Hong Kong’s Charming "Venice of the East"

#postandearn Nestled on the western coast of Lantau Island, Tai O is a timeless fishing village that offers a captivating glimpse into Hong Kong’s maritime past. Known as the “Venice of the East” for its network of canals and stilt houses perched above tidal flats, this 300-year-old settlement is a living testament to the city’s traditional coastal culture, far removed from its urban skyscrapers. Tai O’s iconic stilt houses wooden structures built on stilts above the water—are its defining feature. Originally designed by the Tanka people, a community of boat-dwelling fishermen, these homes withstand tidal changes and typhoons, reflecting the village’s harmony with nature. Narrow wooden bridges and winding waterways connect the community, where elderly residents still dry seafood on rooftops and repair fishing nets by hand. The village thrives on its fishing heritage. Visitors can explore bustling markets selling salted fish, shrimp paste, and other delicacies, or take a small boat tour to spot the rare pink Chinese white dolphins in the Pearl River Estuary. Tai O’s rustic charm is complemented by cultural landmarks like the Yeung Hau Temple, a 17th-century shrine dedicated to a Song Dynasty general, and the Tai O Heritage Hotel, a restored colonial-era police station turned boutique lodging. A visit to Tai O feels like stepping into another era. Wander its alleys to discover family-run seafood restaurants, century-old temples, and sunsets that paint the stilt houses gold. Accessible via ferry or bus from Tung Chung, this tranquil enclave reminds travelers of Hong Kong’s enduring connection to the sea—a place where tradition and resilience ripple through every tide.