A Lesser-Known Scenic Spot in Hong Kong with Fewer Crowds – Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf

How many people know that Hong Kong, a fashion capital, was once a small fishing village? Hong Kong's primary economic activity used to be fishing. Thanks to its excellent geographical location, Aberdeen, located south of Hong Kong Island, became a settlement for the boat people. When British troops passed through Aberdeen in 1841, the fishermen replied 'Hong Kong' when asked the place name, and thus the name 'Hong Kong' gradually extended to represent the entire territory. Aberdeen flourished from the mid-20th century to the 1980s, becoming the largest fishery export port in the Commonwealth. Therefore, it is no exaggeration to call this place the historical root and cultural soul of Hong Kong.

Aberdeen Fishery Harbour is not only a historical witness of Hong Kong but also a symbol of local sentiment. Before the 1940s, the boat people lived on vessels called 'home boats,' forming a unique floating community. However, with the resettlement plan in the 1960s, this distinctive way of life began to fade, and the fishing culture gradually receded.

To preserve and promote this unique history and culture, Xiuyou Exploration Travel Co., Ltd. established 'Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf', a brand new tourism ecosystem featuring a variety of yachts, sailboats, and water activities, including the one-of-a-kind 'FLOAT Glass Boat', characteristic houseboats, the educational 'Wandering Fishery Harbour 1773', the Hong Kong-style souvenir shop PIER 6 which regularly co-organizes various fishery cultural activities, and the Aberdeen Fish Wholesale Market that supplies fresh seafood daily.

The 'Wandering Fishery Harbour 1773' cultural tour was created accordingly. This itinerary not only allows Hong Kong people and tourists from home and abroad to deeply experience life on the water, but also showcases the daily life and indomitable spirit of fishermen through rich stories and cultural dissemination.

The former transfer boat of Jumbo Kingdom has been renovated and transformed into a comfortable 'retro sightseeing boat'. Sitting on the comfortable sightseeing boat, with the breeze on your face, you can enjoy the stunning sea views of Aberdeen. The tour also includes a carefully prepared audio guide in five languages, which narrates the stories of eight major landmarks in Southern District of Hong Kong, allowing visitors to gain a deep understanding of Hong Kong's history and culture.

The tour will pass by the 'Tai Pak Floating Restaurant', once the world's largest floating restaurant with a history older than the Jumbo Floating Restaurant, representing the memories of a generation of Hong Kong people. It still proudly stands on the waters of Aberdeen, its magnificent palace-style design evoking the grandeur of its heyday.

During the tour, you can board the only sea museum in Hong Kong, the 'Sunshine Home Boat', to personally experience the former floating homes of fishermen and feel the charm of life at sea. Old photos and daily necessities of fishermen recreate the old waterborne life, as if stepping into a historical time warp, allowing a deeper understanding of the true essence of fishing culture.

From the upper deck of the Sunshine Home Boat, you can take in the beautiful scenery of the entire typhoon shelter. A large 3D stereoscopic painting of the Jumbo Floating Restaurant is highly commemorative, representing the memories of a generation of Hong Kong people, and you can take photos for a memorable keepsake.

The boarding point, 'Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf PIER 6', is also quite distinctive, offering various local seafood and special Hong Kong-style cultural and creative products. It also holds occasional fishery exhibitions and interactive activities, such as calligraphy, traditional sampan folding, dragon boat drumming, and rowing experiences.

Food lovers are in for a treat! Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf offers multiple lunch options to satisfy your appetite.

The nearly extinct 'Ting Chai Noodles' (Boat Noodles): In the past, boat people often cooked boat noodles on their boats. The broth is made with a flavorful fish stock, topped with a variety of roast meats like char siu, roast goose, and white-cut chicken to adjust the flavor. One bite will make your eyebrows lift with freshness! Full of flavor! Nowadays, there are only two noodle boats left, and it's usually luck to find one by the shore. But here, you can still enjoy freshly cooked boat noodles prepared by the boat people themselves – not to be missed!

'Fish Market Seafood Lunch': Join the lunch group to enter the Aberdeen Fish Market, which is usually open only to vendors and regular customers, to taste the freshest seafood feast. Whether steamed, braised, stewed, or fried, every seafood dish will make your mouth water.

For a deeper experience of Hong Kong's local fishing village culture, you can join the half-day guided tour 'Wandering Fishery Harbour 1773 + Lamma Island Seafood Banquet'. Starting at 10:25 am, you will tour the entire Aberdeen Cultural Tourism Area, then head to Lamma Island to enjoy an award-winning 'Seafood Lunch' and visit the local Fishermen's Culture Village. The tour ends around 5:30 pm.

At Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf, it's not just a travel experience; it's a cultural exploration and historical reflection. It brings the beauty of old Hong Kong back to the world, and this once-glorious history will continue to be passed down. Anyone interested in Hong Kong's history and culture can join this unique journey to experience the cultural heritage and historical origins of Hong Kong, and discover the endless charm of Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf.

【Wandering Fishery Harbour 1773】 Ticket Information

Route A (Standard Ticket): Adult HK$175; Child and Senior HK$145

Includes boat ticket, drink, and snack (journey approx. 60 minutes)

Route B (Ting Chai Noodles Lunch Ticket): Adult HK$225; Child and Senior HK$195

Includes boat ticket, drink, snack, and Ting Chai Noodles (journey approx. 90 minutes)

Route C (Fish Market Seafood Lunch Ticket): Adult HK$449; Child and Senior HK$419

Includes boat ticket, drink, snack, and Aberdeen Fish Market lunch (journey approx. 120 minutes)

Route D (Wandering Fishery Harbour 1773 + Lamma Island Seafood Banquet): Adult HK$590; Child and Senior HK$550

Includes Aberdeen boat ticket, drink, snack, and Lamma Island seafood lunch (journey approx. half day)

【Transport Information】

Boarding point: Hung Shing Temple Pier, Ap Lei Chau – 'Aberdeen Pier 6 Hong Kong Fisherman's Wharf'

Take bus to 'Yat Hong Kui, Aberdeen Praya Road'

Or take MTR to 'Lei Tung Station', then take the Aberdeen ferry to the opposite shore

Use Google Maps or Amap to navigate for specific directions.