Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, Maritime protection area in Yau Tsim Mong District, Hong Kong.
The Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter is a marine protection area in the western waters of Kowloon Peninsula. Hundreds of vessels find refuge here during severe weather, and the area is regulated by designated passage routes marked on official charts.
The shelter was founded in 1915 following a devastating storm in 1906 that destroyed over 3,600 boats and prompted major infrastructure improvements. This disaster demonstrated the critical need for a safe harbor to protect the region's fishing vessels.
The shelter is home to people who live on boats and maintain traditional ways of seafaring life. Visitors can observe this lifestyle today and use local boat services that reflect these long-standing practices.
The area is governed by maritime authority regulations, and visitors should familiarize themselves with marked passage routes. The best time to visit is during calmer weather conditions when the water area is easier to observe.
Around 40 years ago, 40,000 people lived on boats in this shelter, forming a floating community that shaped the maritime character of the entire district. This remarkable population persisted for decades and left a lasting mark on local identity.
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