Tai O – Lantau Island

This is a small part of well-preserved face of Hong Kong that is far removed from the bustling city. Tai O is home to Tanka people, a community of fishermen, who built their houses on poles on both sides of the creek, literally living on the water. Situated on the western coast of Lantau Island, this is an old, traditional fishing village.

On land you can see old-fashioned houses, some as small as dolls houses, local shops, historic temples, and interesting customs of the Tanka people who are descendants of Hong Kong's first settlers. One of the famous local products is salted, dry fish craw (stomach) – as they say, this is supposed to be unbeatable remedy for eternal youth of your skin. Try it if you dare …

Photographs and words by Renata Blonska