THE ORIGIN OF HONG KONG history of the waterworld

Before developing into one of the most prosperous international business hubs, Hong Kong was a small fishing village before the foundation in 1841 and formed by four main ethnic groups: the Punti, the Hakka, the Hoklo, and the protagonist of The Rambler Hong Kong this month – Boat Dwellers.

The marine-related customs and culture of Boat Dwellers have been passed down from generation to generation, constructing the rich seafaring culture and flourishing fisheries capture industry in Hong Kong. These indigenous elements which have come to form part of the local intangible cultural heritage, however, are curtailing and often neglected by the general public amidst rapid urbanisation in recent years. In the issue, we will not only cover the history of the Boat Dwellers, but also to seek culture and history from presently existing fishing villages in Hong Kong.

Geography Of Hong Kong

Hong Kong is a coastal city located on the Southern coast of China, and to the east of the Pearl River Estuary. With the remarkable sea coverage of about 1700 km² within its boundaries, the sea of Hong Kong was home to a wide variety of marine life. Hong Kong is home to more than 5,000 marine species as recorded, under which residents also enjoy wealth of the sea through fishing.

Archaeological studies have also reflected the abundant saltwater shores of Hong Kong as surrounded by the South China Sea on all sides apart from the northern inland area. This enabled Hong Kong to become an important hub for fishing activities, and the unique fishing community in Hong Kong has existed naturally owing to its geographical advantages.

STORIES OF THE SEA'S DWELLERS

The first group of inhabitants of Hong Kong traced their roots back to the indigenous ethnic group in Southern China, who once lived in Guangdong and Fujian. These sea dwellers are also known as the Tanka or boat people who mostly settled around Aberdeen.

There were more than 4,000 households who resided in the Aberdeen typhoon shelter, establishing a self-sufficient community. Yet, many boat people have begun to relocate ashore as a result of increasing regulations regarding the fishing industry as imposed by the government, making them more difficult to make a living from the sea. The population of Aberdeen's sea dwellers almost completely disappeared by 2010 as a result.

Water Transportation

Sampans were one of the major forms of transportation in Hong Kong back in the 1950s. They used to ferry people to and from their boats. They also transported goods including newspapers and other products.

However, rapid industrial development took place in Hong Kong during the 1960s. With a larger volume of imports and exports, transportation by Sampans faced replacement by larger ships. Water transportation also faded since the opening of the Cross-Harbour Tunnel in 1972. The production of Sampans gradually diminished owing to urban development. Consequently, boat-building docks on both sides of the harbour have been replaced by residential buildings and factories.