Aberdeen
What people are saying
J&S_Singapore
By J&S_Singapore
a walk along the 香港仔 promenade
4.0 of 5 bubblesJul 2023
We took the MTR to the (newer) Lei Tung station on the South Island Line to reach Ap Lei Chau which is a short walk to the promenade. This is just directly opposite Aberdeen. We then took the boat ride across, HK$5 for a 5-mins ride! Aberdeen is famous not only to tourists but also to locals for its floating village and floating seafood restaurants located in the Aberdeen Harbour. There is the alternate way of crossing over via the Ap Lei Chau Bridge and Aberdeen Channel Bridge, but can’t resist trying out the short boat-sampan ride. Minimum waiting time and it was an average bumpy experience negotiating through the many parked boats!. The tree-lined Aberdeen Promenade — a walkway running beside Aberdeen Harbour — is a popular spot where visitors can relax and take in some breeze. It is also a famous places for tourists to take photographs of Aberdeen Harbour and attracted many years back when the massive Jumbo was stationed here. . A pity the hot July is quite punishing weather We walked towards both end and completed within an hour but did not venture beyond to the nearby Tin Hau Temple . A cruise by the sampan or visit to the Wholesale Fish market is also recommended but must catch the right timing. We noted that along the park there are several wharves providing ferries to the Lammar Island & Po Toi Island The boardwalk is well maintained with benches and public toilets, and certainly the locals are making use of the facilities. However there were no business activities (just past 1 pm noon) and the hot sun really chases one to hide under shade. Within the Aberdeen Promenade we noted there is an open-air square, a children’s playground and other entertainment facilities. An overhead bridge links to a large building opposite and a Bus Terminal. We got the boat back where we tripped back to Central via the MTR. Overall a good experience, and glad we made the trip. Just pity that the giant Jumbo is not more station here….
BradJill
By BradJill
Interesting history and some good sightseeing
4.0 of 5 bubblesJan 2021
Aberdeen is a seaside community on the southwest side of Hong Kong Island that has an interesting history and is a fairly popular location for tourists visiting the city. Historically, this area of Hong Kong was long inhabited by the Tanka people, fisherfolks known for living in floating villages. The harbour also has a long standing fishing industry which can still be experienced along the Aberdeen Promenade and Wholesale Market. Along the promenade, you will find fresh and dried seafood dealers selling directly to the public. You can also browse around the wholesale market, which is very busy first thing in the morning. Other popular activities around the promenade include arranging sampan boats for joy rides around the busy Aberdeen Harbour or catching ferry rides to outlying islands of Lamma or Po Toi. For several decades, this has also been where tourists would catch short ride out to the historic Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant. Unfortunately, the Jumbo Kingdom closed down in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the local government has plans for a large scale tourism revitalisation and overhaul project for the entire area of Aberdeen. Part of this scheme will include passing over possession of the Jumbo Kingdom to Ocean Park who will manage the property as a heritage attraction in the future. No precise dates have been agreed for these initiatives. My best guess is that it will be at least several years before doors are reopened. There are a few other things to do around Aberdeen for those interested in spending a bit more time here. The historic Tin Hau Temple is worth a visit, you can across the harbour to spend time in neighbouring Ap Lei Chau or spend time in the family friendly hiking grounds around the Aberdeen Reservoirs and Country Park just northeast of the fishing village.

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The area
Neighbourhood: Sheung Wan
Unlike most of Hong Kong’s other popular districts, Sheung Wan welcomes wanderers with an easy-going, relaxed atmosphere. Art galleries are plentiful and boutique cafés are tucked away in every side street in the sub district known as “PoHo.” Browse through the vintage clothing and handmade leather goods stores – it’s no surprise fashionistas flock to this area. History enthusiasts will be rewarded with sites of beautiful architecture, reflecting Sheung Wan’s past as one of the earliest settlements by British forces. As night falls, the entertainment scene reveals itself to be just as laid back with its private kitchens, speakeasies and underground bars dotted throughout the area. When in Sheung Wan, everyday feels like the weekend.
How to get there
  • Sheung Wan • 4 min walk
  • Hong Kong • 10 min walk

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J&S_Singapore
Singapore, Singapore4,356 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023 • Family
We took the MTR to the (newer) Lei Tung station on the South Island Line to reach Ap Lei Chau which is a short walk to the promenade. This is just directly opposite Aberdeen. We then took the boat ride across, HK$5 for a 5-mins ride!
Aberdeen is famous not only to tourists but also to locals for its floating village and floating seafood restaurants located in the Aberdeen Harbour. There is the alternate way of crossing over via the Ap Lei Chau Bridge and Aberdeen Channel Bridge, but can’t resist trying out the short boat-sampan ride. Minimum waiting time and it was an average bumpy experience negotiating through the many parked boats!.
The tree-lined Aberdeen Promenade — a walkway running beside Aberdeen Harbour — is a popular spot where visitors can relax and take in some breeze. It is also a famous places for tourists to take photographs of Aberdeen Harbour and attracted many years back when the massive Jumbo was stationed here. . A pity the hot July is quite punishing weather
We walked towards both end and completed within an hour but did not venture beyond to the nearby Tin Hau Temple . A cruise by the sampan or visit to the Wholesale Fish market is also recommended but must catch the right timing. We noted that along the park there are several wharves providing ferries to the Lammar Island & Po Toi Island
The boardwalk is well maintained with benches and public toilets, and certainly the locals are making use of the facilities. However there were no business activities (just past 1 pm noon) and the hot sun really chases one to hide under shade. Within the Aberdeen Promenade we noted there is an open-air square, a children’s playground and other entertainment facilities. An overhead bridge links to a large building opposite and a Bus Terminal.
We got the boat back where we tripped back to Central via the MTR. Overall a good experience, and glad we made the trip. Just pity that the giant Jumbo is not more station here….
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

BradJill
Hong Kong, China159,771 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2021
Aberdeen is a seaside community on the southwest side of Hong Kong Island that has an interesting history and is a fairly popular location for tourists visiting the city.

Historically, this area of Hong Kong was long inhabited by the Tanka people, fisherfolks known for living in floating villages. The harbour also has a long standing fishing industry which can still be experienced along the Aberdeen Promenade and Wholesale Market. Along the promenade, you will find fresh and dried seafood dealers selling directly to the public. You can also browse around the wholesale market, which is very busy first thing in the morning.

Other popular activities around the promenade include arranging sampan boats for joy rides around the busy Aberdeen Harbour or catching ferry rides to outlying islands of Lamma or Po Toi. For several decades, this has also been where tourists would catch short ride out to the historic Jumbo Kingdom floating restaurant.

Unfortunately, the Jumbo Kingdom closed down in 2020 due to the pandemic. However, the local government has plans for a large scale tourism revitalisation and overhaul project for the entire area of Aberdeen. Part of this scheme will include passing over possession of the Jumbo Kingdom to Ocean Park who will manage the property as a heritage attraction in the future. No precise dates have been agreed for these initiatives. My best guess is that it will be at least several years before doors are reopened.

There are a few other things to do around Aberdeen for those interested in spending a bit more time here. The historic Tin Hau Temple is worth a visit, you can across the harbour to spend time in neighbouring Ap Lei Chau or spend time in the family friendly hiking grounds around the Aberdeen Reservoirs and Country Park just northeast of the fishing village.
Written 1 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Truthful Reviews
London, UK7,452 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Couples
First of all Aberdeen Harbour front is very relaxing and a totally different atmosphere to HK/Kowloon Harbour front. We got off the bus after walking to Pok fu lam reservoir. We quickly made our way over to South Horizins which is even more chilled out.
Written 29 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Becca
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020 • Solo
I loved Abeedeen, well connected part of Hong Kong, very interesting with temples, a massive traditional cemetery, very macabre, but well worth the look around. The water front is nice as well, I managed to walk to Stanley Markets from there, long walk, about 10km but worth it
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mmarymomm
Pleasanton, CA1,738 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Couples
We took a spin around the harbor in a motorized sampan. There are so many different types of boats on the water here! There is a constant buzz of sampans carting tourists around, there are also houseboats, trawlers, large pleasure crafts, and even a floating restaurant. I think that some of the sampan drivers must use there boats multi-purposefully since we saw fish drying off the side.
Written 6 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

axels
Lillehammer, Norway2,196 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2018
Aberdeen harbour and surroundings have endless of boats and Chines junks. They are used to this locations because the area is determined as "Typhoon Shelters" - and there are many around the island. In the harbour you can choose between a lot of sightseeing boats for a closer look, - beautiful!
it's some years ago, now! )
Written 20 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Michelelabelle
Sacramento, CA936 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2019 • Friends
We took a harbor ride on a Chinese junk, great fun. We cruised past the floating restaurants, saw houseboats and fishing boats, and lovely views. A fun excursion. Lasts about 20 minutes.
Written 11 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Mavsters
West Yorkshire, UK955 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Family
We took the feery over then took a little boat ride through the harbour up to Jumbo restaurant. Great to see from the boat on a hot day. Lots of boat houses and yachts...
Written 3 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

annsy2016
Chester, UK71 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019
We went there by recommendation from HK tourist board - you could combine trip to Stanley and Aberdeen in one trip. We took a bus from Central Bus Exchange to Stanley, then one bus to Aberdeen. We took time going through the town centre first, including the temple and stalls, then headed towards the harbor. Worth taking a ferry to the floating restaurant Jumbo - visited by celebrities. It's gorgeous indoors, great for photo-taking. Free and regular shuttle ferry from the harbor.

The sight along the harbor was nice too, full of HK flavour.
Written 10 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jamie
10 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2019 • Solo
If you're bored of Aberdeen in Scotland then take a trip to Aberdeen, Hong Kong.

Personally, I would say it's a lot better. It's lost some of it's charm since a large section of the bay was paved over but, let's face it, at least the entire place isn't made of granite and, when it rains, it has the decency not to rain outwardly from each of it's occupants souls.

You can also find a much higher quality of street food here in comparison to what's on offer in Scotland. Gone are deep fried severed heads and plates of cold fish guts and in their place is a bountiful variety of wonderful Asian cuisine.

Much of the food here is "Cantonese style", which roughly means that it doesn't contain rams testicles and has some semblance of flavour in comparison to mainland Chinese food. Hong Kong is quite possibly the best place to sample true Chinese food in the Western sense, with a good amount of more regional restaurants catering for those with a desire to wolf down copious quantities of snakes guts or whatever. It's all available. In Aberdeen.

There's also far, far less streetbound violence (recent massive civil unrest/riots excluded) than there is in Aberdeen in Scotland. Ask someone the time there and you'll be lucky if you wake up out of the coma they'll put you in. Ask someone the time anywhere in Aberdeen and they'll not only tell you it, they'll offer to sell you 900 time pieces, too.

Yes, as with much of modern Hong Kong, business is very much the order of the day here. However, and perhaps somewhat ironically, if you allow your dog to do it's "business" within view of a policeman it will be executed on the spot - so do watch out for that. This also applies to borrowed dogs, so you can't borrow a dog then expect to let it leave mess all over the place unpunished. I'm not sure what happens with cats, but I have seen police in that area firing randomly at rooftops so presumably they're taking potshots at cats up there. I imagine excrement in drainpipes is no doubt something of a problem thanks to the ever present feline menace in all areas of Hong Kong. If you take an umbrella then the frequently ubiquitous onslaught of feline slurry from the skies shouldn't pose as much of a nuisance. Just be prepared.

It's lovely to sit out by the water, though, watching the Sampans passing by. Infinitely preferable to sitting at the harbour in Aberdeen, Scotland, in the pouring rain, as terrifyingly drunk Russian sailors try to kill each other with chairs on the quayside whilst spider-like women punch hell out of each other nearby. Also, looking at clapped out warships and oil rigs is way more rubbish than looking at junks and sampans.

All in, it's a great version of Aberdeen and infinitely preferable to the original. 10/10.
Written 3 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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ABERDEEN: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Aberdeen