2 great outdoor trips that showcase Hong Kong’s rich waterfront heritage, unspoilt nature, breathtaking sunsets and gourmet delights
Lantau Island’s quaint village of Tai O is known for its stunning coastal scenery, stilt houses built above canals and rich fishing historyScenic Pak Nai, in northwestern New Territories, is home to mangroves and rich marine lifePaid Post:Hong Kong Tourism BoardReggie HoandMorning Studio editorsPublished: 12:00pm, 28 Aug, 2023Why you can trust SCMP
To fully appreciate Hong Kong’s diverse range of stunning natural landscapes and delicious local cuisine, it’s worth taking a trip out west, far from the city’s high-rise centre to Tai O and Pak Nai, two very different destinations offering quintessential outdoor experiences.
Fishing village charm
Lantau Island is Hong Kong’s largest isle, and its Chinese name – “Big Island Mountain” – draws attention to its dramatic peaks that rise steeply out of the sea.
A visit to the village of Tai O, at its far western tip, is an expedition beyond these mountains to the far side of Hong Kong. It is one of the city’s most famous destinations, popular for its natural scenery, winding canals and stilt houses that reflect its history as a fishing settlement.
The village is built on wooden stilts above the waters and mudflats of the surrounding tidal creeks. Its origin can be traced back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644), when it began to host a growing population of fishermen and their families.