Route 20 - Ocean Park (Main Entrance)－Wong Chuk Hang Road (Wong Chuk Hang Recreation Ground)－Wong Chuk Hang Road (Aberdeen Promenade)

Question 1

Route 20 - Points to Mention:

(Ocean Park (Main Entrance)－Wong Chuk Hang Road (Wong Chuk Hang Recreation Ground)－Wong Chuk Hang Road (Aberdeen Promenade))

this section ends at Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market

4 Sites + 2 local subjects - 8 minutes

Answer 1

1. HK Police College (left)
2. Wong Chuk Hang (front)
3. Aberdeen Promenade (left)
4. Typhoon Shelter (left)
5. Sampan Trip
6. Invigorating Island South

Question 2

HK Police College

Answer 2

1. Introduction:
* The Hong Kong Police College, established in January 2006, serves as the primary institution for developing police training services in Hong Kong.
* It comprises three schools, including this Aberdeen campus.

The college’s functions and training programs include:
1. Recruit Training:
* Basic Police Constable Training: A 27-week residential program covering areas such as criminal psychology, stress management, conflict management, defense tactics, police-media relations, and psychological theory. Trainees must pass final examinations to qualify as police officers. ​
* Probationary Inspector Training: Requires additional specialized training beyond the constable program.​

2. Specialized and Continuous Training for Serving Officers:
* Detective Training: Enhances investigative skills and knowledge.​
* Use of Force Training: Focuses on appropriate application of force in various situations.​
* Driving Training: Develops advanced driving skills necessary for police operations.​
* Leadership Training: Prepares officers for supervisory and leadership roles.​
police.gov.hk
Occupational Safety and Health Courses: Ensures officers are informed about safety protocols.​
* Psychological Capability Training: Supports mental resilience and well-being.​

3. Tactical Training Facilities:
* The Aberdeen campus features a world-first indoor tactical training facility that simulates real environments, including replicas of Hong Kong streets, buildings, and MTR premises. This allows trainee officers to practice subduing suspects using batons and handcuffs without firearms, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.​

Overall, the Hong Kong Police College plays a crucial role in equipping both new recruits and serving officers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and practical experience to perform their duties effectively and uphold public safety.

Question 3

Wong Chuk Hang

Answer 3

1. Introduction:
Wong Chuk Hang is a neighborhood in the Southern District of Hong Kong Island, blending industrial, residential, and cultural developments.

2. Historical Background:
* Wong Chuk Hang was historically called Iron Mine Valley, named after a stream flowing from Nam Long Shan (today’s Wong Chuk Hang Nullah), lined with green bamboo. The name “Wong Chuk Hang” translates to “Yellow (or Green) Bamboo Valley.”
* The area dates back to Neolithic times, with archaeological findings in nearby Chung Hom Wan.
* The Hong Kong Village (香港村) was established here in 1550, later expanding with Wong Chuk Hang San Wai in the 1860s-1870s.

3. Major Attractions and Facilities:
* Ocean Park Hong Kong – A world-class theme park with marine life exhibits, thrill rides, and live performances.
* Hong Kong Police College – The main training facility for Hong Kong’s police force.
* Grantham Hospital – A public hospital serving the local community.

4. Transportation:
* Wong Chuk Hang Station (MTR South Island Line) – Opened in 2016, connecting the area with Admiralty and other parts of the city.
* Aberdeen Tunnel – Provides a key road link between Wong Chuk Hang and northern Hong Kong Island.

5. Cultural and Economic Transformation:
* Since the MTR station’s opening, Wong Chuk Hang has rapidly transformed into a contemporary art district, with former industrial buildings converted into elite art galleries and independent artists’ studios.
* The area also hosts Lane Crawford’s headquarters in One Island South, symbolizing its shift from an industrial hub to a business and creative center.

6. Conclusion:
Wong Chuk Hang is a prime example of Hong Kong’s urban evolution, transitioning from a historical village and industrial area to a vibrant hub of transport, culture, and business.

Question 4

Sampan Trip

Answer 4

1. Introduction - Former Use of Sampans:
* Floating Homes – Sampans were home to the Tanka people, who lived entirely on the water.
* Fishing Industry – Used for coastal fishing, transporting seafood, and carrying fishing gear.
* Water Taxis – Provided public transport between Aberdeen, Ap Lei Chau, and nearby islands.
* Trade & Smuggling – Some sampans were used for smuggling goods between Hong Kong and mainland China.
* Modern Use – Now repurposed for tourism, offering cultural and historical sampan tours. A Sampan Tour in Aberdeen offers a unique cultural and historical insight into Hong Kong’s traditional fishing communities. (price for adult w/o lunch US$ 22.50, w lunch: US$ 28.50)

2. Tour Highlights:
* Boarding Point: Ap Lei Chau for a one-hour sampan ride.
* Route: Passes through Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, covering 13 locations with audio commentary.

3. Key Stops & Experiences:
* Typhoon Shelter History – Learn about its significance to Hong Kong’s maritime culture.
* Ap Lei Chau Shipyard – A rare traditional shipyard still providing boat maintenance services.
* Aberdeen Houseboat Museum – A converted floating home displaying artifacts, photographs, and images of Hong Kong’s boat people and their lifestyle.

4. Culinary Experience:
* Visitors can purchase a lunch ticket to enjoy a traditional meal on the houseboat.
* Signature Dish: Fish soup noodles with fish balls, pig kidneys, roasted pork, and vegetables, offering a taste of authentic fishermen’s cuisine.

5. Conclusion:
This tour provides an immersive way to experience Hong Kong’s maritime heritage while enjoying the scenic coastal views of Aberdeen.

Question 5

Aberdeen Promenade

Answer 5

1. Introduction:
Aberdeen Promenade is a small urban tree-lined waterfront park in Aberdeen, Hong Kong. It is located on the north shore of Aberdeen Bay across from Aberdeen Island and runs west to east along Aberdeen Praya Road, offering a mix of scenic views, maritime culture, and local life.

2. Key Features & Attractions:
a) Western End – Aberdeen Wholesale Fish Market: A bustling seafood market with industrial water tanks full of marine life. The market is closed for the public.
The area is grimy but authentically Hong Kong, with houseboats, seafood-processing vessels, and even karaoke parlors.
b) Eastern End – Boat Rides & Island Ferries:
* Sampan tours explore the Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, passing by floating homes and fishing boats.
* Ferry departures to Ap Lei Chau, Lamma Island, Cheung Chau, and Po Toi Island.

3. Aberdeen Promenade Park:
* Offers nostalgic fishing port scenery, perfect for photography.
* A great place to see local fishermen trading fresh seafood directly from their boats, with locals buying fresh seafood for personal or restaurant use.

4. Unique Seafood and Souvenirs:
Some boats sell natural seasonings made from dried and ground flathead fish, perfect for enhancing soup flavors.

5. Conclusion:
Aberdeen Promenade is a must-visit for those wanting to experience Hong Kong’s maritime heritage, local seafood culture, and stunning waterfront views.

Question 6

Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter

Answer 6

1. Typhoon shelters in Hong Kong are protected harbors designed to safeguard boats and vessels from strong winds and storms, especially during typhoons. Built with breakwaters, they provide a calm and safe anchorage for fishing boats, cargo ships, and houseboats.
2. Consists of the Aberdeen South Typhoon Shelter and Aberdeen West Typhoon Shelter.
3. Former home to traditional fishing communities and floating homes of the Tanka people.

Question 7

Invigorating Island South

Answer 7

1. The Invigorating Island South (IISO) initiative is a government plan announced in the 2020 Policy Address to revitalize the Southern District of Hong Kong Island.
   The plan aims to transform the Southern District into a vibrant area suitable for work, living, creativity and leisure.
2. 2. It focuses on enhancing tourism, developing cultural and recreational facilities, and improving infrastructure.
3. Key projects include the development of
   * new public spaces,
   * tourist attractions, and
   * initiatives that aim to showcase the area’s natural beauty and maritime heritage.