Ma Wan, Coastal island in Tsuen Wan District, Hong Kong
Ma Wan is a small island nestled between Lantau and Tsing Yi in Hong Kong's harbor. The island spans less than a square kilometer and features the Tai Leng Tau peak as its highest point, with an old fishing village standing beside a modern residential development.
People have lived on this island since at least the Neolithic period, with archaeological finds revealing traces of trade activities across thousands of years. By the Qing dynasty, the village had become an established fishing center before modern development pushed it to the margins in the 20th century.
The village was long a center for shrimp paste production, and several temples dedicated to a sea goddess show how deeply rooted residents were in maritime life. These shrines reflect the way generations of fishers and their families shaped their daily practices.
The island is reachable by ferry from central piers or the Tsuen Wan waterfront, taking roughly 15 to 30 minutes. Private cars are not allowed, but public transport and authorized taxis provide reliable access to reach the site.
The abandoned village stands in stark contrast to a large modern residential complex on the same island, showing Hong Kong's radical transformation in recent decades. Visitors can see these two entirely different worlds side by side and understand through their spatial arrangement how quickly old ways were replaced.
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