From a small fishing village

From a small fishing village on an isolated islet to currently the fourth most densely populated island in the world, Apleichau might be one of the most dramatic urbanisation cases in Hong Kong with its rapid development in the past 50 years. Fortunately, neither the mass transit has ushered the disappearance of Sampan, nor the modern accommodations have replaced the houseboats, so we could still have a glimpse of historically and culturally essential elements forming the inhabitant neighbourhood of Apleichau amidst urbanisation – before it vanishes.

The Seafaring Origin Of Hong Kong

Tracing back to the Ming Dynasty, Hong Kong was the original name for the present Aberdeen town, until the British army landed near Aberdeen mistook the name for the entire Hong Kong island and left the name Aberdeen as referring to Aberdeen in Scotland. Against this backdrop, Aberdeen was named “Moto-hon-kon” during the Japanese occupation period, which indicates Aberdeen as the origin of Hong Kong. Nowadays, the name Aberdeen in Cantonese literally means little Hong Kong. Yet, the scale of the inhabitant floating village here has also been curtailing little by little, and the declining speed was even accelerated with the closure of world-famous Jumbo floating seafood restaurants located in the Aberdeen Harbour. By scrutinizing the Aberdeen community, we try to seek historical remarks that reflect the local history and culture – of the origin of Hong Kong.

Trade Of Fisheries

Browsing the morning market along the promenade is the best way to soak in the culture of the floating village, in addition to stocking up on fresh seafood directly from fishermen. Located adjacent to the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market which is exclusive to the traders, here is a small and visitor-friendly market with a vast array of seafood at reasonable prices – just make sure to come before noon to feel the vibrancy of this one-of-a-kind fishermen's market.

Aberdeen Morning Market

Different from many wet markets managed by a government department or estate developer, the Aberdeen Morning Market keeps its original vibes as it is neither indoor nor managed by any company. The market spread along the Aberdeen Promenade with varied kinds of operation – relatively proper stores built in stilt houses, hawkers with their catches in buckets directly placed on the ground, and some fishermen just trade with consumers from the boat. Traditional wet markets have been strictly overseen by the government since the 80s, because of the plague pandemic raised by poor sanitary conditions among wet markets and hawkers. Meanwhile, the Aberdeen Morning Market is indeed the best place to pick up fresh and affordable live seafood directly from the fishermen – to feel the beating heart of this seafaring little Hong Kong community.