Facebook Twitter Instagram
    Thursday, July 7
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    The HK HUB
    • What’s On

      What’s On: What To Watch In Movie Theatres This Month

      2022-07-05

      What’s On: New Restaurant & Bar Openings In Hong Kong In July 2022

      2022-07-04

      What’s On: The Most Exciting Events For All This Month

      2022-07-04

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2022-07-04

      What To Do In Hong Kong For Pride Month 2022 This June

      2022-06-13
    • Eat & Drink
      1. Bars
      2. Food
      3. Restaurants
      4. Reviews
      5. View All

      Coa Named Asia’s Best Bar For 2nd Consecutive Year; 7 More Hong Kong Bars Appear In Top 50

      2022-05-05

      10 Best Shisha Bars In Hong Kong For A Smoke & Chill Session

      2021-12-30

      Festive Afternoon Teas in Hong Kong to Enjoy This Christmas

      2021-11-30

      Our 10 Favourite Places To Fulfill Your Bubble Tea Craving

      2021-11-04

      15 Delicious Singaporean Foods You Must Try (And Where To Eat When In Singapore)

      2022-06-20

      37 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong (June Update)

      2022-06-09

      Where To Get 11 Rice Dumplings (Zongzi) In Hong Kong For Dragon Boat Festival Gifts

      2022-05-24

      10 Filipino Dishes You Must Try When In The Philippines

      2022-05-13

      37 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong (June Update)

      2022-06-09

      9 Best Yakiniku Restaurants In Hong Kong For Japanese BBQ Feasts

      2022-06-07

      10 Father’s Day Restaurants In 2022 To Treat Your Dad With

      2022-06-02

      Sugar & Salt: 27 Best High Teas To Try in Hong Kong

      2022-04-28

      Restaurant Review – Modern Chinese Vegetarian at Miss Lee

      2020-03-05

      Restaurant Review: Middle Eastern Brunch at FRANCIS, Wan Chai

      2019-12-04

      Restaurant Review: Hue, Modern Australian with Harbour Views

      2019-11-27

      Review: Micasadeco & Café, Langham Place

      2019-09-20

      15 Delicious Singaporean Foods You Must Try (And Where To Eat When In Singapore)

      2022-06-20

      37 Best Weekend Brunches With Free-Flow Options To Try In Hong Kong (June Update)

      2022-06-09

      9 Best Yakiniku Restaurants In Hong Kong For Japanese BBQ Feasts

      2022-06-07

      10 Father’s Day Restaurants In 2022 To Treat Your Dad With

      2022-06-02
    • Lifestyle
      1. Beauty
      2. Fashion
      3. Entertainment
      4. Interviews
      5. Outdoor
      6. Shopping
      7. View All

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26

      Our Review of LifeHub’s IV Drip Treatment For Glowing Skin

      2021-12-09

      Our Review Of EstheClinic’s OXYPURE Oxygenation Facial

      2021-11-18

      5 Fantastic Spas In Central For Stress Relief Massages & Luxurious Beauty Treatments

      2021-09-16

      15 Local Hong Kong Fashion Brands For Stylish Women, Men & Kids

      2022-02-02

      Hong Kong-based fashionpreneurs Rock Atoll promote sustainable and year-round witty apparel

      2021-04-30

      M+ Cinema, Hong Kong’s Brand New Cinema Destination, Opens 8 June

      2022-05-31

      6 Best Bowling Spots In Hong Kong: Glowing Bowling Alleys & Outdoor Lawn Greens

      2022-04-20

      20 Dating Apps In Hong Kong For Meeting Friends, Lovers & Forever Partners

      2022-03-16

      Experience LOST Hong Kong’s Virtual Escape Rooms With Up To 8 Teammates

      2022-03-15

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      Founder Of Africa Center Hong Kong, Innocent Mutanga: “It’s Time We Take Ownership Of The African Story”

      2022-05-23

      Brian Eagen Lau On Transfeminism: “In Hong Kong, I Get Stared At A Lot; In Thailand, I Don’t Experience That”

      2022-04-07

      HER Fund On Intersectionality & Letting Marginalized Lead In Journey Towards Gender Equality

      2022-03-17

      20 Beautiful Gazetted & Non-Gazetted Beaches In Hong Kong

      2022-05-12

      Top 10 Hong Kong Hikes With Trails For Families, Hardcore Hikers & Nature Lovers

      2022-04-14

      Dazzling Waterfalls Dotted Around Hong Kong To Refresh Yourself After a Hike

      2021-09-02

      Your Complete Guide to Scuba Diving in Hong Kong

      2021-08-16

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      13 Dad-Friendly Ideas For Father’s Day Gifts From Local Businesses

      2022-06-01

      7 Stores To Get Gourmet Hampers & Gift Boxes For All Special Occasions

      2022-05-18

      10 Local Businesses Offering Inspired Mother’s Day Gifts

      2022-04-29

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      “There’s A Lot To Be Done When It Comes To Laws” Protecting Women And Sexual Minorities In Hong Kong, Says SCMP Editor Salomé Grouard

      2022-06-30

      The Beginner’s Guide To The Metaverse: What Is The Metaverse & Why Does It Matter?

      2022-06-15

      13 Dad-Friendly Ideas For Father’s Day Gifts From Local Businesses

      2022-06-01
    • News
      1. Covid Pandemic
      2. Local News
      3. View All

      Hong Kong Considering Changes To Quarantine Period, Says John Lee

      2022-07-05

      What Happens To Compulsory Covid-19 Testing During A Hong Kong Typhoon?

      2022-07-02

      Social Distancing Rules And Negative Antigen Tests To Enter Nightlife Venues Extended Till Mid-July

      2022-06-27

      New Anti-Scalping Measures To Regulate Quarantine Room Booking And Prices; Three New Hotels Added To 8th Cycle

      2022-06-25

      Hong Kong’s New Trial Traffic Lights To Target Smartphone Users

      2022-07-06

      Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World To Live In (And Hong Kong Ranks #1)

      2022-07-05

      [UPDATE] : Typhoon Signal To Be Lowered To Strong Wind Signal, No. 3, Between 4 And 8PM

      2022-07-01

      How Is Hong Kong Celebrating Its 25th Anniversary Of The Establishment Of The HKSAR?

      2022-06-30

      Hong Kong’s New Trial Traffic Lights To Target Smartphone Users

      2022-07-06

      Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World To Live In (And Hong Kong Ranks #1)

      2022-07-05

      Hong Kong Considering Changes To Quarantine Period, Says John Lee

      2022-07-05

      What Happens To Compulsory Covid-19 Testing During A Hong Kong Typhoon?

      2022-07-02
    • Family
      1. Activities
      2. Education
      3. Kids
      4. Pets
      5. View All

      Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

      2022-07-05

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2022-07-04

      52 Amazing Summer Camps In 2022 Your Child Will Love

      2022-05-26

      Hong Kong Disneyland Fireworks To Resume Next Year

      2021-11-04

      52 Amazing Summer Camps In 2022 Your Child Will Love

      2022-05-26

      4 Tips For Parents To Be Proactive Against Bullying At School

      2022-05-03

      Filling The Gap For Underprivileged Children & Non-Chinese Speakers With Adapted Education: IBEL

      2022-04-13

      A Hong Kong School Issues Cautionary Bulletin About Squid Game

      2021-10-28

      Camp Beaumont Brings 40 Years Of Expertise For Its Multi-Activity Summer Camps (And We Got You 10% Off)

      2022-05-26

      52 Amazing Summer Camps In 2022 Your Child Will Love

      2022-05-26

      10 Awesome Playgroups In Hong Kong To Prepare Your Toddler For Kindergarten & Beyond

      2022-05-12

      8 Tips For Working From Home Productively With Kids

      2022-03-03

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Hong Kong To Introduce New Measures To Prevent Cruelty To Animals, May Require Cats To Be Microchipped

      2022-04-28

      Hong Kong Government To Conduct Spot Checks On Dog Licences Starting April 25

      2022-04-25

      Hong Kong Opens 62 More Pet-friendly Parks, Bringing Total to 103

      2022-04-20

      Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

      2022-07-05

      What’s On: The Best Family-Friendly Events This Month

      2022-07-04

      Hong Kong Gets 12 More Pet-Friendly Parks

      2022-06-29

      Camp Beaumont Brings 40 Years Of Expertise For Its Multi-Activity Summer Camps (And We Got You 10% Off)

      2022-05-26
    • Culture

      The Cultural Guide To Kwan Tai’s Birthday, The Chinese God Of War

      2022-07-06

      Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

      2022-07-05

      The History Of Hong Kong Establishment Day On July 1, The Birth Of Modern Hong Kong

      2022-06-23

      Jumbo Floating Restaurant, A Hong Kong Cultural Landmark And Fallen Kingdom

      2022-06-16

      All You Need to Know About Dragon Boat Festival: The Meaning Behind Races & Where To Watch Them In 2022

      2022-05-17
    • Sustainability

      Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia

      2022-07-04

      Where To Buy Environmentally-Friendly Clothing, Beauty, Home Products In Hong Kong?

      2022-07-04

      Eco-Fashion Advocate Sheryl Bolden’s Book ‘Sustainably Stylish’ Is A Guide To Building An Ethical Wardrobe

      2022-05-03

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Eco-Friendly Jewellery: What You Need To Know About Lab-Grown Gemstones

      2022-04-20
    • Wellness
      1. Diet
      2. Fitness
      3. Health
      4. View All

      Bust the Belly Fat: Nutrition for Healthy Weight Loss and Maintenance

      2018-02-27

      Hong Kong’s Top Gluten Free Restaurants and Cafés

      2014-12-01

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      Where To Go Rock Climbing and Bouldering In Hong Kong?

      2021-10-28

      Free Daily Online Dance Classes in Hong Kong!

      2020-04-16

      Great Ideas to Keep Busy While ‘Social Distancing’

      2020-04-02

      The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes

      2022-05-18

      What Is Loneliness: How To Connect In The Throes of Pandemic Isolation

      2022-04-21

      Turn Critical To Compassionate #4: There’s Nothing Wrong With Embracing Negative Feelings

      2022-03-03

      Turn Critical To Compassionate #3: Perfectionism Is Paralysis By Overanalysis

      2022-02-24

      The Physical Effects Of Fear And How To Effectively Overcome Fear When It Cripples

      2022-06-22

      The Kare Lab Launches Anti-Viral & Anti-Microbial Screen Protector That Kills 99% Of Coronavirus In 30 Minutes

      2022-05-18

      KaiJai, Eco-Friendly Yoga Mats That Get Grippier As You Sweat

      2022-04-27

      10 Best Hotel Spas In Hong Kong For Luxurious Massages & Spa Packages

      2022-04-26
    • Travel
      1. Hotel Reviews
      2. Staycations & Hotels
      3. Travel Guides
      4. Travel To Hong Kong
      5. View All

      Review: Hyatt Centric Victoria Harbour Hong Kong

      2022-02-09

      Review: Four Seasons Sayan, Bali

      2018-11-09

      Review: Weekend Escape At The Grand Lapa, Macau

      2015-10-02

      Review: Family Staycation At The Grand Coloane Resort, Macau

      2015-08-19

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08

      20 Staycation Packages In Hong Kong To Book For A Self-Care Retreat

      2022-04-28

      The Ultimate List Of Hong Kong’s Best 5-Star Hotels

      2021-10-27

      8 Best Budget-Friendly Hostels in Hong Kong

      2021-09-13

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Traveller’s Guide For Exploring Palawan Island: What To See & What To Do

      2022-05-17

      18 Getaway Destinations In Asia-Pacific To Travel To During Covid (With Entry Requirement Details)

      2022-04-01

      Top 10 Things To Do in Seoul

      2020-01-15

      The Updated List Of Hong Kong’s Government Designated Quarantine Hotels

      2022-06-21

      The 8th Quarantine Hotels Cycle List Is Out And Available For Bookings From August 1 to October 31

      2022-06-17

      Starting May 1, Non Residents And Tourists Can Enter Hong Kong While Flight Ban Will Be Reduced To 5 Days

      2022-04-23

      Travelling To Hong Kong Checklist: Who Can Enter, Necessary Arrival Documents, Booking Quarantine Hotel & More

      2022-03-29

      20 Places To Visit In Singapore And How To Get There

      2022-06-28

      The Updated List Of Hong Kong’s Government Designated Quarantine Hotels

      2022-06-21

      The 8th Quarantine Hotels Cycle List Is Out And Available For Bookings From August 1 to October 31

      2022-06-17

      12 Luxurious 5-Star Hotels In Manila, The Philippines’ Capital Region

      2022-06-08
    • HK Living
      1. Around HK
      2. Essential HK
      3. Helpers
      4. Neighbourhoods
      5. Work
      6. View All

      50 Interesting Things You Must Do In Hong Kong

      2022-04-21

      10 Awesome Gazetted Swimming Pools For Olympic Pools, Water Slides & Kids’ Facilities

      2021-10-07

      Your Guide To Nan Lian Garden & Chi Lin Nunnery

      2021-09-23

      French May 2021 Imagines A New World Full of Art And Fantasy… and Gastronomy!

      2021-04-30

      Hong Kong’s Typhoon Signals & Weather Warnings, Explained

      2022-07-02

      Your Comprehensive Guide To Preparing For A Typhoon In Hong Kong

      2022-06-09

      Hong Kong Public Holidays In 2022 & 2023

      2022-05-16

      Leaving Hong Kong Checklist: How To Withdraw MPF, Clear Taxes, Get Rid Of Furniture & Much More

      2022-03-24

      Domestic Helpers Left Stranded In Parks & Outside Hospitals After Testing Covid-Positive

      2022-02-18

      NGO Helping Hong Kong Helpers Access Justice & Better Conditions, HELP for Domestic Workers

      2021-11-03

      Helper Insurance Options in Hong Kong

      2020-08-05

      Uplifters, Helping Domestic Helpers

      2019-01-25

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      A Local Guide To Living, Dining & Playing In Discovery Bay

      2021-10-20

      Where to Eat and Drink in Wan Chai

      2019-10-16

      Things to do in Sai Kung

      2019-10-10

      Hong Kong’s New World Group To Test 4.5 Work Week This Summer

      2022-07-06

      All You Need To Know About Employee’s Compensation Insurance In Hong Kong

      2022-06-28

      All You Need To Know About Business Insurances in Hong Kong

      2021-08-11

      The Best 4 Ways to Structure Your Day and Accomplish Your Goals

      2020-04-29

      Hong Kong’s New World Group To Test 4.5 Work Week This Summer

      2022-07-06

      Hong Kong’s Typhoon Signals & Weather Warnings, Explained

      2022-07-02

      Your Friendly Neighbourhood Guide To Exploring Kennedy Town

      2022-06-30

      All You Need To Know About Employee’s Compensation Insurance In Hong Kong

      2022-06-28
    The HK HUB
    Home»Culture»The History of Hong Kong’s Small Fisherman’s Boat, The Sampan
    Culture

    The History of Hong Kong’s Small Fisherman’s Boat, The Sampan

    Agnes WongBy Agnes Wong2021-10-14Updated:2022-06-25No Comments5 Mins Read
    Facebook Twitter WhatsApp
    sea dwellers waiting in victoria harbour

    Dating back to the 17th century, sampans were once a prominent mode of sea transport across Asia. These simply designed boats used for fishing, trading goods and even dwelling became a way of life that’s lesser known nowadays. Despite its dwindling presence, sampans have become a heritage icon amongst their modern boating counterparts.

    Content of this article hide
    What is a sampan boat?
    Where did sampans come from?
    Who were the sea dwellers of Hong Kong?
    What is the difference between a sampan and junk?
    What are sampans used for today?

    What is a sampan boat?

    modern sampan in hong kong
    Modern sampan boat (© Brian Harrington Spier via Flickr)

    A sampan is a small, wooden boat with a flat bottom that was first sighted in China. ‘Sampan’ translates to three planks in Cantonese, named for its construction. These boats typically measure up to eight feet long with an open deck design and ends that curve upward. Most traditional models are propelled by an oar and steered with a rudder. They’re used to transport small goods and fish, but they also used to serve as homes for sea dwellers and their families, so many sampans are designed with a roof for shelter. Due to its fragile nature, sampans aren’t suited for the rough seas.

    Where did sampans come from?

    Sampans originated in China as a means to conduct business and support the livelihood of sea dwellers. Their multifunctional presence extended across Asia, ranging from Japan all the way down to Singapore. Sampans played a pivotal role in sea life in the mid to late 20th century. These small vessels flocked the rivers and coasts, transporting people to and from nearby vicinities and carrying fishers by day before turning into the humble abode of seafarers at night. Most notably, the Tanka people sought shelter in sampans as they went about their lives which had been adapted for the water.

    sea dwellers and shacks in 1965 saigon
    Sampan dwellers in Saigon, Vietnam in 1965 (© Manhhai via Flickr)

    Sampans had a well-established presence in the rivers of Singapore and were even once the only way for those who were in the shipping and cargo industry to get to larger vessels out at sea. Nevertheless, up until 1983, the importance of sampans and the practicality they bore wore off with the introduction of a campaign to clean up the rivers.

    Who were the sea dwellers of Hong Kong?

    sampan fishermen's village in 1965 hong kong
    Sampan fishermen’s village in 1960s Hong Kong (© Janice Waltzer via Flickr)

    Those who made sampans their homes were later known as sea dwellers – Tanka people. They lived on boats docked along the Guangdong Province coast and other coastlines, and were one of the two groups of people from southern China to first inhabit Hong Kong. They survived through fishing, though nowadays most of Tanka life has washed onshore as younger generations adopt a lifestyle that’s more acclimatized to modern day. Many younger people aren’t even aware they are of Tanka descent as Tanka people were seen as a group of impoverished outcasts, their stories and traditions lost to a lack of telling.

    The second group to inhabit Hong Kong were the Hakka, or “land” people from northern China who migrated south to flee war and poverty. “Guests”, “barbarians” and “gypsies” were just a few of the names with degrading connotations the Hakka were called. Their migration south wasn’t welcomed, but they sustained through trying times by working mainly on farms and plantations.

    What is the difference between a sampan and junk?

    A sampan is not to be confused with a junk. Derived from the Portugese word “junco” that refers to medium-to-large-sized ships used in colonial times of Austronesian culture in Southeast Asia, junks are classic Chinese sailing vessels that are roughly five times larger than sampans.

    old sampan in chinese river
    A pair of sampans in Danshui River, China c. 1940s (© Dquai)
    dukling junk boat in victoria harbour
    Dukling is Hong Kong’s last existing traditional junk boat (© DavidSandoz via Flickr)

    More synonymous with ships, junks have fully battened sails, making them capable of travelling far distances. Indeed, throughout most of their existence junks have been used for both military combat and trade. Dukling, a.k.a. The Holy Duck, is the last traditional, original junk standing in Victoria Harbor.

    What are sampans used for today?

    tourists aboard hired sampan in hong kong
    Tourist-hired sampan boat in front of Jumbo Kingdom (© Guarav Sikka via Flickr)

    A true gem steeped in history, sampans have become marginalized to the point of extinction today. It makes sense that modern times call for advanced means of transportation; thus, sampans are used less for economic means, fishing and transportation. Those who made a home out of these small vessels moved onto land to pursue jobs that are more fitted to sustain in today’s world. Sampans are still a mode of transport, but only on the periphery as a way to travel to neighbouring islands, other sea vessels and between piers. Docked among modern boats and luxury yachts, sampans are a tourist attraction mainly operated by Tanka people.

    jumbo floating restaurant big sampan boat
    Jumbo Floating Restaurant in Aberdeen (© Viault)

    Large sampans also operate as floating seafood and dim sum restaurants today, Jumbo Kingdom in Aberdeen being the biggest and most well-known (even featuring in a 1974 Bond film). Luckily, the cultural significance of sampans will be passed on to future generations, as these floating restaurants are to be donated to Ocean Park as a heritage and leisure landmark. Globally, similar floating restaurants can be seen in places like Bangkok’s floating market.

    Experience a seafood feast on a sampan in Causeway Bay.

    Starting at HK$850 for two people

    Header image credits: foundin_a_attic via Flickr

    5/5 - (1 vote)
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email Reddit WhatsApp
    Agnes Wong
    • Website
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn

    A hermit at heart, Agnes likes to connect with the world across various platforms that share a wealth of content on beauty, culture, lifestyle, and travel. She loves using the art of language to portray her voice and poor sense of humour whenever possible. When she’s not nerding around or head deep into a piece, you’re sure to find her spending time outdoors with friends and family or going down the Pinterest rabbit hole to find all sorts of inspiration she can!

    Related Posts

    The Cultural Guide To Kwan Tai’s Birthday, The Chinese God Of War

    2022-07-06 Culture

    Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing

    2022-07-05 Activities

    The History Of Hong Kong Establishment Day On July 1, The Birth Of Modern Hong Kong

    2022-06-23 Culture

    Add comment

    Partners
    CCW Hong Kong
    The Kare Lab, Medical PPE Supplier
    Latest Posts
    Hong Kong’s New Trial Traffic Lights To Target Smartphone Users
    2022-07-06
    Hong Kong’s New World Group To Test 4.5 Work Week This Summer
    2022-07-06
    The Cultural Guide To Kwan Tai’s Birthday, The Chinese God Of War
    2022-07-06
    What’s On: What To Watch In Movie Theatres This Month
    2022-07-05
    Hong Kong Palace Museum Opened On 3 July, A Day After Typhoon Chaba’s Passing
    2022-07-05
    Here Are The 10 Most Expensive Cities In The World To Live In (And Hong Kong Ranks #1)
    2022-07-05
    Hong Kong Considering Changes To Quarantine Period, Says John Lee
    2022-07-05
    Vipop, Bringing Environmentally Conscious Latin American Fashion & Jewelry To Asia
    2022-07-04
    Where To Buy Environmentally-Friendly Clothing, Beauty, Home Products In Hong Kong?
    2022-07-04
    What’s On: New Restaurant & Bar Openings In Hong Kong In July 2022
    2022-07-04
    Advertising Solutions
    Newsletters

    Receive the latest news weekly

    Subscribe to updates

    Open the door to Hong Kong and get your weekly dose of stories, deals and tips.

    Facebook Twitter Instagram RSS
    • About Us
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact
    • Contribute
    • Submit PR & Events
    • The HK Support Hub
    • Directory
    • Privacy Policy
    © 2022 All Rights Reserved. Designed by Get Clicks.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.