History of Hong Kong’s outlying islands celebrated in ‘treasure hunt’ that reveals their rich cultural heritage

A local NGO wants to help people discover the history, architecture, festivals, crafts and traditions of Hong Kong’s islands

Some 100 cultural treasures have been identified, tracing roots that go back thousands of years and are less influenced by the West as the rest of the city

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NGO Hulu Culture’s Treasure Island map displaying what riches can be found on Hong Kong’s outlying islands. Photo: Hulu Culture/Don Mak

Published: 8:00am, 19 Apr 2019Updated: 8:00am, 19 Apr 2019

Hundreds of people are searching for treasure hidden across the Outlying Islands district of Hong Kong this month, but it’s not pieces-of-eight or buried chests of precious stones they are seeking.

“Hong Kong’s islands have so many treasures – different architecture, festivals, crafts and traditions,” says Simon Go Man-ching, founder of Hulu Culture, a local NGO that is running a project called Treasure Islands, which encourages locals and visitors to explore the rich cultural heritage of Hong Kong’s islands.

Go is talking from the temporary headquarters of the project, formed by a dozen blue shipping containers located near the Hong Kong Maritime Museum on the busy waterfront of the Central business district. Each container houses a small exhibition inspired by island life, and the entrance is marked by a 15-metre-high ornate structure constructed by bamboo master Hui Ka-hung, from Lamma Island.

“Our islands are not just about beautiful landscapes and seafood,” says Go.

Simon Go is founder of Hulu Culture, a local NGO that is running a project called Treasure Islands to celebrate the heritage of Hong Kong’s outlying islands. Photo: Edmond So

The islands district consists of more than 20 islands of various sizes that are home to more than 141,000 people. Regular ferry service allows residents to commute to the city centre and offer visitors one of the best value boat trips in Asia.

While the main attraction of Hong Kong’s outlying islands might be cheaper rent or a day trip to enjoy seafood restaurants, Go and his small team of volunteers have identified some 100 cultural treasures as part of their attempt to engage locals and tourists in the islands’ unique heritage.