Hong Kong Lantau Island ~ China Travel Pictures

Cheung Sha Beach popular spot on Lantau Island

An early morning ferry from Hong Kong brought us to Lantau Island before 11 a.m., then we took the highway inland and along the south shore.

It's an interesting drive, passing lush garden areas, a disused salt pan, several prisons and one of the Hong Kong reservoirs. We stopped at the beach shown here for about half an hour.

Though the sky was overcast (not unusual in late April), the day was very warm. A few people were wading in the shallows, but on this weekday morning, there were few visitors.

Cheung Sha Beach Lifeguard Lantau Island

We were intrigued by the unusual lifeguard platform at Cheung Sha Beach, but like many things in China, it is most logical.

The rescuer is closer to those he might have to rescue. Lifeguard towers are on the beach, where most any passerby could help a child in trouble.

Hong Kong's Lantau Island is home to a much smaller population. One source claims 45,000 and a second says 20,000, and our guide said 80,000.

Our guide likely had the most current figures, as there are several new Lantau Island condo developments. When a typhoon is imminent, residents who work off the island stay away, as ferry service is often disrupted, effectively stranding them on the island.

Tai O Village Inner Harbour ~ When the Tide is out at Lantau Island

Continuing on past the beach, we entered the ancient village of Tai O (population 1,800), established some 300 years ago and famed for its dried fish and seafoods.

This photo was taken when the tide was out. There is much expansion underway in the parking area outside the village as this spot is popular with tourists as well as Hong Kong and area residents.

Tai O Harbour Lantau Island  - The Tide Is In!

What a difference to the view when the tide is high and hides the unsightly silt!

The harbour shores and inlet into Tai O village itself are lined with ramshackle stilt houses. The inhabitants surely must be used to outsiders traipsing around Lantau Island.

Tai O visitors are also customers for the dried fish and seafood, as well as other souvenir and sundry items for sale in the market stalls. However, before snappping photos. do ask permission first, and be prepared for it to be denied.

Tai O Village Traditional Lantau Island Stilt Houses

Visitors enter the village proper via a short foot bridge, the center of which is an excellent spot for taking photos of the stilt houses, and both the inner and outer harbour.

At low tide, the stilt houses seem to be perched precariously above the water, though they've been patched and shored up, and are still standing years later.

You can see right into these homes, where residents are doing laundry or cooking.

Dried Fish and Seafood Stall in Tai O village Lantau Island

Though much of the dried product is shipped off the island, the village stalls have much stock for shoppers.

Yes, at times the fish smell is very strong. This is where it is handy to have a Chinese speaking guide to interpret and identify what you are looking at.

There is such a variety of fish and seafoods that even local guides may have to ask the vendor for assistance.

Preparing Seafood for Drying at Tai O fishing village

This shopkeeper continues her work cleaning and preparing seafood for drying in the traditional way.

She stopped working  only when a customer needs attending to.

Villagers mostly ignore visitors unless the visitors get too pushy, or treat the locals as if they are part of a theme park.

Traditonal Method of Drying Seafood Lantau Island

Keep an eye out for this traditional drying rack located just off the walkway.

On one visit, it was nearly empty, and you might not notice it at all. This time, however, all the racks were spread and hung with drying seafoods and fish.

At several nearby homes, women sat in the shade, chatting and shelling tiny shrimp before hanging them on racks to dry in the sun.

Tai O Village Street offers glimpse of Old Hong Kong China

As noon approached, the overcast gave way to sunshine, casting deep shadows on the village streets.

On a weekday, the crowds are noticeably smaller than on busy Sundays, when pedestrian traffic is shoulder to shoulder.

Once you pass the fresh fish and seafood stalls and dried fish and seafood stalls, you come to an area with other shops and a few small restaurants full of local visitors.

Tai O Village Houses Hong Kong Lantau Island

Away from the market stall area, Tai O village itself is worth a quiet walk through.

The old homes are varied and interesting in style and design, with flowers in bloom brightening many yards and walkways.

You are made aware by the residents that this is where they live.  Be very careful not to offend or upset them by first getting their permission before taking their picture.

Even if you don't speak the language, just holding up your camera (away from your face), then making eye contact and looking at them in a questioning manner will get you a nod and a smile (okay) or a shake of the head and a frown (go away).

Temple Tai O Village Square - Lantau Island

This old temple is on one side of the Tai O village square that lies a bit into the village proper, past the market stall area.

Its roofline is laid with intricate ceramic figurines and colorful tiles. Of course, I have many more photos of this scenic spot, but I elected to ruthlessly edit out most of them.

I prefer to let you have a glimpse of village life. When you visit, you will be able to see much more and focus on what most interests you. After all, the pleasure of discovery is one of the joys of travel.

Tai O Village Lanes

On weekdays, Tai O village narrow streets and lanes are not too crowded.

On a weekend, many visitors come to Lantau Island from the Hong Kong and Kowloon areas and the streets are packed.

Tai O is a wonderful scenic part of Lantau Island. If you have enough time on your trip to Hong Kong, do try to make this day trip.

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