Culture Eco-tour at Tai O 澳水漁風大澳文化之旅

Aims of the visit: - to enrich their knowledge about the Chinese culture, e.g., production of traditional salted fish and tofu dessert, and religious activities in this traditional fishing village; - to learn how the rise and fall of the salt-making industry affected the economic development and people’s lifestyle in Tai O; - to experience traditional Chinese fishing lifestyle; - to enjoy an ecotour at Tai O, e.g., watching Uca puganx (招潮蟹), mangrove ecosystem (紅樹林), etc. Description: On 19 March, 2008 (school activity day), 60 students from S6A and S6C went to Tai O, accompanied by Mrs. Au, Mrs. Liu and Miss J. Kwok. It’s a special experience to them since they didn’t know much about the traditional fishing lifestyle. Tai O is located on the western side of Lantau Island in Hong Kong. Currently the fishing lifestyle is dying out. Though many residents continue to fish, it barely provides a subsistence income. Most young people move away when they become adult. The village is now mostly squatter huts and dilapidated stilt houses. Some girls were excited and they cooperated well especially when making both traditional salted fish and tofu dessert, and attending a tour around stilt houses (pang uk) that were built right over the waterway. The only disappointing thing is that the weather was too hot and sunny for ecotour. On the whole, students enjoyed such experience. Here are some photos and videos: