Perhaps the best way to describe the geography of Shau Kei Wan relies on the mixture of every element from both nature and human endeavor. Earth and water, sea and mountains, concrete and wood, old foundations and new establishments, traditions and modernity.

These opposing characteristics contribute to confusion for any traveller entering Shau Kei Wan. However, confusion allows room for interpretation and imagination whereas certainty is often overwhelming.

As we explored with outmost curiosity each street, we acknowledged the beauty of confusion that reflected itself in the landscape. With new commercial shops sprawling on each street, it seemed a conflict had erupted between the old, well-respected restaurants and the new “kids on the block”. Old bricks and recipes versus unorthodox designs and fusion recipes. Battling one another from their respective pavements, but we all know who gets the most customers since “old is gold”.

It was particularly enjoyable strolling in the Shau Kei Wan Market, which boosted from all kinds of scent and a strong historical background. Ironically, the street adjacent to the market gave way to a new condominium named “Le Riviera”. I imagine the residents of this 20 stories high building must benefit from a pleasant view of the Kowloon Peninsula and by far the best vantage point of the Shau Kei Wan Market.

Our last stop in Shau Kei Wan was the small dock where fishing boats by the dozens laid anchor in the murky water. These boats were of all sizes, many of whom seemed rundown and exhausted by time. I would imagine most of them, to be older than any of our group members but at last, still as productive when it comes to fishing.
This particular dock appeared rather small compared to the amount of boats it hosted, each parked alongside one another in perfect symmetry like a proud military battalion.

Well, here is the last aspect of Shau Kei Wan I enjoyed. In front of me rested the tranquility of the blue sea. Behind me, lied the firmness drawing from the green mountains. It’s a rare thing really to live in such a developed city and enjoy both.