New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter

Gazing across the New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, can you imagine a bustling harbor filled with Tanka fishermen? Their boats bobbed gently, a testament to a life intertwined with the sea. The New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, originally a haven for these seafarers, holds a captivating story. It reflects Hong Kong’s vibrant past and its evolving present. Originally, the area we now know as Yau Ma Tei was a beach and bay. It drew Tanka fishermen and became a vital part of their lives. The name “Yau Ma Tei” itself speaks to this maritime heritage. “Yau” means oil, “Ma” refers to either sesame or jute, and “Tei” means field or open ground. This likely refers to the production of tung oil and hemp rope essential for the fishing boats. The typhoon shelter’s history is deeply entwined with these Tanka boat people, who called it home from around 1916 to 1990. The shelter wasn’t always what you see today. Construction on the original Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter began in 1910 and finished in 1915. It cost a hefty HK$2.21 million. The official opening, by Governor Sir Francis Henry May, took place on December 16, 1915. Fast forward to 1990, the West Kowloon Reclamation Project dramatically altered the landscape. This project, part of the Airport Core Programme, necessitated a new typhoon shelter. The current New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, west of the original, was completed in 1992. The reclaimed land from the old shelter now houses residential areas. You might have heard of Park Avenue, Charming Garden, and Hoi Fu Court. They all stand on what was once part of the typhoon shelter. The New Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter today is a testament to Hong Kong’s ability to adapt and change. It is the largest typhoon shelter in Hong Kong, offering a safe harbor for fishing boats and larger vessels. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Hong Kong Island’s skyline, a stark contrast to the traditional fishing boats that still grace its waters. The shelter continues to serve its original purpose, protecting vessels from typhoons. It also stands as a reminder of the Tanka people and their connection to the sea. Their legacy is etched into the very fabric of this place. It is a story that continues to unfold with each passing wave.