In the still isolated community of Tai O, stilt houses of wood and zinc are built out over the water. Here boat people live in liminal spaces between water and land.

With a connection to the water, residents drop cages from their balconies, dock their modern boats and store fishing equipment on pontoons.

Known for salted fish, shrimp paste and dragon boating, the area is famous for their  ‘saltwater songs’. 

Sung at weddings and funerals they were also sung by prostitutes.

86 year old Taitai is one of the last known singers. She was taught by her Father on the boat as a child before she left to marry.

A push for tourism in the area has lead to staged authentic events such as an annual wedding event. It also lead to the rebranding. 

Of the people as fisherfolk disregarding of historically different ethnic backgrounds.