To integrate the principle of “shaping tourism with cultural activities and promoting culture through tourism” and to foster deeper integration of culture and tourism, Shun Tak Group’s joint venture, Shun Tak – China Travel Shipping Investments Limited (“STCTSI”), has announced the acquisition of “Dukling” – the only existing and most historic Chinese junk boat still regularly sailing in Hong Kong. Through this acquisition, STCTSI aims to preserve and revitalise Hong Kong’s maritime cultural heritage, carry forward the city’s historic and cultural spirit, and tell the stories of Hong Kong to the world.
STCTSI stated that the Dukling is a renowned cultural tourism benchmark symbol both domestically and internationally, and one of Hong Kong’s most iconic heritage brands. This acquisition marks an important milestone for the Group in supporting the nation’s efforts to build marine cultural and tourism destinations with distinctive characteristics. The team will coordinate the revitalisation and conservation of historical heritage alongside sustainable development, achieving synergy between cultural preservation and commercial value, echoing the nation’s cultural tourism development initiatives, and shaping a unique cultural tourism experience.
Built in 1955, Dukling is the oldest and the only traditional three-mask Chinese wooden junk boat still regularly operating in Hong Kong. Before being a harbour cruise, it was used by fishermen to go fishing since Hong Kong’s early days as a trading port over 180 years ago, witnessing the transformation of Hong Kong from a small fishing village to an international metropolis. The silhouette of such a junk even serves as the main element of the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s official logo – a testament to the unique and irreplaceable value of the Dukling in the socio-economic and cultural history of Hong Kong. Having changed hands and undergone several restorations, Dukling has now been converted into a sightseeing vessel sailing across Victoria Harbour. Onboard, several precious cultural relics have been preserved, including a statue of Tin Hau (Mazu), the traditional deity of fishermen, and dried gourds once used as child lifebuoys in the old days. Combining harbour sightseeing with cultural experiences, Dukling has consistently been selected as one of Hong Kong’s top ten tourist attractions. It currently operates four daily Victoria Harbour sightseeing tours, each lasting approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are available through major online travel agencies. In addition to regular tours, customised services are offered for individuals, groups, and corporate clients, including private charters, events, filming, advertising, and cultural experience programmes.