Aberdeen Harbour Hong Kong: 10,000 Intriguing Facts and Figures

History of Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour, located on the southern coast of Hong Kong Island, holds a rich history spanning over centuries. Originally known as Pak Sha Wan (Chinese: 白沙灣; literally "White Sand Bay"), the harbour has served as a significant fishing port and trading hub since the Song Dynasty (960-1279).

During the British colonial period, Aberdeen Harbour underwent rapid development. In 1841, it became one of the major ports of call for British ships. By the early 1900s, Aberdeen Harbour had become one of Hong Kong's most important commercial and industrial centers, with a thriving shipbuilding industry and numerous factories.

After World War II, Aberdeen Harbour continued to play a pivotal role in Hong Kong's economy. In the 1950s and 1960s, the harbour underwent significant expansion, with the construction of new piers and reclamation projects. In the late 20th century, Aberdeen Harbour became a popular tourist destination, known for its picturesque views and unique floating villages.

Aberdeen Harbour Today

Today, Aberdeen Harbour remains one of Hong Kong's most important maritime hubs. The harbour is home to a wide range of vessels, including fishing boats, cargo ships, and pleasure crafts. It also serves as a base for the Hong Kong Marine Police and the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department.

Key Statistics:

• Total area: 2.8 square kilometers (1.1 square miles)
• Water depth: 15-20 meters (50-65 feet)
• Number of piers: 25
• Annual cargo throughput: 25 million tons
• Number of fishing vessels: Over 1,000
• Number of floating villages: 4

Floating Villages of Aberdeen Harbour

One of the most iconic features of Aberdeen Harbour is its floating villages. These villages are home to thousands of people who live on boats, known as sampans. The sampans are typically equipped with kitchens, bedrooms, and living rooms, and they are often decorated with colorful paint and lanterns.

Inside the Floating Villages:

• Population: Over 6,000
• Number of sampans: Over 1,000
• Average sampan size: 10-15 meters (33-49 feet)
• Average number of people per sampan: 5-7

Tourism in Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour is a popular tourist destination, known for its unique floating villages, picturesque views, and seafood restaurants. Visitors can take a variety of tours of the harbour, including:

• Sampan tours: Visitors can take a sampan tour to explore the floating villages and learn about the lives of the people who live there.
• Jumbo Kingdom: Jumbo Kingdom is a floating restaurant that serves Cantonese cuisine. The restaurant is located in Jumbo Harbour, a small bay off Aberdeen Harbour.
• Sky 100 Observation Deck: Sky 100 is an observation deck located on the 100th floor of the International Commerce Centre. The observation deck offers panoramic views of Aberdeen Harbour and the surrounding area.

Future of Aberdeen Harbour

Aberdeen Harbour is expected to continue to play a vital role in Hong Kong's economy and tourism industry. The harbour is undergoing a number of redevelopment projects, including the construction of new terminals and the expansion of the existing ones. These projects are expected to increase the harbour's capacity and efficiency, and to make it more accessible to visitors.

Future Plans:

• Expansion of the container terminal: The container terminal is expected to be expanded by 2025, increasing its capacity by 50%.
• Construction of a new cruise terminal: A new cruise terminal is expected to be completed by 2023, allowing Aberdeen Harbour to accommodate larger cruise ships.
• Development of a new waterfront promenade: A new waterfront promenade is expected to be completed by 2024, providing visitors with a scenic place to walk, relax, and enjoy the harbour views.

Conclusion

Aberdeen Harbour is a vibrant and dynamic maritime hub that has played a significant role in Hong Kong's history and economy. The harbour is home to a diverse range of vessels and floating villages, and it is a popular tourist destination known for its picturesque views and seafood restaurants. Aberdeen Harbour is expected to continue to play a vital role in Hong Kong's future, and it is undergoing a number of redevelopment projects to increase its capacity and efficiency.