chek chu

Set on the isthmus of Hong Kong Island's southernmost headland, Stanley is best known for the market that's a magnet for tourists, and for locals during weekends and public holidays. As well as being jam-packed with restaurants, it's a pleasant place for strolling around, with temples and a small beach among the highlights.

Stanley's Chinese name is Chek Chu (賊柱), and it was the largest settlement on Hong Kong Island when the British arrived in the mid-19th century. (The town's English name is after Lord Stanley, a Briton who held the grand title of Secretary of State for War and the Colonies.)

A census in 1841 recorded 4350 people living on HK Island (at least 2000 more lived on boats) - around 2000 of them were Stanley residents. Then, too, there was a "very good bazaar", though it evidently supplied sea-faring people; large fleets of fishing boats berthed at Chek Chu.

Like the sailing junks on many a market stall painting, Stanley's fishing boats are long gone. But you can find echoes of the old fishing village, and even enjoy relative tranquillity on busy days, by exploring away from the main visitor areas.