The annual summer holidays have begun! Fancy taking the children out for some relaxation? Why not seize the summer break for a day trip to Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter? It offers both a chance to unwind and an opportunity to learn about Hong Kong's historic fishing harbour. Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, situated between Aberdeen and Ap Lei Chau, is one of Hong Kong's major sheltered harbours. Numerous fishing boats still moor within its waters today, and most nearby residents are “water people” – making it an excellent destination for understanding Hong Kong's fishing heritage!
Attractions
Ap Lei Chau Wind Tower Park
Wind Tower Park sits along Ap Lei Chau's northern waterfront, offering panoramic views of the Typhoon Shelter. Within the park, you'll find an observation deck shaped like a traditional fishing boat, a sundial, a compass platform, an exhibition gallery, and the Shui Yuet Temple. Whether you wish to admire the harbour scenery or learn about fishermen's culture, Wind Tower Park is a family-friendly destination.
Exhibition Gallery
Parents may bring children to the exhibition gallery situated directly beneath the park's viewing platform. The gallery displays various exhibits illustrating Hong Kong's fishing industry, shipbuilding, and fishermen's livelihoods, including shipbuilding tools and historical photographs. This allows children to learn about the former glory of Hong Kong's fishing trade. The gallery is open daily from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Shui Yuet Temple
Adjacent to the piazza of Wind Tower Park, Ap Lei Chau Shui Yuet Temple is a lesser-known temple. Established as early as 1891, it boasts over a century of history and is designated a Grade III historic building in Hong Kong.
Hung Shing Temple at Ap Lei Chau
En route to Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade, visitors may conveniently explore Hung Shing Temple at Ap Lei Chau. Constructed in 1773, this Temple is now a declared monument, primarily venerating the deity of the South China Sea, ‘Hong Shing’. Its distinctive architectural structure reflects traditional fishing customs, while the interior preserves numerous historical artefacts. Standing before the temple are a pair of unique ‘dragon pillars’ – feng shui wooden pillars traditionally believed to ward off malevolent energies from the former Aberdeen Police Station's ‘Fu Tei’, showcasing distinctive local customs.
Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade
This promenade combines educational and recreational functions, featuring historically significant large and small feng shui eggs, a community garden with diverse plants, Ap Lei Chau Park with children's play facilities, models of fishing boats and lighthouses, and even the retired large dragon boat ‘Fishery Dragon’! While seemingly ordinary, these exhibits are rich in traditional cultural significance. Parents may wish to explore the promenade with their children, locating the upright information boards to read their illustrated explanations and learn about fishing village culture.
Aberdeen Promenade
Aberdeen Waterfront Park adopts a fishing harbour theme, with facilities modelled on ancient architectural styles and harbour characteristics. These include Chinese-style walls, sampan-inspired seating, a sailing ship viewing platform, a chess pavilion, a visitor centre detailing fishing history, and flooring and railings adorned with fishing boat and marine creature motifs. Even the public toilets are designed with distinct harbour flair.
The park houses various fishing harbour-themed sculptures, capturing fishermen's working postures and vividly portraying the lives of fishermen from days gone by.
As Hong Kong's fishing and shipbuilding industries gradually decline, the culture of the ‘waterborne people’ is slowly fading from memory. Yet this intangible cultural heritage is profoundly valuable, deserving of deeper exploration by future generations to ensure its historical legacy endures through the ages.
How to get there
To Wind Tower Park, Ap Lei Chau:
Take the MTR South Island Line to Lei Tung Station, Exit A1. Proceed to Ap Lei Chau Main Street and walk for 10 minutes to reach Wind Tower Park.
To Aberdeen Promenade:
Take the MTR South Island Line to Lei Tung Station. Exit via Exit A1 and proceed to Ap Lei Chau Main Street. Walk along Ap Lei Chau Main Street for 5 minutes to the floating jetty beside Marina Habitat, and board the ferry for a journey of approximately 3 to 5 minutes. The fare is around HK$2.50. Alternatively,
Take a bus to Aberdeen Bus Terminus or Aberdeen Promenade Station.
Additional Information
Given the recent hot weather, please monitor your physical condition when outdoors and ensure you have sufficient drinking water and sun protection (https://www.chp.gov.hk/tc/static/90064.html).
Where attractions are located near residential areas, please maintain quiet and avoid disturbing residents' daily lives.
Historical artefacts are fragile and easily damaged; please refrain from touching exhibits or displays.