exploring the APLEICHAU PROMENADE

Apleichau Pontoon

Transport For Fishermen

Before the construction of the Apleichau Bridge in 1977, villagers on Apleichau heavily relied on the very traditional way of water transportation in Hong Kong, Sampan. Sampans serving the Apleichau-Aberdeen inbound line we see today are all modernised boats with a stiff shelter and an outboard engine, even with an electronic payment machine installed. It is totally different from the simple and crude flat-bottom wooden boat drawn by man in the past, according to an old Sampan driver who was born and raised in a fishermen's family on Apleichau.

Sampan Across The Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter

Upon the construction of the Apleichau Bridge as well as the MTR South Island Line in 2016, the importance of Sampan seems to be declining ever since. Changing its mode to mainly serve tourists and elder residents who are used to taking Sampan for a long time, fortunately, the Sampan is still here amidst rapid urban development and leaves a remark on the history of Apleichau.

Along the Apleichau Promenade, the Wind Tower Park was built in 2000 remarking on the history of the fishing village and fishermen’s life on Apleichau before urbanisation. Linking up Apleichau Estate in the west to the bottom of the gigantic Apleichau Bridge, Hung Shing Temple and Pontoon are also included in the park.

Located on the edge of the old Apleichau main street, Shui Yuet Kung is another traditional temple under the shadow of the iconic Hung Shing Temple, allegedly worshipped by other villagers who live in the west of Apleichau in the past. This small temple includes Kwun Yum, Kwan Tai (God of War), Tin Hau (Goddess of the Sea), Jai Kung (God of Abating Distress) and Wong Tai Sin.