Despite extensive redevelopment and modernisation, the ancient fishing port of Aberdeen (named after a British peer) is a scenic highlight of any Hong Kong Island visit. Brightly decorated trawlers, which double as floating homes for Aberdeen's fisherfolk, fill a sheltered harbour whose hillsides are decked with woodland, Chinese cemeteries and residential towers.

You can charter sampans or join guided tours for close-up views of the fishing fleet and Aberdeen's famous, multidecked floating restaurants, like Jumbo floating restaurant. Their sumptuous "Imperial" decor -- thousands of colourful lights, gilded dragons and carved wood -- is as attractive as their Cantonese cuisine and fresh seafood. In the town itself, the harbour's maritime traditions are evident in chandlers' stores and seafarers' temples, the oldest of which (built in 1851) is dedicated to Tin Hau, goddess of the sea.

Aberdeen's natural protection is the small, offshore Ap Lei Chau ("Duck Tongue Island"), reachable via a narrow harbour bridge. To one side of the island's old village lie various family-run boatyards that specialize in making and repairing junks. The foreshore provides spectacular views of Aberdeen's harbour, the marine police station and Ocean Park.

Aberdeen

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