Leisure Islands
Strung across Hong Kong waters lie more than 230 islands providing a leisurely alternative to the fast pace of urban life. They range in character from dumb- bell-shaped Cheung Chau, bustling with traditional fishing and other time- honoured activities, to the granite rock of the Ninepin Islands used seasonally by. fishermen drying their catch or repairing nets. Some of these islands have a long and i rich history - rock carvings on Lantau, Po Toi, Cheung Chau and Kau Sai show the presence of aboriginal tribes in ancient times. These were the forerunners of the first Chinese settlers, the fisherfolk and farmers of the Song (Sung) Dynasty. Many of the smaller outlying islands still i maintain the lifestyle of yesteryear, with tranquil and picturesque fishing villages and rural farming communities dotted among long sandy bays and rich green hills. Recent years, however, have seen substantial migration to the urban areas by the younger generation. This, coupled with financial pressures on fishing and farming. has meant a dwindling rural population. At the same time the march of progress has changed forever the nature of some of the bigger islands. Today Tsing Yi Island is a thriving industrial and ship- repairing centre with housing estates dominating its skyline; High Island has since the '70s been part of a large fresh- water reservoir; Lamma Island houses a major power station; while Lantau has emerged as a thriving live-in resort. and tourist and recreational centre.
Previous page: A bird's eye view of private development at the tip of Discovery Bay on Lantau Island, home to many city com- muters. Left: The Bun Festival is Cheung Chau's major religious event, with figures depicting gods and deities; 'lucky' buns for distribution to the 50 000 residents; prayers to pacify the spirits.
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