Tai O
After my visit to the Tian Tan Buddha Statue, I headed off to the west side of Lan Tau island to Tai O (大澳) island, the so-called “Venice of Hong Kong”.
Tai O used to be where the fishing population is but that has since died out since it barely provides a subsistence income. Most of the residential houses here are stilt houses, built right over the waterway are still quite scenic.
Shopping street, if you can call it that.
Lots of dried shrimps, fish and other dried seafoods from the locals.
Stilt houses – amazing that people still live in these. Mega contrast from the hustle and bustle of the urban concrete jungle of central HK.
For a small fee, some residents will take you out on their boats along the river and into the sea. Many tourists come to Tai O specifically to take these trips to see Chinese white dolphins.
Residents chilling on the balcony.
A big fire apparently broke out here 9 years ago. It must have been pretty devastating since most of the houses here are built on wood and the area is so densely populated.
Out to the sea now. Tai O is very… erm… countryside. My friend has rented and apartment here. Every now and again, he would escape the intensity of central HK by coming out here for a rest. He’s not here all that often but because the rent is so cheap, it doesn’t really hurt to keep paying.
See the white/silvery small things scattered throughout? They’re little flying fishes. There are tons of them.
Unfortunately, the day before, a typhoon passed by therefore the sea was not calm hence we didn’t get to see the Chinese white dolphins. What a shame.
Your stereotypical Chinese fishing boat.
A small temple on Tai O.
Photos taken on 2009.06.22
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