Downtown Aberdeen's minibus-thronged streets may seem little different from other small suburban towns in Hong Kong. But dried seafood shops are in abundance here and snippets of Tanka dialect can be overheard. Locals are known to throw rowdy banquets at the old-fashioned restaurants here after dragon boat races. For most outsiders though, it's where you pass to reach Aberdeen Promenade, and board the sampan to Ap Lei Chau. Buses to/from Central, Causeway Bay and other parts of Hong Kong Island stop here as well.

Aberdeen Harbour is widely believed to be what gave Hong Kong its name. Its Cantonese name, 'Heung Gong Zai', translates as 'Little Hong Kong' or 'Little Fragrant Harbour'. It was here that incense trees from the New Territories were brought via Tsim Sha Tsui for export to China, lending the harbour a lingering perfume.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. Tin Hau Temple

0.11 MILES

Caught between a church and the thoroughfare, this temple has an eclectic deity collection, two moon gates and hovering incense coils. The stone columns,…

2. Old Aberdeen Police Station

0.12 MILES

Warehouse Teenage Club (蒲窩青少年中心) occupies this charming red-brick building that used to be the Aberdeen Police Station. Built in 1891 on a hill rising on…

3. Aberdeen Promenade

0.12 MILES

Tree-lined Aberdeen Promenade runs from west to east on Aberdeen Praya Rd across the water from Ap Lei Chau. On its western end is sprawling Aberdeen…

4. Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade

0.22 MILES

Directly facing Aberdeen Promenade across the typhoon shelter, Ap Lei Chau Waterfront Promenade is where commuter ferries from Aberdeen stop. People in…

5. Hung Shing Temple

0.22 MILES

Renovated many times since it was built in 1773 by local fishermen, Ap Lei Chau's major temple is dedicated to Hung Shing, the protector of seafarers. Its…

6. Empty Gallery

0.51 MILES

Empty Gallery exhibits over 420 sq m of black-box space close to the Aberdeen Harbour, favouring experimental works of established and emerging artists…

7. Ap Lei Chau

0.51 MILES

Ap Lei Chau retains some of its sleepy charm despite developments spurred by the opening of the South Island MTR line. There are shipyards along its shore…

8. de Sarthe

0.52 MILES

The 900 sq m de Sarthe Gallery takes up the 20th floor of a new office block. The French gallery has exhibited an array of Western and Asia artists, from…