Aberdeen Fishing Village is a historical area in Hong Kong known for its view above water. Traditional fishing boats and modern yachts sit side by side at the harbor, creating a unique sight in the middle of this global city.
Aberdeen Fishing Village is Hong Kong’s oldest village of the boat people. It is still working to preserve its culture today. You will find locals selling freshly caught and dried seafood from their boats.
To experience the culture and lifestyle yourself, visitors have the chance of a sampan ride. Another feature that attracts tourists to Aberdeen Fishing Village is floating restaurants, most famously Jumbo Kingdom. It has a diverse range of cuisine and a close-up view of the harbor. If you travel to Hong Kong, it is a special dining experience you must try.
Aberdeen Fishing Village Facts
- Location: Aberdeen Harbor, in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island
- Opening hours: The village is open to the public all day, but 9 am-5 pm is when most activities are available
- Tickets: Entry is free of charge, but taking the sampan costs about 60-100 HKD each
- Recommended visit time: Spending about 1-2 hours there is recommended
- Best time of the year to visit: November to January has nice weather
- Features: traditional fishing culture and lifestyle of Hong Kong
What to See and Do in Aberdeen Fishing Village
There are plenty of activities for tourists at Aberdeen Fishing Village. Here are some of the top things to see and do there when you travel to Hong Kong:
1. Experience a Sampan Ride
These wooden boats will take you on a tour of Aberdeen Fishing Village, the floating homes, and restaurants belonging to the boat people. The modern yachts and skyscrapers in the distance will remind you that you are in one of the world’s busiest cities.
You can catch a sampan ride at either Aberdeen Promenade or the Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market. The ride will be about 20-30 minutes, and the cost ranges from 60 to 100 HKD per person.
2. Discover Jumbo Kingdom
Jumbo Kingdom is in fact the name of a grand floating restaurant in Aberdeen Fishing Village. Its architecture resembles a magnificent Chinese palace with a seating capacity of up to 2,300 people. It offers a diverse style of cuisine, including Cantonese, seafood, dim sum, and Western dishes.
Its dramatic size allows it to offer services other than dining, such as the bar, tea garden, cooking academy, and a Chinese cultural exhibition. To find Jumbo Kingdom, simply hop on the free shuttle boat departing from either Aberdeen Promenade or the Shum Wan Pier.
3. Shop at the Aberdeen Centre Shopping Complex
Aberdeen Centre Shopping Complex is a mall near the Aberdeen Bus Terminus. It has a good number of shops, dining options, entertainment venues, and services. Treat yourself to a shopping spree in Hong Kong. You will find a wide range of clothes, accessories, electronics, groceries, and more from over 100 local and international brand stores. Also make the most of the facilities, including a cinema, a bowling alley, an arcade, and a children’s playground.
4. Relax at the Aberdeen Country Park
The Aberdeen Country Park is a large green space near Aberdeen Fishing Village with 1045 acres (423 hectares). Take one of the many hiking trails, relax in the well-maintained picnic areas, or have a barbecue with friends and family at the designated sites.
The park also features a nature education trail that offers information on the plants and animals of the region. Get to Aberdeen Country Park through Aberdeen Reservoir Road and take a break from the city landscape.
Best Time to Visit Aberdeen Fishing Village
For the best experience, plan your Aberdeen Fishing Village and Hong Kong tour between November and January. During these months, the weather is usually nice, and the sea is calm.
The Dragon Boat Racing Festival also takes place during this time It is a traditional event hosted annually by Aberdeen Fishing Village. Get in the festive mood and take part in the traditional sport of dragon boat racing. Watch the thrilling races and experience their cultural significance.
How to Get to Aberdeen Fishing Village
There are many ways to get to Aberdeen Fishing Village. Here are some of the options:
By MTR
If you prefer the convenience of the MTR, you can take the South Island Line and get off at either Lei Tung Station or Wong Chuk Hang Station. Aberdeen Fishing Village is a 15-minute walk away. Or you can take the MTR to Admiralty Station or Causeway Bay Station and then transfer to a bus for the remainder of the journey.
By Bus
A convenient way to reach Aberdeen Fishing Village is by bus. Numerous bus routes will take you directly to Aberdeen Bus Terminus, which is close to the Aberdeen Centre Shopping Complex and the Aberdeen Promenade.
Look out for buses such as number 7, 37A, 37B, 37X, 38, 40P, 41A, 42, 42C, 47P, 48, 70, 70M, 70P, 71, 71P, 72, 73, 73P, 77, 78, 90B, 91, 91A, 93, 93A, 93C, 94, 94A, 94X, 95C, 95P, 98, 107, 107P, and 170.
Attractions Nearby Aberdeen Fishing Village
- Victoria Peak is about 1.24 miles (2 km) from Aberdeen Fishing Village. Admire the stunning view of the city skyline and harbor from the highest point on Hong Kong Island. There are other attractions like the Peak Tower, the Peak Tram, the Sky Terrace 428, and Madame Tussauds Hong Kong.
- Ocean Park Hong Kong is a marine-themed park featuring animal exhibits, thrilling rides, and fabulous shows. It is located on the south side of Hong Kong Island, about 1.4 miles (2.3 km) from Aberdeen Fishing Village.
- Stanley Market is about a 20-minute drive from Aberdeen Fishing Village, or about 50 minutes away if you take bus number 73 or 973. It is a typical Hong Kong market with open-air stalls.
- Hong Kong Disneyland is about 7.8 miles (12.5 km) from Aberdeen Fishing Village on Lantau Island. Experience the magic of Disney through various rides and shows.
- Ngong Ping 360 is located approximately 16 miles (25.6 km) from Aberdeen Fishing Village. Take a cable car ride to Ngong Ping Village and the iconic Big Buddha statue, which offer a panoramic view of Hong Kong’s beautiful mountains and sea.
