Hong Kong Island’s southern city has retained its charm as a small fishing village with its community of houseboats, sampans and upscale floating restaurants.
Aberdeen is an oceanfront city that offers a fun and somewhat slower experience in comparison to its busy Hong Kong and Kowloon neighbours. Aberdeen is home to 60,000 people and many of them reside in immense high-rise buildings. Others live as their ancestors have for centuries, in junks in the typhoon shelter waters.
A walk along the shore will reveal the vast numbers of boats in the protected waters between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau island. Almost 20,000 people reside in more than 2,000 junks and sampans, moored beside the flashy yachts owned by multimillionaires. Visit the Aberdeen Centre waterfront promenade to find a selection of licensed boat operators. Jump on board and embark on a comfortable and secure tour of the harbour.
Enjoy a variety of daytime activities at the nearby Ocean Park. The park offers thrill rides, a large aquarium, shows with animals and a towering observation deck where you can see the South China Sea. Deep Water Bay, located nearby, features the Hong Kong Golf Club. Collect some fine antique Chinese furniture at Horizon Plaza on Ap Lei Chau and have it conveniently shipped to your home. The Tin Hau Temple in Aberdeen is also worth a visit the structure was built in 1851 to protect seafaring villagers and the residents of the harbour.
Aberdeen is famous for its floating restaurants. Sample fine teas in the tea garden or order a feast at the Chinese restaurant on Jumbo Kingdom, a large complex containing more than 2,300 seats. Try some of the fresh, local seafood, such as abalone, steamed garoupa, squid and crab or some simple corn soup. Jumbo Kingdom is a brightly lit floating ship, built in 1976 and styled to look like an imperial palace. Reach Jumbo Kingdom via a short ride from the Jumbo boat launch.
Aberdeen is easy to reach by taxi or bus. Gaze out the window during the ride to the island’s south side to catch glimpses of Hong Kong’s streets. Hike the 90-minute path from Victoria Peak to Aberdeen Harbour. This is just one of many in Hong Kong Island’s system of well-maintained walking trails.
