Guide to Hong Kong: Maritime History

Hong Kong is one of the world’s leading cosmopolitan cities, yet from the moment you set foot on its shores you can see how the modern-day status is inextricably linked to a rich maritime heritage. Before the city became the world-famous free trade port it is today, it was throughout its history a maritime base for pirates, a resource for Chinese traders, a home for traditional fishing villages, and a colonial staging post.

Living off the Sea

Long before the British hoisted a flag at Possession Point, Hong Kong was home to a myriad of communities living on—and off—the water. One such location is Tai O, an ancient stilted village that was once a shining port of the Pearl River Delta, thriving on salt production and fishing. Further north on the shores of Tolo Harbour in the New Territories is Sam Mun Tsai New Village, another quaint fishing community that grew up around salt production.

Living on the Sea

For a livelier water community, make your way to Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the city’s largest natural inlet providing protection from the elements. Over the years it has attracted a large population of hard-working Chinese settlers looking to make a living. Although the fishing industry is no longer what it once was, this stretch of water is still busy—riddled as it is with working harbor boats, fishermen’s sampans, luxury yachts and tour boats.

On the Shores

Hong Kong has such involved, complex ties to its waters that the best place to cover a lot of history in a short space of time is the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. With more than 5,000 artefacts and some 15 galleries of exhibitions covering everything from sea bandits to the making of Victoria Harbour, no exploration of the city’s past is complete without a stop here.

For more insider info on Hong Kong, head to www.DiscoverHongKong.com/InsidersGuide