Traverse the seas in a traditional sampan, and rediscover Hong Kong’s history.
Hong Kong develops at the speed of light, but the city’s memories fade just as quickly. Few Hong Kongers remember their own city’s roots as a fishing village, and even fewer know hat Hong Kong looked like back in the day.
Thankfully, the traditions have yet to be completely lost – heritage can be found in the city’s nooks and crannies, and stories continue to be passed on from generation to generation. We discovered Aberdeen, a corner steeped in tradition tucked away in the southern shores of Hong Kong, and pledged to protect, celebrate, and pass on the fearlessness of the fishermen. We now invite you to embark on this journey of discovery with us, and get back in touch with the roots of Hong Kong.
Experience the life of fishermen.
The fishermen of Aberdeen used to rely on sampans as a means of survival – the tiny boat would serve both as a home and as a vessel from which they fished, illuminated by the dim glow of a gas lantern. Now, sampans are mainly used to shuttle people between larger vessels. Sampans are traditionally very small – one can only fit ten passengers at most. These tiny boats used to be propelled by hand but are now equipped with motors. A sampan ride is slow and leisurely, almost as if you’re floating on water.
Besides touring the Aberdeen harbour in our designer sampan, you can also see for yourself what it’s like to live on water, as the Aberdeen fishermen did, on our very own houseboat, designed to give you the most authentic experience. See fishermen traversing the waters, hear the waves crashing against the sides of the houseboat, taste the salty air on your tongue – your visit will be one-of-a-kind.