The Boat People in Aberdeen Harbor Aberdeen Harbor is a natural typhoon shelter which is inhabited by thousands of people who live on houseboats. There once were over 100,000 Boat People in Hong Kong; now they number around 20,000. Many elderly Boat People never leave their boats. Housing is Hong Kong is in short supply and astronomically expensive. An apartment of 700 square feet can cost up to $1400 US dollars a month. Because housing is so costly, families live together as extended families, and it is not unusual for children to live with their parents until they are in their forties or even beyond. The boats of the Boat People are usually much larger than apartments in Hong Kong, and some citizens see these people as actually better off in terms of living space and expenses than inhabitants of traditional apartments. To take a virtual tour of Aberdeen Harbor, view the quicklime movie below. As you enter the Harbor, you will see floating restaurants, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Hong Kong. Once into the harbor, notice the gardens and pets on the boats. Created by Dr. Deborah Vess, copyright 1998. All rights reserved.   Return to Hong Kong: Development Return to the Global Issues Home Page Go to GC&SU Home Page Return to China: Development