Nestled in the turquoise waters off Hainan’s Lingshui Li Autonomous County, Xincun Fishing Port is home to a remarkable 500-year-old Tanka community. From a bird’s-eye view, the settlement unfolds like a giant floating maze—a network of wooden rafts, enclosures, and stilted huts connected by narrow walkways.
For generations, the Tanka people, also called the Danjia, have lived on sampans and earned their livelihood through fishing in southern China’s coastal waters. Over five centuries, they’ve developed a unique aquatic culture, with traditions, language, and beliefs deeply woven into daily life on the water.
Today, residents maintain a living heritage on fish-breeding rafts, blending time-honored techniques with careful stewardship of marine resources. Nets stretch between handcrafted enclosures, while small wooden homes perched on stilts shelter families whose routines follow the tides and seasons.
As 2025 draws to a close, this hidden gem offers a window into sustainable coastal living and immersive cultural exchange. Travelers and digital nomads seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures can explore the floating labyrinth by boat or drone, connecting with a community that has thrived on the waves for half a millennium. Plan your visit in early 2026 to witness a living tapestry of history, craft, and resilience.
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Floating maze: Discovering Hainan's 500-year-old Tanka fishing village
cgtn.com
