TAI O VILLAGE

Tai O, on the west coast of Lantau, is a fishing village once surrounded by salt marshes transformed into fish farms. Known for its stilt houses, it is one of the last villages of its kind in Hong Kong. This picturesque place was built and is still inhabited by the Tanka, Hong Kong's first inhabitants, a nomadic community that has lived off fishing for centuries.

Pink dolphins. A boat trip through the canals and bay is one of the village's star activities, and if you're lucky you may catch a glimpse of the pink dolphins, endangered treasures of the local waters.

Walking tour. The Tin Hau temple, dedicated to the goddess of the sea, and the Sun Ki bridge, which links the village districts, are among the points of interest, along with the seaside promenade, which offers breathtaking views. Strolling through the narrow streets, you'll discover stalls selling dried fish and shrimp pies, as well as charming restaurants. The village is also home to the ^15th-century Kwan Tai temple, dedicated to the god of War and Righteousness. In front of the houses, small altars dedicated to the god of Soil perpetuate a 1,500-year-old tradition in which villagers offer incense, fruit and food to this protective divinity to guarantee prosperity and security. Here, everyone knows everyone else, and the aluminum houses, designed to stay cool, are handed down from generation to generation. Tai O offers a unique immersion in a traditional and peaceful Hong Kong. Not to be missed!