How long does it take to walk through Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau?

A thorough self-guided walk typically takes about 3 hours. This allows time to explore the fish market, visit the Hung Shing Temple, and walk across the Ap Lei Chau Bridge at a leisurely pace.

Is the Aberdeen Fish Market open to the public?

The Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market is primarily a place of business for wholesalers. While tourists can walk through the general area and visit the onsite canteen, the active trading floors are restricted to licensed traders, especially during the early morning peak.

Can I take a sampan ride during this walk?

Yes, you can easily incorporate a sampan ride. Local sampans act as water taxis between the Aberdeen Promenade and Ap Lei Chau, usually costing a few Hong Kong dollars and providing a unique perspective of the typhoon shelter.

What is the best time to visit Aberdeen?

The best time to visit is between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. This is when the fish market is at its most active, providing a rare look at the scale of Hong Kong's local fishing trade before the midday heat.

Is this walking route suitable for families?

Yes, the route is very family-friendly. Children often enjoy seeing the various types of boats in the harbor and the colorful figurines at the Hung Shing Temple, though parents should be mindful of the busy traffic near the fish market.

What should I wear for a walking route in Aberdeen?

Comfortable, non-slip walking shoes are essential. The areas around the fish market can be wet and slippery, and the walk includes an incline when crossing the Ap Lei Chau Bridge.

Is it worth visiting Ap Lei Chau?

Absolutely. Ap Lei Chau offers a more authentic, residential feel compared to the main Aberdeen side. It is home to one of the oldest temples in the region and provides excellent views of the harbor that many visitors miss.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Step into a world where the rhythmic pulse of the ocean meets the bustling energy of urban Hong Kong. This self-guided walking route in Aberdeen offers a deep dive into the city's seafaring soul, a far cry from the neon-lit skyscrapers of Central. For centuries, this harbor was the home of the Tanka people, a community of 'floating' residents who lived their entire lives on wooden boats. Today, Aberdeen remains one of the most significant fishing ports in the region, blending ancient traditions with modern development. As you begin your walking tour Hong Kong's southern coast, you will encounter the sensory explosion of the wholesale fish market, where the morning catch dictates the city's culinary pace. This neighborhood stroll takes you across the water to Ap Lei Chau, once a humble fishing village and now a vibrant residential hub. You will witness the architectural contrast of historic temples dedicated to sea deities and the sleek silhouettes of luxury yachts docked at the marina. Exploring this area independently allows you to linger by the promenade, watching the iconic sampans weave through the typhoon shelter. This walking route is not just a path through a neighborhood; it is a journey through the evolution of Hong Kong itself—from a collection of fishing hamlets to a global maritime powerhouse. Whether you are interested in the heritage of the Hung Shing Temple or the local flavors found on Ap Lei Chau Main Street, this self-guided walk provides a comprehensive look at the floating legacies that continue to shape Aberdeen's unique identity.

Highlights

Witness the morning bustle at the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market

Panoramic views of the typhoon shelter from the Aberdeen Promenade

Historic 18th-century Hung Shing Temple on Ap Lei Chau

Local culture and traditional shops on Ap Lei Chau Main Street

Breathtaking harbor vistas from the Ap Lei Chau Bridge

The modern contrast of the exclusive Aberdeen Marina Club

Tour Stops (6)

Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market

Start your journey at the heart of Hong Kong's fishing industry. This market is the largest of its kind in the territory, handling over 70 percent of the local live seafood. While the main trading floors are for wholesalers, the energy here is palpable. Observe the specialized vessels docking to offload their catch and the frantic, coordinated movements of workers sorting everything from grouper to shellfish. This site represents the 'living' part of Aberdeen's history; the Tanka people have traded here for generations. Look for the small canteen inside the market area, often frequented by local fishermen, offering a truly authentic taste of the harbor's bounty.

Aberdeen Promenade

As you walk along the waterfront, the promenade serves as a grandstand for the activity in the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter. This is a place of refuge for hundreds of vessels during storm seasons. You will see a fascinating mix of traditional wooden sampans, working fishing trawlers, and luxury houseboats. The promenade is dotted with statues and plaques detailing the history of the local boat-dwelling communities. It is also the best place to catch a glimpse of the legacy of the former floating restaurants that once defined this harbor. The breeze here provides a refreshing break as you watch the constant shuttle of small boats crossing the channel.

Hung Shing Temple

Cross the water via the local ferry or bridge to find this architectural gem on Ap Lei Chau. Built in 1773, the Hung Shing Temple is dedicated to the God of the Southern Sea, a protector of fishermen and maritime traders. Its proximity to the water was once even closer before land reclamation projects shifted the shoreline. Notice the exquisite ceramic figurines on the roof and the two 'Dragon Poles' standing outside, intended to protect the temple from evil spirits. Inside, the air is thick with incense, and the walls are lined with plaques donated by grateful sailors, marking centuries of devotion from the local seafaring community.

Ap Lei Chau Main Street

Wander away from the water into the narrow corridors of Ap Lei Chau Main Street. Once the center of a small island village, it now offers a glimpse into local life away from the tourist track. The street is famous for its traditional shops selling dried seafood—a staple of Cantonese cuisine. You will find sun-dried scallops, abalone, and salted fish displayed in glass jars. This area is also known for its 'Duck Tongue' shape, which gave the island its name. It is a fantastic spot to grab a local snack or a milk tea while observing the daily interactions of a community that has transitioned from sea to land over the last century.

Ap Lei Chau Bridge

For the best vantage point in the area, head toward the pedestrian walkway of the Ap Lei Chau Bridge. Linking the island to the main coast of Hong Kong, this span offers an elevated view of the entire harbor. From here, the scale of the typhoon shelter becomes clear. You can see the dense clusters of high-rise apartments flanking the narrow waterway, creating a 'canyon' effect that is uniquely Hong Kong. The contrast between the rugged fishing boats below and the modern MTR trains crossing the parallel railway bridge perfectly encapsulates the city's rapid development. It is a prime location for photography, especially as the sun begins to lower in the sky.

Aberdeen Marina Club

Conclude your walk at the Aberdeen Marina Club, where the neighborhood's maritime legacy meets modern luxury. This area, known as Shum Wan, is home to some of the most expensive yachts in Asia. The club serves as a reminder of how Aberdeen has evolved from a working-class fishing port into a prestigious residential and leisure destination. While the club itself is private, the surrounding public paths allow you to view the impressive fleet and the nearby Ocean Park cable cars climbing the distant hills. It is a peaceful place to reflect on the 'Floating Legacies' you have discovered, from the humble sampans of the morning to the grand vessels of the afternoon.

Frequently Asked Questions

The Aberdeen harbor route is widely considered the best for maritime history. It covers approximately 4 kilometers of waterfront, showcasing the transition from traditional Tanka boat life to modern shipping and leisure industries.