These days, Stanley is quite known for visitors and familiar to most as a great weekend beach escape, but it’s easy to forget just how culturally and historically significant this Southern nook of Hong Kong is. In Cantonese the name is Chek Chu, literally “red pillar”, which some say derived from the Hakka phrase for the tall cotton tree that was once in the village. Others say it’s a derivative of Chak Chu, a “bandit’s post”, named after the pirate Cheung Po Tsai who was active in this bay. Spend a day here and uncover a slice of Hong Kong’s past.

1. Tin Hau Temple

2. Stanley Cave

3. Stanley Promenade