Hong Kong Stories ---Bonding at Water’s Edge
Tai O is characterised by its crisscross watercourses and numerous stilted houses. The tidal flows have shaped the village landscape and regulated the residents’ pace of life.
WONG Man-kwong (the Fourth Brother) is a fisherman of the last generation. When the small river calms down at dusk, he will row his sampan to the other side of the river, with his grandson calling out on the shore. Growing up in the stilted house, WONG has been making a living from fishing. Now his greatest happiness comes from playing with his grandson and passing down his crafts.
In the village house on the opposite side, WONG’s daughter Hiu-tung returned from the urban area with her family. She said that there was no rush here. Instead, there were greetings from neighbours, and the ease of being able to see her parents across the river. The human touch of Tai O allowed her to slow down and have a more fulfilling daily life.
Fan Kwai Tong Village is located on the other side of Tai O. Lonny SHUM from the GenZ loves this place after joining a local woodcraft workshop. Even though he works in Tuen Mun, he still moved to Tai O. At least three days a week, he leads a half-time farming and half-time work life in Tai O, so as to explore the possibilities of life while preserving the rural culture.
The artist WONG Chi-chuen is a descendant of fishermen. He was fortunate to be able to study ashore and change his destiny through knowledge. After making his way in the dazzling urban world most of his life, he eventually returned to his homeland to preserve the Tai O culture with creations and actions, as well as record the most beautiful place in his life.
With the ebb and flow of tides, the memories of fathers, the daughter’s choice and the youth’s aspirations intertwined into a slow living ambience in Tai O. The watercourses continue to flow and people from every generation can find their own way of life here.