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Tai Po was
once an important pearling cove, ranking equal with another major pearling
area in Guangdong Province. Forming a large natural pool with the surrounding
islets, it is also known as the "Tiny Pearl Pool".
Decades ago, Tai Po
was home to many fishermen. The girls in the fishing community often had
the word chu (Chinese for "pearl") in their names, like
"Chu Yee" or "Chu Nui".
The name Tai Po came
from an old folk habit. In the old days, wild animals roamed in the dense
forests of the area. To keep themselves from harm, villagers would move
in big strides (tai po in Cantonese) when they passed through the
forests.
 Today,
pearls are no longer farmed in Tai Po, nor are there any wild predators.
Modern-day Tai Po is a bustling new town.
With its busy city
centre and industrial, residential and commercial developments, Tai Po
is a typical urban district. But standing side by side with these modern
buildings are many well preserved historic monuments. For example, there
is the Old District Office which was the first regional district office
to be classified as a historic monument. This fine building was completed
in the year when the New Territories was leased to Britain. Then there
is the Man Mo Temple, built in 1891, and the Hong Kong Railway Museum,
on the site of the original Tai Po Market railway station.
Tai Po's countryside
is as inviting as its monuments. For a lovely day out, try the scenic
Pat Sin Range Trail or the Tai Po Country Park Trail which overlooks the
new town. Boating and fishing enthusiasts will find Sam Mun Tsai and Tai
Mei Tuk attractive, while the rural charm of Shap Sze Heung should not
be missed.
Tai Po Waterfront
Park is another rewarding tourist attraction. Here you will find the Lookout
Tower, a landmark that celebrates Hong Kong's reunion with China in 1997.
As you climb the 32.4-metre tower, a panoramic view of Tai Po and Tolo
Harbour unfolds. A plaque at ground level tells the story behind the tower
and related Hong Kong history.
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Interesting
Stories of 18 Districts
