British soldier: “What is this place?”

Female fisherwoman: “This… this is Hong Kong.” (in a Tanka accent)

According to a popular story, when British troops arrived in Hong Kong in the 19th century and landed near Stanley, they asked a local woman named Chan Kwan to show them the way. When they passed through a place called Aberdeen, a British soldier asked her what the place was called. Chan replied in her local accent that the place was called “Hong Kong”.

Another version suggests that she answered in a Hakka accent instead. Regardless of the pronunciation, the British are said to have mistakenly understood “Hong Kong” as referring to the entire island, leading them to name it “Hong Kong Island”. While the story may be amusing, historians believe it may have some basis.

However, there are other theories about the origin of the name “Hong Kong”.

One theory suggests that a female pirate named Madam Heung once operated in the waters around Hong Kong, and the area under her influence became known as “Hong Kong”, which literally means “Heung’s Harbour”.

Another explanation comes from Hong Kong’s historical incense trade. During the 16th and 17th centuries, the area was a major trading hub for agarwood and incense products. Ships carrying incense travelled between Hong Kong and Guangzhou, filling the harbour with a fragrant aroma. This led to the name “Hong Kong”, meaning “fragrant harbour”, and is the most widely accepted explanation.

Historical records also provide evidence. As early as the Ming Dynasty, the name “Hong Kong” appeared in written sources. The Guangdong Coastal Map from the Ming Dynasty marked a place called “Hong Kong” on the southern side of Hong Kong Island, which corresponds to today’s Aberdeen area.

As for the story of the British soldier and Chan Kwan, to avoid confusion, the character “仔”, meaning “little”, was later added to the name “Hong Kong”, becoming “Hong Kong Tsai” (Little Hong Kong). In English, the place was given another name: “Aberdeen”.

Although the name may suggest a “downgrade” for the area, Aberdeen has continued to play an important role in preserving Hong Kong’s maritime culture. Its typhoon shelter has long been home to fishing communities, and visitors today can still experience traditional water life, enjoy seafood, and occasionally find small boats selling noodles with yummy roast pork and seafood within the harbour.

If you have the time, why not visit Aberdeen and try your luck at discovering these little hidden gems unique to the area?