The stilt houses
Above the water on both banks.
Chensiyuan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Chensiyuan — CC BY-SA 4.0 · LN9267 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · 方畢可 — CC0 · Vk.lew — CC BY-SA 4.0
Tai O is a fishing town on the west coast of Lantau Island, partly on a small island of the same name. Its name means «large inlet», and it is best known for timber and metal houses raised on stilts above the water, a world away from the city's towers. Nearby archaeological sites go back to the Stone Age, while verifiable settlement is about three centuries old. Stories that cannot be proved describe it as a base for smuggling and piracy, with the river inlets sheltering boats from the weather. A large fire in 2000 destroyed many homes, and most young people leave when they come of age, so it remains a quiet village. The village spreads along the river banks, and two footbridges cross its northern and western forks. You walk past houses on stilts, stalls of salted fish and round trays of shrimp paste drying in the sun. Small boats run short trips around the village and coast, with green mountains and mangroves behind. It is 4.5 km in a straight line from the Tian Tan plateau, and buses run from Tung Chung and Ngong Ping. Mornings are calmer, and the smell is strong near the fish stalls. Remember that people live in these houses, so stay out of private walkways and ask before photographing residents. Ask about halal food, as most of what is sold is local seafood and some items may contain pork.
Above the water on both banks.
Trays drying in the sun.
Over the river forks.
West coast of Lantau Island
By bus from Tung Chung or Ngong Ping, close to the Tian Tan plateau.
It is a short trip showing the houses from the water, so ask the price first.