Faraway Lakeside Holiday Chill Time: A Historical Tour of Tai O

Tai O, known as Hong Kong's rare "water town," is famous for its unique stilt houses and laid-back fishing village atmosphere. It is an ideal destination to connect with nature and experience local culture. Under the blue sky and white clouds, with hills in the distance and a few small boats docked by the sea, complemented by modern architecture, Tai O presents its most iconic outdoor cultural landscape.

Recommended Itinerary and Must-Do Activities:
Start your day by taking the MTR from the city to Tung Chung Station, then transfer to a bus heading to Tai O, enjoying the natural scenery along the way. Upon arrival, explore the narrow alleys of Tai O, capturing the unique stilt house lifestyle and overwater dwellings. Then, head to the pier for a boat ride to explore the waterways of the fishing village. Along the way, you might spot white dolphins and various fishing boats, making it a popular photo spot.

Must-Try Foods:
When in Tai O, don't miss the local specialties like deep-fried doughnuts (炸沙翁), shrimp paste pork patties (蝦豬餅), and fish maw soup (花膠湯). The deep-fried doughnuts are crispy on the outside and soft inside, the shrimp paste pork patties are flavorful, and the fish maw soup is nourishing and comforting. There are many old shops along the way worth checking out.

Photo Spots:
1. Tai O Stilt Houses and Waterways — Blue skies, small boats by the sea, and distant mountains, showcasing the quintessential Hong Kong fishing village charm.
2. Stilt Houses — Unique to the area, offering various angles for photography to capture the fishing village vibe.
3. Tai O Bridges and Waterways — Reflections on the water paired with fishing boats create a poetic scene.

Tips & Notes:
1. Wear comfortable clothing and sneakers, as some paths are narrow or require walking.
2. Bring sun protection like hats and water during hot weather.
3. Weekends can be crowded; visiting on weekdays makes it easier to take great photos.
4. Be mindful of safety when taking boat rides and ensure stability while taking photos.
5. Carry some cash, as some snack shops may not accept electronic payments.

Tai O is open all year round and is suitable for family or friends to visit together. Escape the hustle and bustle to experience the "Venice of Hong Kong" with its original charm and local warmth.