert)
After exploring and consuming the energy from your breakfast, sit back and relax as this traditional Chinese snack cools your palate. A good Tofu Fa is judged by the smoothness of its Tofu. The ‘station shop’ offers various cool deserts on a hot sunny day. But if you’re in for something hot, don’t hesitate to order the hot deserts available. The smooth Tofu Fa is only 8HKD. Order one then sit down and relax and scan through your fruitful photography experiences in Tai O.
Cooling desert. Also available hot!
Getting there and around
Getting around by bus is the easiest. This way, you can also spend half days of your trips at other magnificent sites in Hong Kong such as the Big Buddha in Ngong Ping and eat seafood at a small island laze on the beach at Mui Wo.
Buses:
- Number 11 –> Tung Chung Bus Terminal <->Tai O
- Number 1 –> Mui Wo <-> Tai O
- Number 21 –> Ngong Ping <-> Tai O
Ferry
There are daily ferries connecting Tai O to the following locations. I would recommend only taking these ferries back.
- Tuen Mun
- Tung Chung
- Sha Lo Wan
- Tai O
The Street Project, Hong Kong 