3 minute read
BIG DAY OUT
Welcome to the Venice of Hong Kong
Nicole Slater explores Tai O, one of the cities oldest fishing villages
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Well known for its iconic stilt houses and quaint atmosphere, Tai O fishing village has secured its place on the map this year. Since travel restrictions have been in place, Tai O has become a hotspot for hikers, daytrippers and even those looking for a night away. Here is our ultimate guide to the Venice of Hong Kong.
What to do
Tackle Tiger Mountain
If you need to stretch your legs after the long journey, Fu Shan is the perfect hike to get your 26 | SOUTHSIDE SOUTHSIDE
heart rate up. Translating to Tiger Mountain in Chinese, Fu Shan is not as intimidating as it sounds. The 15-minute walk will take you from the village up to the Kau San Tei Lookout Pavilion, where you’ll be rewarded with stunning ocean views and a glimpse of the Hong KongZhuhai-Macau bridge.
Temple hopping
Home to a variety of temples and shrines, Tai O is every historian’s dream. Be sure to stop by Kwan Tai Temple, the oldest temple in the village and a Grade II historical Hong Kong building. Built in the Ming Dynasty, the temple is dedicated to Kwan Tai, a military general of the Three Kingdoms era.
Stroll around the lanes
Tai O Market Street is home to many local delicacies including dried seafood, shrimp paste and pearl jewellery. Head over to Kat Hing Street where you’ll find the best sugar donuts in Hong Kong at Tai O Bakery. But be prepared to queue.
Take a boat tour
As Tai O is located away from the city, it is home to one of Hong Kong’s favourite mammals, the Chinese pink dolphin. Hop onboard a boat tour and witness some of Tai O’s unique landmarks including General’s Rock and the Tai O Heritage Hotel and if you’re lucky enough, you may even spot a few dolphins. SOUTHSIDE | 27
Where to eat
Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant
For a taste of Tai O’s specialty cuisine, head over to Tai O Crossing Boat Restaurant for fresh seafood and classic Cantonese-style stir-fry featuring Tai O’s most renowned produce, shrimp paste, dried seafood and pork.
Solo cafe
Located in a traditional stilt house, diners at Solo can enjoy the true Tai O experience. The artisanal coffee shop serves up a variety of hot and cold drinks along with a selection of homemade desserts, perfect for an afternoon pick me up. With an outdoor terrace, diners can also soak up the quaint atmosphere below.
Tai O Heritage Hotel
offers a relaxing rest stop for visitors during a busy day of exploring. Featured on the Netflix series, Restaurants on the Edge, this cafe is located along with water’s edge and offers simple comfort food including noodles, cakes and salads.
Where to stay
Tai O Heritage Hotel
Rumour has it the Tai O Heritage Hotel was fully booked throughout 2020 so be sure to book your 2021 staycation early. Since it’s revitalisation in 2012, the elegant hotel has attracted people from near and far with it’s unique colonial-style interiors and history. Formerly the Tai O Police Station, the building is isolated from the rest of the village and has restored much of its original structure, offering free guided tours of the premises daily.
