Tai O, HK’s picturesque fishing village adapts to changes

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By CGTN's Mao Dan

Hong Kong has more than 200 outlying islets, most of them sparsely inhabited. Many of them offer a mix of seascapes, quiet fishing villages and rural calm, a world away from the hectic pace of the city. Tai O is a picturesque fishing village that is trying ensure its survival.

Tai O village lies in the western coast of Lantau Island. Here fishing families have built their houses on stilts for generations.

Stilted houses are a unique view in Tai O. /CGTN Photo

The stilt houses sit along the waterfront and are somewhat protected. These unusual structures were built close or even connected to each other, forming a very warm neighborhood.

But most of the stilt-house residents today are elderly. Their grown-up children and grandchildren have left for better job opportunities in the city.

Sing Lee Shrimp Sauce & Paste Manufacturer in Tai O. /CGTN Photo

Shrimp sauce and paste is a famous Tai O product. It’s one of the few remaining businesses that still offer job opportunities. But there are only two such factories left today.

UNESCO-awarded Tai O heritage hotel was transformed from an old police station. /CGTN Photo

One way to embrace the changes while preserving the historic place is the Tai O Heritage Hotel, which was transformed from an old police station.

The project was launched in 2012 to revitalize the village and to try to attract young people back.