Aberdeen Floating Village in the Southern District of Hong Kong

 

Aberdeen Floating Village, located at the Aberdeen Harbour in the Southern District of Hong Kong, is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into the city's rich history and cultural heritage. The harbour is home to around 600 junks and over 6,000 people, making it a vibrant and bustling community that is steeped in tradition and custom (1).

As you approach the village, you are immediately struck by the rows of old-fashioned junks and sampans that line the harbour. These traditional boats are still used by the fishermen and their families, who live on them for at least nine months of the year. The boats are decorated with colorful lanterns and flags, and the sound of laughter and chatter fills the air as the villagers go about their daily routines (2).

Despite the traditional appearance of the village, modernity is never far away. Mobile phones and satellite dishes are a common sight, and the high-rises that frame the harbour and the ultra-modern yachts moored nearby serve as a reminder of the city's rapid development and progress (3).

Aberdeen Fishing Village and the Aberdeen Harbour are a photographer's paradise, with the contrast between old and new, traditional and modern, making for a fascinating and unique visual experience. The village and harbour are also steeped in history, with Aberdeen Harbour being the first place where the British set foot upon arriving in Hong Kong (4).

The Tanka people, who are the indigenous people of Hong Kong, have lived in Aberdeen Harbour for generations. They are a resilient and resourceful community, and their traditional way of life is still evident in the village today. The old ladies of the village can still be seen dressed in traditional clothing, selling the day's catch and offering sampan rides to tourists (5).

Tourism is a major industry in Aberdeen, with visitors drawn to the village's unique charm and character. The village offers a range of activities and attractions, including boat rides, seafood restaurants, and traditional shops selling handicrafts and souvenirs (6).

In addition to its cultural and historical significance, Aberdeen Fishing Village is also an important economic hub. The fishing industry is still thriving, with the villagers catching and selling a wide range of seafood. The village is also home to a number of small businesses and enterprises, including boat-building and repair shops (7).

In recent years, Aberdeen Fishing Village has faced a number of challenges, including the impact of urban development and the decline of the fishing industry. However, the village remains a vibrant and resilient community, and efforts are being made to preserve its cultural heritage and traditional way of life (8).

In conclusion, Aberdeen Floating Village is a unique and fascinating destination that offers a glimpse into Hong Kong's rich history and cultural heritage. The village and harbour are a must-visit for anyone interested in photography, history, and culture, and offer a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.

Sources:

(1) Hong Kong Government. (2022). Aberdeen Fishing Village.

(2) Discover Hong Kong. (2022). Aberdeen Harbour.

(3) The Guardian. (2022). Hong Kong's Aberdeen Fishing Village.

(4) BBC Travel. (2022). Aberdeen Harbour: A glimpse into Hong Kong's past.

(5) CNN Travel. (2022). Aberdeen Fishing Village: A traditional Hong Kong community.

(6) Lonely Planet. (2022). Aberdeen Fishing Village.

(7) South China Morning Post. (2022). Aberdeen Fishing Village: A thriving community.

(8) The New York Times. (2022). Hong Kong's Aberdeen Fishing Village: A community in transition.