Take a sampan ride, it’s the perfect way to explore the old Aberdeen harbour.  Try on one of the woven Tanka hats, traditionally worn by Hong Kong’s boat dwellers (note the shape is very unique!).

Take a sampan ride, it’s the perfect way to explore the old Aberdeen harbour.  Try on one of the woven Tanka hats, traditionally worn by Hong Kong’s boat dwellers (note the shape is very unique!).

When you think of Hong Kong, the first images that come to mind might be of towering skyscrapers, bustling city streets, and a skyline that sparkles like a jewel at night. But nestled within this metropolis lies a hidden gem that offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty – Aberdeen. Join us on one of our private, group or virtual tours of this area to capture the enchanting sights and stories of this fascinating part of Hong Kong.

What is a Sampan?

A sampan is a flat bottomed traditional fishing boat made of wood from China.  Traditionally, fisher families often lived aboard these small watercraft.  Because they are not suitable for rough seas, they are mostly used in rivers or close to the coast.  Fewer and fewer sampans are used for fishing or housing and nowadays, many are used for sampan rides ferrying curious tourists on tours and to restaurants.

Tell me more about the Tanka People

The exact origins of the Tanka people have become lost in the mists of time.  It is thought that they were a people of South East China.  When the Han people moved South, invading and colonising the land, the indigenous people may have moved to coastal areas and began to live on boats.

Hang on, I thought Aberdeen was in Scotland?

The original city of Aberdeen is, but with the British ruling over Hong Kong for many years, one of the many legacies are some of the place names in Hong Kong.  George Hamilton-Gordon was the 4th Earl of Aberdeen and also a Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. There are 33 recorded towns and cities named Aberdeen worldwide, you can find out more about them here.

Other things to do around Aberdeen, Hong Kong

Despite a decline in the fishing industry, you will still be able to see fishing trawlers docked in Aberdeen marina.  They bob alongside modern house boats and the luxury yachts.  Unfortunately the famous Jumbo floating restaurant did not survive during the pandemic (and actually had quite a tragic ending, being shipwrecked on its way to Malaysia in the South China Sea). The good news is that Tai Pak floating restaurant is still there, and they are looking to reopen this in 2024. 

If you’re with the family, Ocean Park theme park is close by and makes a great family friendly outing, alongside their very new water park, WaterWorld, which is fantastic in summer months. 

And let’s not forget Waterfall Bay, a hidden oasis amidst the urban landscape, a serene oasis where nature meets the city and where the name Hong Kong (fragrant harbour) may have been given its name. Seen best from the water, this tranquil waterfall that has been cascading for at least three centuries.

However, if you’re looking for something a bit more quirky and off the beaten track to do, visit nearby A Sky Full of Gods and Buddhas. Or perhaps a visit to one of Hong Kong’s earliest (and luckiest) public housing estates, Was Fu?

Explore Hong Kong

Although a sampan ride is a lovely thing to do while visiting Hong Kong, but there is plenty more to explore in Aberdeen.  Contact us at Hong Kong Greeters to see how we can help with a private tour. 

We do have our group tour and virtual tour options available as well!