As well as the Nantou-Tuen Mun connection there is another remaining connection between Nantou and Hong Kong. In English, the largest island in Hong Kong is named Lantau. This bears no resemblance to its Cantonese name Daai Yu Saan. The origin of this English name lies with the Portuguese traders of the 16th century. As they sailed into Tuen Mun, the compulsory first port of call for all foreign trade ships, their chartists would ask their Chinese pilots for geographical information as to local place names. Since the Tuen Mun area came under the authority of Nantou, the Portuguese named the whole area Nantou and the large island was named by them Nantou Island, or, in the local dialect, Lamtau, thus Ilha Lantau.
If you are looking for a Disneyland renovation, don’t come here. But if you want to see something of how a real town operated in the 18th century, and experience something of street life, don’t miss it.
Address: Nantou Xin’an Ancient Fort, Shennan Avenue, Nantou
Metro Tao Yuan line 1.
Buses:22, 42, 105, 201, 204, 233, 234, 322 Bus stop Xin’an Gu Cheng
