The roots of Tai O Fishing Village trace back to the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Dubbed the “Venice of the Orient”, the fishing village is situated at the southwest of Lantau Island.

Tai O Fishing Village is a photographer’s paradise. Captivated by its charm, simplicity and tranquility, Irene Flanhardt started taking photos in the village in 2011. These photos depict the inhabitants’ lifestyle, the iconic stilt houses, the charming fishing boats, the culinary treasures (the famous salted duck egg yolks, shrimp paste and salted fish), the nostalgic landscape, the historic buildings (the Grade I Yeung Hau Temple and the Grade II Tai O Heritage Hotel), the dragon boat races, the two devastating fires (in 2000 and 2013) and some interesting objects Irene found in the streets of Tai O.

The Author

Irene graduated from the Queensland College of Art, Griffith University, Australia, majoring in fine art. She is also a painter, installation and paper-cutting artist. She has curated and participated in a number of exhibitions and her work has been showcased in various venues including the Consulate General of Nepal in Hong Kong, Landmark Atrium, Tai O Heritage Hotel and Grantham Hospital. In 2014 she published a photography book “The Charm of Tai O”.