{"title":"Aberdeen Trail: Local Favorite Routes and Fishing Village Memories","content_zh":"When Hong Kong people think of Aberdeen, they likely first picture the floating seafood restaurants, the typhoon shelter, or the fishermen busy at the pier every morning. This land, which carries a century of fishing industry memory, actually hides several distinctive hiking trails—none of which appear on popular tourism lists, yet they hold a special place in the hearts of locals.","content_zh":"When Hong Kong people think of Aberdeen, they likely first picture the floating seafood restaurants, the typhoon shelter, or the fishermen busy at the pier every morning. This land, which carries a century of fishing industry memory, actually hides several distinctive hiking trails—none of which appear on popular tourism lists, yet they hold a special place in the hearts of locals."}
Aberdeen was originally a pure fishing village, only gradually developing into a residential area in the 1960s and 70s. Today, amidst the high-rise apartments, the threads of the traditional fishing village still remain. Hiking here is not merely exercise—it's a way to engage in dialogue with local history.
Heung Kwong Road: A Living Corridor Through the Fishing Village
Heung Kwong Road is Aberdeen's most "lived-in" trail. This road winding along the hillside connects old village houses, a mysterious Tin Hau Temple, and fish farms that are still operational.
Starting from Aberdeen Main Road and heading up Heung Kwong Road, it takes about thirty minutes to reach an abandoned World War II air-raid shelter. The entrance is covered in vines, but the concrete structure from those days remains faintly visible—a rare wartime relic in Aberdeen. Continuing upward, you'll pass by a lychee orchard, where the branches are heavy with red fruit every June, and locals often come to pick them. Standing at the halfway viewpoint, you can gaze out over the entire Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, where dozens of fishing boats rest quietly at anchor, and the Deep Water Bay Pier on the opposite shore is just visible in the distance.
What makes this trail special is its "everyday feel"—you'll see grandmothers drying fish at their doorways, students walking home together after school, rather than groups of tourists. This experience of "stepping into local life" is something that those trending hotspots simply can't offer.
Aberdeen Reservoir Path: Tracing the Vanishing Fishing Village
Aberdeen Reservoir Path isn't a popular route, but it preserves Aberdeen's most original face. The starting point is at the barbecue area at the end of Aberdeen Reservoir Path; from there, a concrete path winds upward, with reservoirs, wetlands, and abandoned village houses visible along the way.
The highlight of this route is "discovery"—tracing the vanishing fishing village traces. Along the way, you'll find stone walls covered in vegetation, which once marked the boundaries of old villages; at a certain bend, an ancient well may suddenly appear, its water long dried up but the stone structure intact. Aberdeen Reservoir itself is also worth stopping for—the still water reflects the surrounding mountain scenery, making it a favorite spot for photography enthusiasts.
As some sections of the path can be quite slippery, it's recommended to wear non-slip shoes. The entire route takes about two hours round trip, with moderate difficulty, suitable for travelers who want to explore deeply.
South Horizon Viewpoint: An Underestimated View of Hong Kong Island's Southern Coast
If you ask where Aberdeen's best viewpoint is, many locals will tell you: South Horizon.
Starting from the South Horizon rest area, it takes about fifteen minutes to reach the viewpoint at around 150 meters above sea level via a shaded path. The view here is extremely expansive—to the east lies the graceful curve of the Stanley Peninsula, to the west you can see Lamma Island in the distance, and in the middle flows Aberdeen Channel, where the seawater showcases a gradient of blue and green under the sunlight.
The biggest advantage of this route is its "speed"—from central Aberdeen, it takes only thirty minutes to switch from a bustling city to mountain and sea scenery. The viewpoint has several benches, making it perfect for a rest or picnic. We recommend coming in the evening, when the sunset gilds the sea—you'll discover Aberdeen's lesser-known gentle side.
Practical Information
For transportation, take the MTR Island Line to "Aberdeen" Station, Exit A2, and walk about five minutes to reach the starting points of all the trails. Using Octopus for city transit is very convenient—it's recommended to top up in advance.
Regarding costs, all trails are free to access with no admission fee. Reservations are required for the Aberdeen Reservoir barbecue area, starting from HK$200.
For timing, Heung Kwong Road and South Horizon are suitable year-round; Aberdeen Reservoir Path is best avoided during the rainy season (May to September).
Travel Tips
Aberdeen's hiking trails aren't suitable for a "quick check-in" mindset—there are no majestic mountain or sea wonders here, but rather the intricate textures of old Hong Kong. It's recommended to slow your pace, chat with the uncles on the street, watch the fishermen mending their nets at the pier—you'll find that this place's charm lies not at the destination, but along the way.
If you'd like to refuel after completing the trail, there are several old-school wonton noodle shops in Aberdeen Center, a bowl costs around HK$35, offering the everyday flavors of locals. Avoid the floating seafood restaurants on weekends—the truly authentic food hides deep in the alleys and lanes.
