Monday 2 June is Dragon Boat Festival. More importantly perhaps, it’s a public holiday! Besides the pulsating dragon boat racing and calorific munching of sticky rice dumplings, are you game for something locally unique on this festive occasion? Walk in Hong Kong will be running a special tour that day to Hong Kong’s last fishing village of Tai O, where you can witness a colourful boat procession of Chinese deities through the waterways of the community. This deeply historic ritual, which is enacted annually by the local folk to pray for peace and to pacify the wandering water ghosts, is a key part of Tai O’s charming heritage. In the first part of this tour, you’ll be able to watch the parade from a carefully selected spot. We’ll decode different aspects of the grand ritual and explain to you how the tradition connects to the fishing heritage of the local community. In the second part of the tour, we’ll walk into Tai O to visit some old temples, stilt houses, and check out a couple of old trades and shops (think fermented shrimp paste and traditional sweet Chinese snacks). This one-off activity is a special opportunity to witness close-up a rare piece of cultural heritage in Hong Kong’s last fishing village. More info on Tai O Tai O – literally a big bay where ships can take shelter – is situated on the northwestern corner of Lantau, Hong Kong’s biggest island. In the old days it was an important fishing and trading port for southern China and for centuries, it was at the centre of industries such as fishing, salt and agriculture, playing host to their rise and fall. More recently in the second half of the 20th century, Tai O was a stomping ground for people from many walks of life, despite its relative distance from urban Hong Kong – while it might have been a peaceful fishing village by day, once darkness fell it turned into a haven for illegal goods and piracy. Tai O was also a place of refuge during times of conflict, witnessing countless tragedies. Even though its best – and its worst – days are behind it, you can still experience Tai O’s glory through both sight, and even smell. Its residents still live in houses built on stilts, come rain or shine. The houses are truly a sight unique to Hong Kong. Popular souvenirs from Tai O include dried salty fish and shrimp paste, and while they may not be to everyone’s liking, their unforgettable smell will no doubt leave you with a lasting impression of Hong Kong’s last fishing village. Language English (Cantonese and Mandarin options are available for private group bookings. Please email [email protected] for details.) Price $350 per person (Discount: $300 per person for 2 or more people) To sign-up, please write to [email protected]. Meeting point The small park next to Tai O bus terminal.