A Hub of Disappeared Industries in Peng Chau

Although there is no official account of Peng Chau’s ancient history, it is widely believed that the earliest settlement might have taken place as early as the Tang and Song Dynasties. Fast forward to the Qing Dynasty, Peng Chau has developed much further. At the time, the surnames of Lu, Chung and Lam settled down in the villages of Peng Chau. Booming commerce and fishing industries has made Peng Chau Bay a busy trading port. At one point during the early 20th century, Peng Chau was known for its handicrafts and industries. There were a total of eleven lime kiln factories in Peng Chau. “Lime was produced by burning oyster shells, clam shells and coral, and was widely used in construction, paper-making, dyes and ship maintenance.” (Hong Kong Tourism Board) The industry met its decline as concrete became the predominant material for building construction later in the 20th century. Finally, the largest match factory of Southeast Asia in 1973, the Great China Match Factory, also set foot in Peng Chau. The Leather Factor of Peng Chau is a grade 3 historic building. The former factory ground comprises mostly of one-story buildings in the traditional Chinese vernacular architectural style, and spread over the Wing On Street area. The Asia Antique Arts & Ancient Porcelain Appraisal Center now stands on one of the former buildings of the leather factory. As to My Secret Garden, it is an artistic venture of the residents of Peng Chau. They have gathered all sorts of discarded junk, and turned them into artwork for display at the garden. It is meant to be a community space with lots of colors and cheerfulness to go around. #outlyingisland #pengchau #pengchau #pengchauisland #hongkongheritage #hongkonghistory #daytrip #hognkong #china #travel#seascapes#citydaytours