Iconic ‘Dukling’ junk boat to operate as floating museum

Hong Kong’s iconic red-sail junk boat, the “Dukling,” is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year. From now until the end of September, it will operate as a "floating museum," featuring exhibitions of old Hong Kong photographs, historical artifacts, and displays about the boat’s legacy, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s fishing village past.

To mark the occasion, a special ticket discount for Hong Kong residents has been introduced, reducing the price from HK$176 to HK$70.

The present owner, local businessman Hazen Tang, shared that the boat has endured significant challenges, including a sinking incident in 2014. After being restored to its original form, it then weathered the COVID-19 pandemic.

He believes the vessel—Hong Kong’s oldest surviving junk boat—embodies the city’s unique "Lion Rock Spirit" and deserves greater recognition among locals.

Tang noted that post-pandemic travel trends have shifted, prompting Dukling to expand its outreach to mainland tourists through platforms like Xiaohongshu and WeChat Mini Programs.

The boat has hosted chartered events, live music performances, and even partnered with dried seafood shops to offer onboard abalone tastings to attract more visitors.

The boat’s captain, meanwhile, admitted that steering the Dukling was initially extremely challenging, calling it the most difficult vessel he had ever handled.

As a retro-style junk boat with an outdated design, maintenance is difficult, and its low-powered engine, combined with its long and blunt hull, makes docking particularly tricky.