On the western edge of Ma Wan, the small island that sits between Lantau and Tsing Yi, a former fishing village has been transformed into Hong Kong’s newest cultural destination. Read on to find out more about this colourful island, including how to get to Ma Wan and its interesting history.
An Italian-inspired makeover
“Ma Wan 1868” features carefully restored houses that have been painted in a kaleidoscope of different colours – some with striking murals – evoking the rainbow-coloured cottages you might find in the Cinque Terra in Italy. Over time, these will become home to restaurants, galleries, studios, performance venues and other creative spaces. You can stroll along the waterfront to Tin Hau Temple Square, which has a fabulous outlook to the coastline. Iconic Kap Shui Mun Bridge can be seen in the background.
How to get to Ma Wan? Take a ferry from Central (Pier 2) to Park Island and walk for 15 minutes. You can also catch a bus from Tsing Yi MTR, or get a taxi directly to the spot. (Tip: You can’t take a private car on Ma Wan without a permit.)
5 other things about Ma Wan
#1 It’s ancient
It’s less than one square kilometre in size, yet people have lived on Ma Wan for more than 4,000 years. Significant archaeological finds unearthed here during excavations in 1997 include the complete skeletal remains of Neolithic humans from around 2000 BC. The excavations were later added to the list of “China’s 100 Major Archaeological Discoveries in the Last 100 Years”.
#2 It played a pivotal role in history… nearly
The story goes that Ma Wan rather than Hong Kong Island almost became the site of the British Empire’s new trading base off the southern coast of China. In 1793, Lord Macartney recognised the strategic importance of Ma Wan’s position in the Pearl River delta and its use as a military outpost under the Qing and Ming dynasties. The following year, a British naval party landed on the island. However, because it was a rainy day and visibility was poor, the officer in charge failed to see the sheltered anchorage. The idea was abandoned. Half a century later, the British would instead hoist a flag on the shore of Victoria Harbour.
#3 Here be pirates!
Notorious 19th-century pirate Cheung Po Tsai was apparently a frequent visitor to Ma Wan, buying vegetables from villagers and also setting up a Tin Hau Temple on the island’s northern beach.
#4 It’s had a population explosion
Ma Wan had a population of only 800 back in the year 2000. However, this increased dramatically with the construction of the Park Island development between 2002 and 2006. Today, the island is home to between 10,000 and 15,000 residents.
#5 It’s home to a theme park
Ma Wan is also the location of the Noah’s Ark theme park, which describes itself as “the world’s first full-scale Ark replica”.
This article first appeared in the June 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe so you never miss a copy!
