Have you heard about Venice of the Orient?
When you hear about Venice, there is only one place that comes to your mind, and that is Venice, Italy. But do you know that there is Venice in Asia? And that place is a fishing village.
Hmm. Fishing village but Venice? Let's find it out more about Venice of the Orient located in Hong Kong, and they call it "Tai O Fishing Village."
The Tai O Fishing Village is located on Lantau Island, Hong Kong and considered as one of the surviving fishing villages of Hong Kong.
In the village, you'll see an authentic example of Chinese' fishing life and culture. Locals, as well as tourists love to visit this idyllic place during weekends and holidays, exploring the surroundings, taking photographs, and tasting the best seafood, local delicacies, boat riding, and having a break from Hong Kong’s stressful city.
One of the best attractions of the village are the traditional stilt-houses. And that's the main reason why the village was called "Venice of the Orient" because of its houses' resemblance to stilt houses in Venice Italy.
It's like a poor version of Venice city, and becomes a favourite destination among tourists' trip on Lantau Island.
People in the village still live of salt fish, shrimp paste, and other seafood. And their main source of income is fishing and selling seafood made products.
While walking on the small streets of Tai O, you'll see dried seafood, salted fish, shrimp paste, and other foods. And they said that one of the locals' favourite sauces, XO, also came from this village. The prices are much more affordable compared to the ones in the city markets.
You will also see several salt pans everywhere on the coast since fishing plays an important role in the locals' lives. And they seemed to be not moved from their spots, but ready to be pushed at any time.
Several boat tours are also available and offered just in front of the harbourside. Some tourists and locals come to Tai O to see pink dolphins. I suggest you book ahead of time if you want to try this experience, as the queue is always long especially during weekends and holidays.
However, many says that there isn't really pink dolphins in the area and you will only be deceived by the boat owners. But you can grab the chance to see the beauty of the coast around the island.
As you pass through narrow passages of the village, you'll see more stilt houses and salty pans. This wood crafted boat symbolizes the life of the villagers.
As you pass through the stilt houses and reach the back of the village, a scenic view would put you in awe. Who would have thought that behind a fishing village lies a beautiful sleeping lake.
A perfect relaxation spot after a quite long stroll around the fishing village.
You could also see several cows along the area, resting under the canopies of big trees. And visitors like taking photos with them.
And also expect to see some temples in the area since this is a Chinese territory.
I had fun roaming around Tai O village. It was much far picturesque from Hong Kong cities. This is a great place to experience a quiet and simple living, opposite Hong Kong city's chaotic atmosphere.
Before heading home, take your best shot along the bay seeing Tai O mountain at the back. I was supposed to hike during my visit to this village, unfortunately, it rained that day. It was dangerous to climb a slippery mountain so I ended up strolling around the small village.
Hope you enjoy my story about my journey at Tai O, Hong Kong's fishing village or as what they called *** "Venice of the Orient".***
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