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one of the southern tips of Hong Kong Island, Aberdeen
is the largest satellite town with a population of about
sixty thousand. It was a pirates' den two centuries ago
and later turned into a simple fishing village. In recent
years, with local high-rise building developments, Aberdeen
has modernized, and now it becomes a vibrant waterfront
resort for people from metropolitan Hong Kong.
Despite
modernization, traditional fishing life still prevails.
Hundreds of junks and sampans, old-fashioned boats serve
as floating homes for thousands of people. They crowd
in the narrow harbor, dramatically juxtaposed against
a modern high-rise building that spreads up the nearby
hillsides. If you were lucky, warm-hearted fishers would
invite you onto their dwellings, from where you can glimpse
the life of the boat-people. If no invitation forthcoming,
you can always take a sampan ride yourself. Butdo place
caution and safety first. You should take rides only with
licensed operators.
Besides
experiencing the traditional life of boat-dwellers, you
may also enjoy tasty seafood here. Two magnificent floating
restaurants, namely "Jumbo Floating Restaurant"
and the "Tai Bak Seafood Boat" are available.
They are anchored in the Aberdeen Harbor, where guests
can take a free ferryboat shuttle to reach them for a
feast of delicious seafood.
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