How fisherfolk of Aberdeen Harbour and tiny island of Peng Chau forged Hong Kong’s vibrant history
- Sheltered bay area near Aberdeen, on southern coast of Hong Kong Island, is traditional home of city’s fishing community
- Tranquil outlying island of Peng Chau, once thriving base for leather, pottery, match and lime ash factories, now flourishing arts hub
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Hong Kong’s relatively short, yet colourful history has influenced not only the city itself, but also the mainland and the wider world.
Many of its stories are tied to the sea-flanked geography of the territory, on the coast of southeastern China, comprising 262 outlying islands and numerous bays and harbours – including the sheltered waters of the iconic deepwater Victoria Harbour, between Hong Kong Island and Kowloon Peninsula – which have helped to forge its development as a major international free-trading shipping port.
Aberdeen Harbour, a sheltered bay area between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau island on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island – the traditional home of the city’s fishing community – and the tiny, tranquil outlying island of Peng Chau, with links dating back to the Qing dynasty’s (1644-1911) heyday, demonstrate the city’s uniqueness.
Unassuming island home to multifaceted history
When you step from the ferry on the small secluded pier, on the back edge of C-shaped Peng Chau, it is hard to imagine that this was once a thriving hub of fishing and other small – yet important – industries. The island’s chill, car-free environment makes it seem as if time has stood still for decades.
